ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Tomb Raider casting backlash, God of War heading to live-action, and why so many modern games feel creatively risk-averse.This week on Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius and S Rank dive into the backlash surrounding Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, the ongoing debate over what Tomb Raider even is in 2026, and whether Amazon can repeat its Fallout success with another major game adaptation.
The conversation expands into God of War’s live-action series, casting reactions to Kratos, and the growing concern that some franchises simply don’t work without blockbuster movie budgets. From Netflix’s Tomb Raider anime to Hollywood’s obsession with “safe” adaptations, we break down why passion, tone, and identity matter more than brand recognition.
On the gaming side, we get into High Guard, art direction fatigue, Marvel Rivals’ visual appeal, live-service oversaturation, and why aesthetics still play a massive role in whether a game survives. We also touch on the decline of Western comics, the rise of manga, and how cultural storytelling has shifted across games, TV, and animation.
If you’re interested in Tomb Raider, God of War, live-action game adaptations, modern game design, and the state of gaming culture — this episode connects all the dots.
