Latest news with #LaraCroft
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Is this the new golden age of video games?
Gamers are nostalgic people. Often, if you get chatting with someone about their favourites, you'll time-travel ten or twenty years in a single conversation, back to an era of cartridges, discs and dial-up internet. I'm no stranger to this. The very sight of a pixelated Pokémon sprite, and I can hear the S.S. Anne's theme ringing in my ears. When I see the modern Lara Croft, I'm transported back to the 90s, when you'd pass a PlayStation 1 controller between friends and take turns trying to keep the polygonal heroine alive in a death-trap tomb. I remember those massive raids in the original World of Warcraft on snail-speed internet, or how, even though I replayed Final Fantasy VII hundreds of times, I was always hunting for something new in a playthrough. My point is that when we think of the best games and experiences, we're often looking backwards. Rarely do we look around. Over time, you tend to assume that modern games are merely a flashier repeat of a successful formula. Especially as we're just moving on from a long-winded period of remakes and remasters, you convince yourself that we'll never return to those all-important watercooler moments. And yet, recent games are changing the script in a big way. As we approach the halfway point of 2025, with record-breaking sales, widespread critical acclaim, several spin-offs and adaptations in the works, and soundtracks charting across the world, is it safe to say we are witnessing the birth of a new age of creative glory with video games? Absolutely. A new wave of reinvention – narrative-rich games go from strength to strength Video games are now unmistakably at the epicentre of art and culture. That is a brave statement to make, but a true one at that. Without even needing to go near a console, they are everywhere. And you don't have to be a gamer to be influenced (and entertained) by them, either. Think about it. Turn on your TV, and there's no escaping the latest adaptation dominating the most-watched lists. The biggest blockbuster hits in recent memory? Most are, you guessed it, based on games. Musicians now pen chart-topping songs inspired by games, while orchestras recreate our favourite soundtracks inside packed arenas. World-class writers craft engrossing characters and worlds, while artists, designers and developers bring them to life in untold, magical ways in our homes. It's one of the few entertainment industries that draws on a rich array of extremely talented people under one mission. And this is why I believe we're on the cusp of a new golden era in gaming. The titles you are playing now are most likely going to be the movies, TV shows, novels, and concerts you and your family will enjoy in the next few years. Except for gamers, we don't have to wait for Hollywood to catch up. We can enjoy them now. This year. A prime example of this is Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Released under relative obscurity back in April, it is now ranked as one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made. Selling over 3.3 million copies in 3 months, it's already been greenlit for a movie adaptation, to the surprise of no one. Set in a Belle Époque-inspired fantasy world, the game tells the heartbreaking story of a team of young adults journeying into the unknown to try and defy their fate. Enchanting French music, powerhouse performances, and blending traditional gameplay mechanics with a modern flair were all the ingredients needed for critical acclaim and the title of a masterpiece. The game quickly won the hearts of millions of fans, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who posted on social media that the game was "a shining example of French audacity and creativity." Months later, the game continues to inspire the world through its story. And this is just one example from this year alone. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was one of the first major releases of the year and has enjoyed equal acclaim and love from gamers. It sold over 2 million copies in just two weeks, capitalising on the world's thirst for all things historical fiction. Set in the 15th century, you play as Henry of Skalitz, whose journey from a humble blacksmith forge to the court of Kings is one of the most transformative and immersive experiences you can get. And if you're looking to get absolutely lost in an open world, you'll find a home here. No one can deny the sheer freedom this game allows you. With an estimated script of over 2.2 million words (most likely more), it's safe to say that a strong narrative is at the core of this Medieval adventure's success. The idea that the gaming industry has run out of stories to tell, or things to say, is simply untrue. The best interactive medium in the world One of the most exciting things about video games is how they tell their stories. The gameplay that takes you from A to B, keeps you guessing, keeps you immersed, and takes advantage of the rapid speed at which technology is evolving. With the right design, even the simplest idea can take on a completely new life. How the environment is presented or the colours used, how the music plays (and when), and who you get to play it with all contribute to games making a lasting impression. In March of this year, Split Fiction was released to universal acclaim, selling over 4 million copies to date. It's an action-adventure cooperative game that sees you and a friend assume the roles of aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, who become trapped in life-like simulations of their stories. As well as a gripping story that covers everything from love and joy to grief and loneliness, the true magic of the game lies in how you play it and with whom. Together with a friend online, you'll explore this game in split-screen, and every couple of minutes, a brand new mechanic is introduced to keep both of you transfixed. In one instance, you're parkouring across a Medieval city of ogres; the next, you're trying to escape an exploding sci-fi world on motorbikes. And then, in a flash, you're raising dragons in a fantasy realm before transforming into magical pigs to solve puzzles. Several times, I was rendered speechless from sheer laughter at what the game allowed (and expected) me to do. Pigs fly when Split Fiction launches on PS5 March 6 🌈 Hands-on report dives into the imaginative co-op adventure: — PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 14, 2025 It's modern experiences like these that hark back to those golden-era, nostalgic vibes of passing the controller around the room so everyone has a turn. Of linking your Game Boy together with a cable in person just to trade something. Now? Now, you can jump online with friends thousands of miles away and experience something magical together in real-time. Modern games break down distance and barriers in a truly unique way, something I think we often take for granted. Backwards compatibility also means that the games we grew up loving can be re-experienced in new ways on modern systems. So, whether it's through cooperative gameplay, a multiplayer mode, VR technology, or some new technology yet to be unveiled, games will always find new ways to entertain and bring us all together. The challenges that lie ahead Video games are not without their challenges. And we can't look at all the recent magic and success of the year through rose-tinted glasses. Widespread layoffs across the sector (including over 14,000 in 2024 alone) are still a major threat to the safety, security and well-being of the industry, which has no doubt robbed us of some amazing projects and creatives. Failed games like Suicide Squad or Concord from last year continue to haunt the airwaves, causing a ripple effect that sinks other promising projects still stranded in development. The rising cost of development, along with concerns over microtransactions and the reliance on live-service platforms, could also be seen as crippling creativity. Listen: Today With Cliare Byrne Show on Sony's gaming flop Concord But then, we can return to the games of 2025, and there's some silver lining. Clair Obscur Expedition 33, for example, is an indie title developed in a fraction of the time its peers took, and with a significantly smaller team to boot. Or Split Fiction, whose generous friend's pass means an owner can invite a friend to play across any platform for free, halving its sales potential but doubling the fun we can all expect from it. While the future remains uncertain, the present is clear: great games continue to be made. And great studios are finding ways to tell their stories, defying the odds and limitations. I'm confident that there will be waves of future gamers looking back on this decade (and this year), with the fondest of memories. And we've still six months left to enjoy! Who knows what the next new games of 2025 will have in store for us? But one thing is for sure - you no longer need to look back in time to experience a masterpiece.
Engadget
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Amazon is giving away some great games in the lead up to Prime Day
You can grab a number of games from Amazon at no cost if you have a Prime subscription in the days leading up to Prime Day 2025, which takes place from July 8 to July 11. Starting today, June 17 at 12 PM Eastern time, you can get Dungeon of the Endless Definitive Edition without paying for it through the Amazon Games App. In the roguelike game, you take on the role of a prison spaceship survivor who has to fight off several floors of creatures after your escape pod crashes into a strange planet. Amazon will also give you free access to TOEM , a photography game by Swedish studio Something We Made, through a GOG code. You're a photographer in this game who has to solve puzzles using the character's camera. In addition to those two, you can also get Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft at no cost through GOG. It includes all the original three Tomb Raider Adventures games, all its expansions and secret levels. Saints Row 2 , an open world action-adventure game that's a direct sequel of the first, is free via GOG, as well. In it, you play the same character in the first Saints Row, except you wake up after a coma to find your gang disbanded. You can also claim Saints Row IV: Re-Elected and Star Wars: Rebellion for free via GOG. Mordheim: City of the Damned , The Abandoned Planet , Station to Station and Death Squared are also all free to claim. Dark Envoy and FATE: Undiscovered Realms will be available on June 19, while Thief: Deadly Shadows , Jupiter Hell and Gallery of Things: Reveries will be available on June 26. Prime Gaming comes bundled with all your other Amazon Prime membership perks. It gives you access to a rotating selection of free games, in-game content, along with a free monthly Twitch subscription. Prime costs $15 a month or $139 a year, but you can get a free 30-day trial when you sign up if you're unsure about paying for it.
The South African
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Sophie Turner shows off transformation for Lara Croft
Sophie Turner, best known for her iconic role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones , has stunned fans with a jaw-dropping transformation. She is set to become the legendary Lara Croft. The British actress has been training hard, showcasing the strength and agility the Tomb Raider heroine demands. Yet, despite her dedication, rumours swirl that Amazon Prime Video's Tomb Raider series may be cancelled, according to Meri Station. Sophie Turner's physical preparation for the role is nothing short of impressive. She has embraced intense workouts and combat training. This has sculpted a physique that perfectly fits the adventurous and fearless Lara Croft. 'I wanted to honour Lara's legacy while bringing my energy to the character,' Turner shared in a recent interview. 'It's been tough, but I'm ready to dive into this world.' Lara Croft remains a cultural icon, known for her daring exploits and sharp intellect. Turner's fresh take promises to breathe new life into the franchise. She follows in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. Despite the excitement, the future of the Tomb Raider series hangs in the balance. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Amazon has quietly shelved the project after six years of development limbo. The streaming giant is reportedly reassessing its high-budget productions, especially after the costly failure of Citadel . This will be overseen by Jennifer Salke, who also managed the Tomb Raider reboot. Amazon has not officially confirmed the cancellation, but insiders say the project faces significant hurdles. The delay has left fans wondering if they will ever see Turner take on the role. The uncertainty is frustrating, especially given Turner's clear readiness and enthusiasm. Sophie Turner's career has been a remarkable journey. She rose to global fame as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones , captivating audiences for eight seasons. She then joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Jean Grey in Dark Phoenix . Now, she stands poised to become Lara Croft, a role that demands both physical prowess and emotional depth. While the Tomb Raider series' fate remains uncertain, Sophie Turner's commitment shines through. 'I believe in this project and Lara Croft's story,' Turner said. 'I hope we get to share it with the world soon.' For now, South African viewers can only wait and hope that Amazon Prime Video will greenlight the series. If it does, Turner's Lara Croft promises to be a thrilling, action-packed adventure worth watching. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Geek Feed
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Feed
Sophie Turner is Ripped for Her Tomb Raider Prep
Sophie Turner may be best known for the role of Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones , and after her run as Jean Grey for X-Men , it looks like she's ready to jump into another franchise with Tomb Raider . Though we don't have an official look at the show yet, Turner has revealed just how jacked she's getting in her preparation for the role of Lara Croft. Check her out: Sophie Turner has been training for her upcoming role as Lara Croft in Amazon's #TombRaider show 💪 — Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) May 20, 2025 There have admittedly been rumors that the Tomb Raider series had been cancelled ever since it was announced back in November, but things look to be moving forward as Amazon had just renewed their deal with the producers over at Story Kitchen. It's also worth noting that the series is created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who is best known for her work in Fleabag . Admittedly, the Tomb Raider franchise has been having a hard time trying to stay relevant in live-action. The Angelina Jolie films just fizzled out, and nothing came out of the Alicia Vikander reboot. There was an animated series that came out on Netflix last year, but it didn't manage to get the hype it was hoping for. With successful adaptations like Fallout and The Last of Us , maybe Tomb Raider has a better chance at being a series. Though I wouldn't expect as much spectacle with a TV-format, I do think that Waller-Bridge is a great writer, and we can have an interesting characterization of Lara Croft besides the action hero we've all come to know. No release date has been set for the Tomb Raider series on Amazon.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zodiac Signs If They Were Characters in the Women's World Sevens Series
If the zodiac signs took the field at the Women's World Sevens Series, the game would be less about who wins and more about which sign steals the spotlight, cries mid-scrum, or plans a locker room speech worthy of an Oscar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's what happens when astrology meets cleats, tackles, and glory. Aries is the fly-half who charges like Lara Croft storming a tomb—aggressive, fearless, and absolutely convinced that passing the ball is optional. Taurus is the unshakable prop. Think Katniss Everdeen if she swapped the bow for brute force. Anchored, calm, and will bulldoze anything standing between them and a try. Gemini is the unpredictable winger. One second it's Serena Williams power; next second it's Legally Blonde charm. Defenders never know if they're getting tackled or invited to brunch. Cancer is the fullback. Protective, loyal, and would rather take a hit than let the team down. Basically the Captain America of the squad—minus the shield, plus extra tears. Leo is the captain. Loud, proud, and probably choreographed the victory dance weeks in advance. If this team had a red carpet, Leo would trip on purpose for dramatic effect. Virgo is the strategist, sitting mid-field calculating angles like it's a Mission: Impossible scene. No move without a plan. No plan without a backup. Probably also fixing the coach's clipboard. Libra plays center and refuses to pick sides during team drama. Smooth, balanced, and too charming to get benched—even when they mess up. Scorpio is the enforcer. Intense, intimidating, and likely to hold a grudge from a missed pass in 2017. This one tackles with the passion of a telenovela breakup. Sagittarius is the speedster—bold, blunt, and running like there's free Wi-Fi at the goal line. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Will try a trick play just for the chaos. Capricorn is the lock. Disciplined. Serious. Deadpan. Would lecture teammates mid-match about commitment while scoring twice. Aquarius is the wildcard. Might bring a drone to analyze plays. Revolutionary thinker or rugby's weirdest innovator? The answer is yes. Pisces is the emotional playmaker. Dreamy, creative, and scoring like it's poetic justice. Might hug opponents out of empathy, then sprint 50 meters for the win.
