After experiencing a handful of CG teasers for Crystal Dynamics’ upcoming sequel, we’ve finally been treated to our first look at gameplay footage for Xbox One timed exclusive Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Picking up in the dimly-lit cavern we saw from the worldwide premiere last year, the footage sees series protagonist Lara Croft emerge into the midst of a mountainside blizzard. In a gameplay segment that bears semblance to Dead Space 3 and Lost Planet, players will be exposed to the elements in all of their unforgiving glory, dodging falling blocks of ice all the while battling the relentless snow.
We know that part of Rise of the Tomb Raider will be set in Siberia, as Lara sets out to explore the secrets behind an elixir – one said to hold the power to immortality. It’s here that she will ultimately grow into the titular heroine we know and love, building upon her defining characteristics from 2013’s acclaimed reboot. Beyond that, the character animations are remarkable in and of themselves, with both Lara and her partner reacting to the weather and other environmental details, creating an experience that is strikingly realistic and fluid.
Lastly, Crystal Dynamics confirmed that Rise of the Tomb Raider will arrive on November 10. That just so happens to be the same date as Bethesda’s humble Fallout 4, and it’ll be interestingly to see whether Lara’s ice pick remains latched onto that fall 2015 release date or, on the other hand, bows into 2016.
