What If There Will Be A Tomb Raider Game...Without Guns?

Disclaimer:
This is an idea for a video game that expresses concerns over the devastating effects of mass shootings in real life. Along with a strong recommendation to give condolences and kindness to those who have been affected by such tragedies, reader discretion is advised.

It has been a while since we discussed how a spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise can appeal to players with hearing difficulties by introducing a new character who communicates with BSL (British Sign Language) [38] [39]. Considering how specific changes have been established in media throughout the years to catch up with society’s evolving standards [4] [35], I believe one specific could eventually happen in a new game that could take place in a few years after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider as a spin-off of the reboot trilogy [31]. The only difference could be that a slightly older Lara Croft will NOT be using twin pistols at all during the gameplay. Shocking, right? Not too long ago, I have posted a poll on Twitter to see how many of my followers either supported, opposed or were neutral towards the idea [41]. Before any of you dear tomb raiders outside of my Twitter following who oppose that idea write my name in a burn book [13], please allow me to state why the possibility of Lara raiding a tomb without her guns could happen in a future instalment, despite how the likeliness of that ever happening seems low.

“Wait! First Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam [3], now Lara Croft?! Who’s next? Deadpool [5] [6]?!” exclaimed some of my dear readers before allowing Laura Williams to elaborate on why such an establishment could occur in the future of gaming. [32]

Although the concept could be rejected for the sake of maintaining the usual tomb raiding flow [21], the most legitimate reason for establishing a Tomb Raider game without any type of gun would be to further ensure respect towards innocent victims of traumatic mass shootings, especially for American audiences today. There have been too many tragic shootings throughout modern history in real life already and plenty of folks out there are hoping that no more of them will occur in this new decade [8]. To ensure that the player further understands the motive of removing guns from the experience, there ought to be a cutscene of the beautiful and intelligent Lara hearing about another tragic massacre somewhere in America from a news report and deciding not to bring any of her guns before arriving there. That way we can clearly see her sense of humanity that was especially portrayed in the reboot timeline and still root for her as she remains fiercely independent and adventurous on another daring quest [26] [43] [44], along with how such a premise can be viewed as still convincing yet ultimately respectful by innocent American gamers who have been affected by a tragic shooting at some point in their lives.

An establishment of Lara’s motivation for temporarily leaving her guns behind would be a new and interesting take on her character development, especially if the game that establishes it takes place a few years after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider as her ability to be empathic and compassionate to her friends was shown in the first game in the reboot trilogy [26] [28]. [29]

Since the Legend incarnation of the brunette archaeologist only killed to defend herself and consisted of a kinder side as the loss of a human life saddens her [25], seeing her sacrifice the need to bring guns to America at some point within the Survivor timeline or at least sometime set after it can be an element of her likability. I am not saying that just because my Lara Croft cosplay did not consist of realistic-looking toy guns two years ago [38]. [33]

I know what my dear readers must be thinking. Tomb Raider without twin pistols would be like Spider-Man without webs [19] [20]. Surely Elmer Fudd did not have his traditional rifle in Looney Tunes Cartoons: Dynamite Dance [34], but at least the younger Lara Croft had another form of defence in the reboot of the franchise that was established in 2013, which was archery [29]. Additionally, the classic Lara was able to use a crossbow in Tomb Raider IV - The Last Revolution and Lara Croft: Relic Run [21] [36]. She also could use a spear in Lara Croft GO [37]. As for Dynamite Dance, I can still appreciate the other forms of classic cartoon slapstick, despite the absence of Elmer’s rifle [34]. As someone who nailed the archery section of The Bear Grylls Adventure in early 2019 [2] [41], I can only imagine that replacing the twin pistols mechanics with a bow and arrow method can provide that refreshing element of the reboot and the movie based on it [23] [29]. Besides, why would I suggest Nerf guns for Lara’s bullet-free assignment unless it was in an advert for a forthcoming game that also promotes a new Nerf product [9], quite similar to how the old school Lara once advertised Lucozade [12] [24]?

The absence of Elmer Fudd’s rifle was only a small part of the charm of the original Looney Tunes cartoons missing as part of my motivation for discussing how there could be a Tomb Raider game without guns. I can tell that the removal of Fudd’s signature weapon was meant to not offend viewers who have been affected by a mass shooting while providing other forms of slapstick [3]. [34]

And of course, the way Lara Croft advertised Lucozade back in about 1999 was awesome [12] [24]. Perhaps there could actually be a Tomb Raider-themed Nerf product in association with promoting a new game if the idea of Lara raiding a tomb without guns gets rejected, quite like how there were Fortnite-themed Nerf weapons that were released in 2019 [10]? Nonetheless, I still believe that a Tomb Raider game without guns can work if planned out carefully. [24]

Even though I can understand why a Tomb Raider game without the usage of guns can be beneficial for gamers who have personally been affected by the events of a school shooting or a mass shooting at another type of public place [8], I am aware that slightly too much political correctness can degradingly affect the overall feeling of an iconic franchise [3] [45] [46]. Furthermore, I think the absence of Ms. Croft’s guns ought to be only for just one new game if enough amount of backlash that discourages it occurs after its release and sales. In theory, perhaps not many Nintendo nerds were satisfied with the first-person driver mode in Mario Kart 7 [14] [22], which could explain its absence in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [15] [16]. Of course, I do not solely blame violence in video games for violence in real life as many of us gamers are wise and humane enough to not act upon a character’s brutality outside of gaming. Nonetheless, I would still understand why a new Tomb Raider game would not feature any usage of guns if Ms. Croft raids a tomb somewhere in America, no matter which platform it would be available on.

I am not saying that Lady Croft should permanently refrain from slaughtering foes with guns, nor that I believe that it would definitely be rejected because I believe that the premise of her raiding a tomb without any should only be established as just simply a potentially political experiment on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series or iOS and Android [17] [21] [47] [48]. [28]

As previously mentioned, she can always rely on her bow and arrow for those who adore the reboot timeline. [29]

In conclusion, I believe that a new Tomb Raider that does not consist of pistol mechanics in its gameplay can only work if the archery mechanics from the reboot are present for at least some form of defence [27] [29]. Not only can it show respect to those affected by a tragic shooting, but it can be a refreshing take on Lara’s development. And of course, even though I am not saying that such a concept will definitely happen, it should not be a permanent change just in case it ends up reducing overall satisfaction. After all, plenty of tomb raiders would prefer a sincere start of a new trilogy in the 2020s that takes place after the reboot trilogy and could lead to the return of the old school Lady Croft from 1996 [31]. Surely most Sonic supporters would prefer something like a new anime series based on Sonic the Hedgehog [10] [18], which should not be an unnecessary continuation of Sonic X in my opinion [1], but can perhaps feature a new story in a few years’ time. If you strongly disagree with my suggestion for a gunless Tomb Raider game, free to slap my wrist...and roast me in a burn book.

Speaking of a new Sonic anime, I think I know what I would like to discuss with my fear readers really soon. [1]

As for the possibility of a Tomb Raider game without guns in the future of gaming, I would be certainly up for it as a one-shot experiment…unless it excels to some degree and results in some potential for a continuation. [30]

References

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9. Hasbro. (2020). Nerf. Available: https://nerf.hasbro.com/en-gb. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
   
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A Little More Discussion About Mario and Sonic At The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Minasan, Kon’nichiwa once again! Well, it is too bad the two iconic mascots could not attend the 2018 Winter Olympics due to how Ubisoft received the opportunity to produce a game based on them but missed one to make Rayman an athlete for any of the events [16] [21] [22] [26]. This made me believe that the series was to end after the release of the Rio 2016 Olympics with the two mascots [21]. At least I do not doubt that a lot of us are still looking forward to Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Tails and many other characters compete in the 2020 Olympic games. And speaking of 2020, one reason I am looking forward to that year is the fact that it is a year of the rat. Squeak! Due to what has been revealed back in April, the upcoming installment of the series seems like an exceptional expansion of Mario and Sonic’s legacies in 2019 next to Super Mario Maker 2 and Team Sonic Racing [3] [4] [13] [17]. Since there has been a bit more about it that has been revealed for the next step of the Mario and Sonic series, let us get our sporting gear on and strive through it.

Do any of you E3 explorers remember this lanyard badge holder? [16]

My shoes are better than yours. [4]

I mentioned that there was another logo for the game in a previous article while the final choice was under development [14] [28] [29]. It turns out that the final logo for the game is indeed the one with a big red circle that represents Japan’s flag and nothing more [4] [20] [22]. I think it is a good final choice as it will suit the theme of competing in the Olympics held in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. The unofficial one that was leaked and unfortunately fake sure looks pretty, but seems indeed too complicated, but not as overly ambitious as the logo for the eighteenth series of the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother [7]. At least the final choice for the logo is fitting and practical, unlike some other logos for video games. I am not up for judging video games solely by their logos, but please do not get me started with what the ghastly number six for Resident Evil 6’s box art looked like to some horror gamers back in late 2012 and so on [2] [15].

The REAL final logo for the game. [16] [20] [22]

Do not even think about describing it. [2] [15]

Now that we got the logo out of the way, I suppose we can further discuss the sporting events as they are indeed essential for providing what came the series great for making two of the most iconic video game series compete in events based on the real-life Olympic games [21]. More returning events besides the athletics include:

•       Fencing [4] [16] [22]
•       Football [4] [16] [22]
•       Table Tennis [4] [16] [22]
•       Triple Jump [4] [16] [22]
•       Canoeing [4] [16] [22]

Aside from skateboarding, three brand new events that will make their official debut in the series and make the Tokyo 2020 games seem fresh are:

•       Karate [3] [4] [27]
•       Sport Climbing [4] [27]
•       Surfing [4] [27]

I like how there will be a new karate event that will not only bring out some vibes of Japanese martial arts but also provide the elements of the most recent interpretation of the Mushroom Kingdom from Super Mario Odyssey in the Dream Events [3] [4] [22] [27]. Speaking of Dream Events, those who enjoyed the stages with Modern Sonic in Sonic Forces night enjoy the Dream Racing event as it will be set in Metropolis [22]. As I mentioned before, each event ought to be enjoyable with reliably responsive controls [28] [29].

The sport climbing event looks like a fair challenge for our dear casual gamers. [4]

And did I mention that the music for the karate fights is awesome? BRING IT ON!!! [3] [27]

As for each competitor, I would like to look further into some of their different outfits for specific events [16] [20] [22]. Princess Peach looks elegantly dashing in her horse-riding outfit, even though the jacket is red instead of pink [4] [16] [20]. The lively and adorable Amy Rose will once again wear the red flats and swimsuit she wore in the London 2012 games [17] [19] [20]. The same applies to Blaze the Cat [16] [19] [21]. I feel quite unnerved when I see Wario and the Eggster in their swimming trunks [5] [20], even though I can briefly imagine such a sight in the front cover of an issue of Gameboy magazine…as a joke. Let us not forget about Toad in a Tokyo 2020 themed jacket and Cream the Rabbit in an adorable navy blue kimono [15] [20]. Cheese can also be seen wearing an Olympics themed jacket, which looks pretty good on him [16] [20]. All of the playable characters will be in white karate outfits in Karate event, which is fitting indeed [3] [4] [2]. I would love to see my Mii be playable if my boyfriend gets the game and lets me play it with him so that I can dress her up in many splendid sporting outfits.

Ride ’em Princess! [16] [20] [22]

How kawaii is this? [16] [20] [22]

Would you believe that the 2020 Olympics in Mario and Sonic’s universe will feature a special set of sporting events that consists of the 2D graphics from their retro days [4] [9] [16] [22]? If you are an old school Nintendo nerd or a '90s kid who loved playing on the SEGA Genesis, then this new feature is for you. Some of the events available to play with the old school sprites are:

•       Diving [4] [9] [16] [22]
•       Judo [4] [9] [16] [22]
•       Hurdles [4] [9] [16] [22]
•       Canoeing [4] [9] [16] [22]
•       Volleyball [4] [9] [16] [22]
•       A plane flying event [4] [9] [16] [22]

Making the controls for the 2D Olympics only in handheld mode will not only make it accessible for those who bought a Nintendo Switch Lite, but increase the feeling of retro gaming [4] [9] [22] [30] [31]. Too bad the only characters able to participate in the 2D events are:

•       Mario
•       Luigi
•       Peach
•       Bowser
•       Sonic
•       Tails
•       Knuckles
•       Eggman

The experience might as well be the family-friendly equivalent of Sonic For Hire, a non-canon comedy crossover series made by Lowbrow Studios [5] [25]. Being into both classic and modern gaming, I am more than delighted to see an 8-bit Mario crew and a 16-bit Sonic in action together in an instalment for an eighth-generation console as it will be an outstanding feature.

It thrills me how the 8-bit Mario crew and the 16-bit Sonic team will compete in the Olympics. And not to mention that the quality of the announcers’ voice will be reduced to NES standards to increase the retro vibes. [9]

Quite ironically, the pixelated Olympics will be based on the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games [4] [9]. Unfortunately, this sounds quite odd to me since gaming was not a mainstream thing in the ‘60s. Furthermore, Super Mario was first established in the 80s and Sonic was first established in 1991. Nevertheless, at least we all know that the games will still be in Tokyo. Additionally, plenty of millennials and kids who are up for playing the game can learn that Tokyo first hosted the Olympics way back in 1964 [23] [24], so I can at least see how such a decision to dedicate the 2D events to those times would make sense. Good on the developers for providing some historical accuracy. Speaking of historical accuracy, only letting certain characters be playable in the 2D events is at least legitimate as they debuted in the beginnings of their main game series during the retro sprite years [22]. However, perhaps some of the newer characters might be able to participate as sprites as downloadable content. Remember the Bitsize Candy in Mario Party 8 [10] [18]? Providing some historical accuracy will not only make the game fascinating to young modern gamers but also make its outcome respectful to the Olympics’ history.

Some young Nintendo nerds and Sonic supporters will learn that the 2020 will be the SECOND time the Olympics were held in Tokyo and that 1964 was the first. [9] [23] [24]

Looking at the final cover for Switch port of the game, both fans of Mario and Sonic can feel proud of the two mascots for striving hard enough to earn a gold medal [16] [22]. Looking at the gameplay and new features in the trailers and previews, the next Olympics sure have a lot of potential. While plenty of followers of the plumber have been booking some appointments with him in Dr. Mario World and many supporters of the Hedgehog enjoyed his crossover with OK K.O. this month [1] [6] [12] [17], many more are hoping for a spectacular grand return of their Olympic series in November 2019 as they look at how much the crossover series has progressed since the Beijing 2008 games [11] [21]. I am hoping for much better motion controls, compared to the Wii version of the first installment of the series [11]. But for now, feel free to tell me what you think of gaming in 2019 so far. Perhaps we can have a slice of choco-mint cake from a recent scavenger hunt in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp while we are at it [8]. Let us save our sporting gear for when it is released firstly for the Switch. Sayonara for now, plumbers and hedgehogs.

Triumph! [16] [21] [22]

I promise that the cake is not a lie! [8]

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23. The Japan News. (2014). 1964 Memories of the Tokyo Olympics.Available: http://tokyo-olympics.the-japan-news.com/#openingPage. Last accessed 21st Aug 2019.
24. Tokyo 2020. (2019). The Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. Available: https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/about/tokyo1964/. Last accessed 21st Aug 2019.
25. tvtropes. (2012). Web Animation / Sonic for Hire. Available: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WebAnimation/SonicForHire. Last accessed 21st Aug 2019.
26. Ubisoft. (2017). Steep. Available: https://store.ubi.com/uk/steep-tm--road-to-the-olympics/59db7e4def3aa52d48bae851.html?edition=Road%20to%20the%20Olympics. Last accessed 21st Aug 2019.
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My Thoughts On Mario and Sonic’s Upcoming 2020 Olympic Games

Minasan, Kon’nichiwa! If you’re looking forward to watching the next summer Olympic games that will occur in Tokyo in 2020, then a game based off each event will be right up your ally [2] [19]. Aside from how there will be an official Switch game based on the next summer 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, a blue hedgehog and a red-hatted plumber shall also compete in the games too, thus reviving their beloved sporty crossover series [9] [16]. The special announcement of the adaptions of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics occurred about a month ago, so I suppose now is time for me to express my own thoughts. After all, I enjoyed playing the Wii version of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games back when I was in high school [7]. In all honesty, I thought the series was to fully stop at the Rio 2016 games installment, but I suppose that it would be a neat idea to bring one of the most recognised crossovers in gaming history to the Switch era. 

Pity our beloved competitors missed out on the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic games. [15] [20]

Most notably, Mario and Sonic’s next big competitions will be available for the Switch, which give me the feeling that plenty of Switch players would be interested in trying it out soon [9] [16]. Firstly, the Switch version will be released in December 2019, then the arcade and mobile adaptions will be set for 2020. Aww, it is too bad that only the Sonic crew will be in the mobile version…again because Nintendo now has a few approachable third-party fads for iOS and Android devices [4] [5] [10] [11]. How I still miss Miitomo. At least there will plenty of mobile sporting from the Mario crew once Mario Kart Tour parks in the marketing of Summer 2019 [17]. With Nintendo’s dedication to maintaining their latest console’s spotlight combined the possibility of staying hip within the arcade crowd, the plumber’s next competition against the blue blur ought to shine on both platforms, as well as the blue blur keeping his legacy strong on smart devices. 

The cute and speedy Sonic in an event in the Switch version. [18] [19]

Sonic and Knuckles at an event for the Sonic-only mobile adaption. [10] [19]

There must be a fashionista in the concept art department. Mario’s attire for running looks basic but appropriate for the occasion [2] [9] [16] [18] [19]. Too bad he does not seem to have that tribal tattoo he had back in 2004 [3]. I always adored the sports and winter attire for Peach and Daisy, so I am quite impressed with how Peach seems to be wearing white shorts in revealed footage, compared to how she wore pink shorts in the first Olympic games, thus introducing new attire [2] [9] [16] [18]. Well, what do you know! It looks like Sonic is wearing a pair of shoes that highly resemble his Sonic Riders shoes, along with a light blue shirt for the badminton event [2] [9] [16] [18]. I always thought he looked cute in a life jacket, so I suspect that he will wear one for the swimming event once again. Even Luigi, Tails and Eggman are wearing appropriate attire for giving the upcoming installment a sprinkle of individuality [2] [9] [16] [18]. As someone who adores seeing fictional characters in different outfits, I like how many of the characters are wearing sporty attire for specific events, which makes the upcoming title seem refreshing so far.

The competitors in their new attire. [2] [16] [18]

Yes. Mario’s tattoo was a thing towards the end of the Game Boy Advance era. [3]

Aside from the snazzy outfits and the return of the running and badminton events, many of us shall once again experience both teams in the events of:

•   100m Dash [2] [9] [16] [18] [19]
•   Javelin Throw [9] [16] [19]
•   Badminton [2] [9] [16] [18]
•   Skateboarding, a brand new event [9] [16] [19]

Due to how the next installment is meant to be a successor to Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, it is highly likely that the characters will also participate in:

•   Rhythmic Gymnastics or Rhythmic Ribbon [14] [15]
•   Synchronized swimming [14]
•   Boxing [15]
•   Archery [15]
•   Equestrian [14] [15]

I see that the skateboarding event is quite a rehash of the snowboarding event from the winter games [19]. I suppose there ought to be a brand new basketball event too as it seems to take the techniques of the hockey and football events from the previous installments. After all, a basketball game was revealed in the adaption of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics without Mario and Sonic [19]. Additionally, there can be another beach volleyball event as there was also a volleyball game in the adaption without Nintendo and SEGA’s main stars [19]. Hopefully, each event will once again be fully playable and rather challenging.

Mario and Sonic as a team in a Badminton event. [2] [9] [16] [18]

BY THE POWER OF A MYSTERIOUS AURA!!! [18]

The controls for every event ought to be responsive and reliable. I remember the controls of the first Mario and Sonic Olympic games installment for the Wii deviously hindering me when I was younger [6]. I thought that I was not good at playing many of the events until a college ally of mine pointed out how bad he found the controls. It is a good thing that the controls gradually improved for the Wii version of the first winter games, which was the game that made me a Sonic fan back in late 2009 and early 2010 [7]. The child in the trailer for the pack of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is shown rapidly moving the joy-cons run and down with a thrilled smile, which is a sign that the event would give the player the feeling of running on the tracks as an athlete [2] [19]. Aside from good motion controls, there should be a lot of well-done control methods for when the joy-cons are attached to the screen too. Could every control method to dependable enough to comfortably and outstandingly bring the feel of competing in the Olympics with any of the iconic characters to the Switch generation?

Welcome to the Switch age! [19]

I believe I can spin! I believe that I might as well win! [19]

Finally, a new logo for Mario and Sonic at the Tokyo 2020 Games has arrived [8]. But it seems to have leaked. Some of you might have believed that the development logo would be suitable for the final outcome [9] [16]. Even though the earlier logo matches the Japanese flag with its big red circle, I think the updated logo looks more vibrant with a bit of creativity, along with a summer vibe [8] [9] [16]. The flowers really do look summery and the events would indeed be set in the summer as the official Tokyo 2020 Olympics logo would settle above it. Well, since I live in England, I can say that we at least do not have to deal with the controversial London 2012 Olympics logo anymore [1] [21]. With a logo consisting of something that makes it quite unique like the logos of the first two installments of the Mario and Sonic Olympic Games series, the 2020 Olympics games logo for the upcoming installment ought to.

When the logo was under development. [9] [16]

I honestly hope this will be the final logo, despite how it is likely to just have been leaked and how the design is more complicated from the logos from the previous installments. [8]

So in a conclusion dedicated to another crossover within epic events, plenty of us Mario and Sonic fans who endorsed the previous installments are looking forward to:

•       The Switch version of the game for late 2019 [2] [9] [16] [19]
•       The arcade port for 2020 that will enhance their arcade cred [2] [9] [16]
•       The mobile version with Sonic characters only for 2020 [2] [10] [19]

For the ports, perhaps there could be some new competitors, either playable or simply guests? How about the other Koopalings and the rest of the deadly six from Sonic Lost World for the Switch and next arcade cabinet [12] [13]? But then again, sometimes less is more. We may not be in the good old Wii days anymore, but we can still feel the joy and ambition of the Switch’s legacy now that its library is steadily increasing with newer installments. I guess I need to wear appropriate attire for the events too. Sayonara for now, plumbers and hedgehogs!

Whose side will YOU be on? [2] [16] [18]

References

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3. Know Your Meme. (2016). Super Mario - Mario's Tribal Tattoo. Available: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1211199-super-mario. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2019.
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