Tomb Raider 2012 Preview

This Tomb Raider 2012 Preview gives a quick look at what can be expected from Crystal Dynamics’ upcoming action title!

Tomb Raider is an upcoming action-adventure video game and the ninth installment in the series. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider is a reboot of the franchise and sees a 21-year-old Lara Croft evolve into the influential action-heroine that fans are familiar with.

Fresh out of the academy and in search of lost relics, Lara journeys to an island off the coast of Japan aboard the Endurance, a salvage vessel helmed by Captain Conrad Roth. When the ship is hit by a freak storm, Lara alone is washed ashore and must endure physical and emotional torture in order to survive the island.

From the screenshots, Tomb Raider looks to be a gritty, raw installment of the popular action-adventure franchise!

Karl Stewart talks us all through what we can expect from Tomb Raider 2012’s story, gameplay and visuals of this re-imagining!

Take a look at the Tomb Raider 2012 Gameplay from this E3 2011 Presentation.

And Karl Stewart returns in this video to talk about the making of the “Turning Point” trailer.

Key Features of Tomb Raider 2012

Here is a list of key elements that will be available in Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider 2012 based on news and announcements made so far.

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.

The Island
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.

Combat
There is a “much larger emphasis” on combat, as instead of using a lock-on aiming system akin to previous Tomb Raiders this game will employ a manual “free aim” mechanic.

Survival Instinct
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.

Platforming & Puzzles
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 in previous instalments. The player will also be able to change direction mid-air. Puzzles will be more complex than previous titles, it 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.

Check out the trailer!

Eagerly anticipating this game? Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your opinion.

Take a look at our Tomb Raider 2012 Screenshots Gallery!