Tomb Raider 2012 preview

Tomb Raider is an upcoming action-adventure video game and the ninth instalment of the Tomb Raider series, published by Square Enix and developed by Crystal Dynamics as their fifth franchise-related title. The first in a third continuation, the game is set to provide no correlation to the entirety of the previous entries in the series; a reboot that emphasizes the reconstructed origins of the culturally influential lead character, Lara Croft.

Tomb Raider is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2012 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mac OS X.Pre-order now!

The game begins with Lara devoid of any weapons, tools or essentials such as food and water, which the player must search for in order to survive. Sections of the island are restricted to the player until Lara is able to perform specific physical abilities achieved via a "skill system", or obtained the necessary equipment to advance. At frequent base camps throughout the world, the player can combine pick-ups to create new items, improve Lara's abilities and/or fast travel to previously discovered base camps to avoid copious amounts of backtracking. There is a "much larger emphasis" on combat, as this game will employ a manual "free aim" mechanic, instead of using a lock-on aiming system akin to previous Tomb Raiders.

The game introduces a "survival instinct" that Lara can use to solve puzzles. It will highlight useful items for use if the player is stuck in solving a puzzle. However, Lara can only do this while standing still. Some elements of the world crumble when Lara stands on them for too long. When the player jumps to grab a ledge, Lara will no longer magnetize to the nearest ledge like before. The player will also be able to change direction in mid-air. Puzzles will also be more complex than previous games; they will use elements of fire, water, wind, and friction. Helping hands and UI will be kept to a minimum, except for indications of burnable objects, health items, and during quick time events.


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