Tomb Raider Netflix Series Spotlights PTSD, a Topic Game Writers Couldn’t Explore

The recent release of the Netflix animated series "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" has sparked mixed reviews among viewers. Despite the varied reception, Rhianna Pratchett, the writer of the 2013 Tomb Raider game, has highlighted a specific aspect of the show that has garnered praise.

In a conversation with Eurogamer, Pratchett expressed her appreciation for the series addressing Lara Croft’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following her harrowing experiences on Yamatai. She mentioned that this was a narrative angle that the game development team had wanted to explore but were unable to delve into fully within the games.

Reflecting on her past discussions about Lara’s PTSD journey, Pratchett revealed that she and narrative designer John Stafford had proposed the concept of "playable nightmares" to Crystal Dynamics, the developers of Tomb Raider. This idea involved Lara experiencing twisted scenarios from her past adventures, but unfortunately, it did not come to fruition in the game series.

The Netflix animated series portrays Lara grappling with flashbacks and nightmares linked to her time on Yamatai, shedding light on the aftermath and impact on those close to her, such as her friend Sam. Pratchett also commended the show for focusing on Lara’s personal life beyond her artifact-hunting escapades worldwide.

Pratchett emphasized the importance of exploring Lara’s personal relationships and how she navigates everyday challenges, highlighting that such aspects have always been intriguing to explore beyond the confines of the video games. Drawing from her work on the Tomb Raider comics, she recalled creating scenarios that delved into the humorous and human sides of Lara’s character, showcasing a blend of silliness, irreverence, and refreshing storytelling.

Looking ahead, Crystal Dynamics is currently collaborating with Amazon on a new Tomb Raider project. Amazon Games’ Christoph Hartmann has indicated that development is progressing well for the upcoming game. Additionally, Amazon is also working on a Tomb Raider television adaptation with Phoebe Waller-Bridge attached to the project.

Moreover, Aspyr recently announced the remastering of Tomb Raider games from the 4th to the 6th installments, including "Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation" (1999), "Tomb Raider: Chronicles" (2000), and "Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness" (2003), set for release in the coming year.

The evolving landscape of the Tomb Raider franchise across various media platforms continues to captivate fans with its exploration of Lara Croft’s character and adventures, offering new perspectives and narratives for audiences to enjoy.