Square Enix has released the first in a series of trailers for next year’s Tomb Raider known as ‘Guides to Survival’, showcasing some of the gameplay mechanics players can expect to see in the upcoming reboot.
These mechanics include basecamps, locations that serve as upgrade hubs where Lara Croft’s abilities can be expanded and enhanced. The game will utilize an experience system that awards players points for exploring, completing missions, and defeating enemies in combat. Leveling up will award skill points that can be used to unlock new skills at base camps.
One of Lara’s key items this time around will be the climbing axe. She will be able to utilize it to pry open doors, swing down ziplines, use as a weapon, and bust open crates to salvage for items, she will also be able to rebuild and upgrade it as the game progresses. Various other gear will be able to be upgraded at base camps using items scattered across the island the game takes place on.
One new ability Lara will have is Survival Instinct. Similar to Eagle Vision in Assassin’s Creed, pressing a button will turn the environment black and white, with key elements and hidden items highlighted in bright colors. Players can expect to use fire, water, and wind to solve environmental puzzles and progress through specific areas in the game as well. Finally, players can expect to get plenty of use from the bow, which will be Lara’s trademark weapon in the game. Acquired early on, the weapon will be used both to hunt animals and to stealthily take out human enemies later on.
All of these features can be viewed in the video below.
Tomb Raider is currently scheduled for a March 5, 2013 release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC. We will keep you updated as more media is released.
