The Tomb Raider community has been buzzing with excitement following the discovery of an intriguing Easter egg in the remastered version of Tomb Raider Chronicles. During a cutscene in the "13th Floor" level at Von Croy Industries, eagle-eyed players spotted a screenshot of the original Tomb Raider Level Editor (TRLE) displayed on one of the computer monitors. This nostalgic nod to the beloved tool that once allowed fans to create their own custom adventures has ignited speculation about whether a modern version might be introduced to Tomb Raider Remastered. Let's explore what this discovery means and what we currently know about the possibility of a level editor return.
TLDR;
The level editor Easter egg in Tomb Raider Chronicles Remastered is primarily a nostalgic reference to the original PC release. While there's no official confirmation of the level editor returning, the discovery has sparked community excitement. Currently, fans must continue using community-made tools for custom levels, as Aspyr has not announced plans to implement an official editor in the remastered trilogy.
The Original Level Editor: A Brief History
The Tomb Raider Level Editor was officially released with Tomb Raider Chronicles (TR5) in 2000, allowing PC players to create their own custom Tomb Raider levels for the first time. The editor was designed to work with the game engines used in both Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (TR4) and Chronicles (TR5). This tool became immensely popular among fans, resulting in thousands of custom levels and maintaining community engagement with the classic titles for over two decades.
For many fans, the level editor represented a significant milestone in the series' history, transforming Tomb Raider from a finite gaming experience into an endlessly expandable platform for creative expression.
The Easter Egg: What It Shows
The Easter egg discovered in the remastered version of Tomb Raider Chronicles shows a screenshot of the original level editor interface displayed on a computer monitor during the "13th Floor" level. This deliberate inclusion serves as a tribute to the original PC release and acknowledges the importance of the level editor to the Tomb Raider community.
It's worth noting that this Easter egg appears in the same game that originally introduced the level editor, making it a fitting and thoughtful reference. The developers at Aspyr have clearly demonstrated an awareness of the tool's significance to longtime fans.
Will the Level Editor Return?
Despite community excitement, there has been no official announcement from Aspyr regarding the inclusion of a level editor in Tomb Raider Remastered. Here's what we currently know:
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No Official Confirmation: Aspyr has not made any statements about plans to reintroduce the level editor in the remastered trilogy.
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Technical Considerations: Implementing a modern level editor compatible with the remastered engine would require significant development resources. The original editor was designed for the classic engine, and creating a new one would essentially mean developing a new tool from scratch.
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Community Speculation: While many fans hope the Easter egg hints at future plans, it's equally likely that it's simply a nostalgic reference with no further implications for upcoming features.
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Current Alternatives: The Tomb Raider community continues to use existing tools like TombEngine, TRNG (Tomb Raider Next Generation), and TE for creating custom levels. These community-developed tools have evolved beyond the capabilities of the original level editor.
What This Means for Players
If you're hoping to play or create custom Tomb Raider levels, here's what you should know:
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Existing Custom Levels: Thousands of fan-made levels created with the original editor are still available through community websites and forums. However, these are not directly compatible with the remastered versions without significant modification.
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Community Tools: The modding community continues to develop and improve tools for creating custom Tomb Raider experiences. While these aren't officially supported by Aspyr, they remain the best option for those interested in custom level creation.
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Future Updates: While there's always a possibility that Aspyr could surprise the community with the introduction of a level editor in a future update, players should not make purchasing decisions based on this speculation.
The Community Response
The Tomb Raider community has responded to the Easter egg discovery with a mixture of nostalgia and hope. Many veteran players have shared stories about their experiences with the original level editor, while newer fans have expressed interest in experiencing this aspect of Tomb Raider history.
Forum discussions have generated numerous suggestions for how a modern level editor could work, including:
- Integration with modern game development tools
- Support for the enhanced graphical features of the remastered trilogy
- Cross-platform compatibility for sharing created levels
- Streamlined interfaces that maintain the spirit of the original while improving usability
Conclusion
The level editor Easter egg in Tomb Raider Chronicles Remastered serves as a wonderful tribute to an important piece of Tomb Raider history. While there's no concrete evidence suggesting the imminent return of an official level editor, the discovery has reinvigorated discussions about custom content and the potential for expanded creative tools in the Tomb Raider universe.
For now, fans interested in creating or playing custom Tomb Raider adventures should explore the various community-developed tools and resources available online. These platforms continue to support the creative spirit that made the original level editor such a beloved feature.
The Easter egg, regardless of whether it foreshadows future developments, demonstrates that Aspyr recognizes and respects the legacy of fan creativity in the Tomb Raider community—a positive sign for the future of the franchise.