In an interesting turn of events, it has been unearthed that Tomb Raider: Underworld was originally going to end on a much darker and more sinister note than that which made the game’s final cut. The Tomb Raider trilogy, which acts as the second era in the prolific franchise’s development, culminated with Tomb Raider Underworld in 2008. While this game wraps up Lara Croft’s story in a mostly upbeat, if bittersweet, way, a darker conclusion was also created, one which saw Tomb Raider’s leading lady making a less-than-noble final choice.
Underworld acts as a direct sequel to Tomb Raider: Legend, as well as wrapping up the loose ends from Lara’s 1996 debut Tomb Raider title, which was remastered in the freshly-named Anniversary in 2007. Within this rendition of the Tomb Raider timeline, Lara is in search of her mother, who accidently sent herself to the Norse underworld after a plane crash during Lara’s youth. Along the way, she meets former friend-turned-foe Amanda Evert, who was presumed dead after an “unknown entity” attacked their archelogy group in Paraiso years prior to the events of Legend and Underworld. Ending up bitter at her apparent abandonment, Amanda turns into a worthy adversary to Lara, who is hell-bent on finding her own way to the Norse underworld, whatever the cost.
Lara and Amanda often cross paths in both Legend and Underworld, and on several occasions are only stopped from finally ending the other’s days by interventions from other characters. And yet, in the game’s final showdown, they become reluctant allies and work together to overcome their common enemy; Natla, former Queen of Atlantis. Their rocky alliance is tested, however, when Amanda decides to try and kill Lara regardless of their previous teamwork. Thankfully, Lara convinces her not to, and the duo part ways. And here, the story ends… or does it? Some additional footage was also actually recorded for Tomb Raider: Underworld that never made it into the final game. In a seldom seen clip shared by MP, a bloodthirsty Amanda comes after Lara once more.
The Darker Way Tomb Raider Underworld Nearly Ended
In this alternative ending, Amanda comes running out from the temple in Nepal that Underworld initially concluded in to finally rid herself of Lara Croft once and for all. Using a rock as a weapon, Amanda is shown being ready to launch the bouldering mass directly at Lara hoping to crush her. With this being a Tomb Raider game, though, Lara manages to dodge this attack and retaliates by shooting Amanda in the knee. A now-crippled Amanda tries to stand and calls out to Lara, but this unprovoked attack by Amanda proves to be one time too many for the Tomb Raider hero. Rather than turning to assist Amanda, Lara instead walks away, leaving her former friend to die alone in the frozen Nepalese mountains.
The news that Underworld was originally going to have a much darker finale will probably not come as much of a surprise. After all, the game literally starts with the iconic Croft Manor being blown up. The house, and home, that holds a wealth of Tomb Raider history (and undoubtedly just plain wealth) is left to its fiery demise before the title screen has loaded. Even the clothing sported by antagonist Amanda is of a much more gothic and edgy aesthetic compared to what fans of the series had come to know with previous Tomb Raider villains.
Had Lara’s adventures in Underworld officially gone on to conclude with Lara figuratively (and literally) giving her old friend the cold shoulder, the game’s reception may not have been so positive. Lara Croft is, after all, a hero, and a gaming icon. Leaving fans with a morally dubious ending could have easily left a sour taste in the mouths of many who had followed Lara Croft’s journey from conception to finish. It may not have been what the developers had originally envisioned, but ending Tomb Raider: Underworld with its shorter and more emotionally fulfilling conclusion was ultimately the right decision.
