“Why is Tomb Raider Rated M? A Look into the Mature Themes of Lara Croft’s Adventures”
Are you a fan of the Tomb Raider series and wondering why it’s rated M? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mature themes explored in the game and why they warrant the M rating. We’ll also tackle related questions, such as why Rise of the Tomb Raider is rated M, and provide in-depth explanations. So, let’s dive in!
The Evolution of Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider has been around for over two decades, and a lot has changed since the first game’s release in 1996. Lara Croft, the series’ protagonist, has faced numerous challenges and evolved as a character. One of the most notable changes in the series is the shift towards more mature themes.
The Past and Present of Tomb Raider Ratings
Looking at the past Tomb Raider games’ ratings, we can see that they started with a T rating and gradually became more mature. In 2008, Tomb Raider: Underworld received a T rating, but its successor, Tomb Raider (2013), received an M rating. Similarly, the Rise of the Tomb Raider, released in 2015, also received an M rating.
Mature Themes in Tomb Raider
The Tomb Raider series deals with various mature themes, including violence, blood, gore, and sexual content. The games’ portrayal of violence and gore has become more realistic over time, and this is one of the primary reasons for the M rating. The sexual content in the series has also increased, with Lara Croft’s character becoming more sexualized.
Violence and Gore
The levels of violence and gore in Tomb Raider have increased over the years. The games feature a significant amount of blood, with players taking headshots and using brutal weapons to defeat enemies. The M rating is warranted due to the realistic representation of violence.
Sexual Content
The sexualized portrayal of Lara Croft has been a topic of discussion since the series’ inception. In the earlier games, Lara had exaggerated physical proportions and wore revealing outfits. In the newest Tomb Raider games, her character has become more realistic, but the sexualized aspect remains. Lara’s character has been sexualized to appeal to male gamers, but this has also garnered criticism.
Why is Rise of the Tomb Raider Rated M?
Rise of the Tomb Raider is the sequel to the 2013 Tomb Raider game, and it also received an M rating. The themes explored in this game are similar to its predecessor, with increased levels of violence and gore, sexual content, and mature language.
The Game’s Narrative
Rise of the Tomb Raider’s story follows Lara Croft as she uncovers the truth about her late father’s research on immortality. The game’s exploration of mature themes is central to the story, making the M rating warranted.
The Game’s Gameplay
The game’s gameplay also includes violent and gory content. Players use various weapons to defeat enemies, with blood and gore visible throughout the game. The sexual content in the game is also present in the form of revealing outfits and suggestive dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomb Raider Suitable for Children?
No, Tomb Raider is not suitable for children. The series’ mature themes make it inappropriate for younger audiences.
Can I Enjoy Tomb Raider if I’m Not a Fan of Mature Content?
While the mature themes are an essential part of Tomb Raider, some gamers may still enjoy the gameplay elements, puzzles, and exploration regardless.
Conclusion
Tomb Raider is a beloved video game series that has evolved significantly over time. However, its M rating reflects its exploration of mature themes, including violence, gore, and sexual content. Rise of the Tomb Raider also continues this trend, making it an M-rated game. While not suitable for children, Tomb Raider is still an enjoyable game for mature gamers who appreciate the series’ gameplay, puzzles, and exploration.