Sometimes developers take the time to painstakingly remake and remaster games - other times, fans get bored of waiting for that to happen and take matters into their own hands. And that's what's happened with a gorgeous interpretation of Tomb Raider 2 called Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian.
Spotted by PC Gamer, this fan remake is created within the Unreal Engine from Epic Games and is almost entirely made by one developer, rather than Crystal Dynamics, who are currently in charge of the series. Headed by modder Nicobass, this development takes a lot of the content from the original Tomb Raider 2 and updates it with a slightly more modern feel.
That means that although it's not exactly life-like, and still retains some of the original's cartoony characteristics (perhaps excluding the polygonal chest), The Dagger of Xian is a really fun way to reimagine the core Tomb Raider games.
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If you're thinking you've heard of the game before, well, it's because the development has had a demo available for a few years now - The Dagger of Xian isn't exactly new. Playthroughs have been popping up all over the web for years from fans impressed with the quality of Nicobass's work and how it's a great modern interpretation of a Tomb Raider game that's separate from Crystal Dynamic's gritty version of Lara Croft. But now, with a brand new photo mode, this game is taken to the next level of appreciation for the art and hard work that went into the project.
And, thankfully, we don't have to worry about a cease and desist or a copyright issue arising because of the project. Unlike some other developers getting upset at fan remakes, Crystal Dynamics has already okay-ed Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian as long as Nicobass isn't making any money from the IP which makes sense. At least this labour of love is available to all without issue.
Featured Image Credit: NicobassTopics: Tomb Raider, News
