Why Shadow of the Tomb Raider Failed
The reboot of the Tomb Raider series, which began with the critically acclaimed “Tomb Raider” in 2013, promised a fresh start for the iconic character. However, the third installment, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessors. This article delves into the reasons behind the failure of “Shadow of the Tomb Raider.”
Firstly, one of the primary reasons for the game’s failure was its lack of innovation. While the first two games in the reboot series introduced new mechanics and gameplay elements that breathed new life into the franchise, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” seemed to be a mere continuation of the same formula. The game failed to bring anything groundbreaking to the table, leading to a sense of déjà vu for long-time fans.
Secondly, the game’s narrative was criticized for being weak and disjointed. The story of “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” revolves around the protagonist, Lara Croft, as she seeks to uncover the secrets of the Mayan civilization. However, the plot was often convoluted and difficult to follow, leaving players feeling disconnected from the story. This lack of a compelling narrative was a significant factor in the game’s failure to resonate with players.
Moreover, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” suffered from technical issues that detracted from the overall experience. The game’s graphics were impressive, but they were accompanied by frequent frame rate drops and glitches that disrupted gameplay. These technical problems were a major disappointment for players who had come to expect a polished and seamless experience from the series.
Another reason for the game’s failure was its difficulty level. While the previous installments had offered a challenging yet fair experience, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” seemed to have been designed with the intention of being overly difficult. This led to frustration among players, as they found themselves spending more time struggling with the game than enjoying it.
Lastly, the game’s monetization strategy played a role in its failure. “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” implemented a loot box system, which was met with backlash from both players and critics. The inclusion of microtransactions in a game that was already suffering from other issues further alienated the player base and contributed to the game’s overall failure.
In conclusion, “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” failed to deliver on the promise of the Tomb Raider reboot series due to its lack of innovation, weak narrative, technical issues, difficulty level, and monetization strategy. These factors combined to create a game that fell short of expectations and ultimately disappointed both fans and newcomers alike.
