Rise of the Tomb Raider gameplay revealed at E3
Lara will be exploring more than just icy mountains, if the initial Rise of the Tomb Raider trailer is any indixation
Ever since Microsoft announced it had secured Rise of the Tomb Raider as a console exclusive for the Xbox One, we were certain we would be getting a more detailed look at Lara Croft’s latest adventure at the company’s E3 press conference – despite Square Enix planning one of its own. As expected, the game was surprisingly far up the billing, and was given considerable screen time while we got a full stage demo in addition to a new gameplay trailer.
The stage demo walkthrough showed a five minute section of Lara and expedition partner Jonah ice climbing towards the peak of a mountain, as a vicious storm approaches in the distance. Loose ice, tumbling rocks and a blizzard all pose real dangers, as does an avalanche that separates the pair towards the end of the clip. Lara looks older, though still as adventurous as ever and more confident in herself following the events of the 2013 reboot, and is at least prepared for the weather this time around. Deep snow moves around you as you wade through it, leaving realistic trails in your wake.
Ice climbing looks to form a major part of exploration this time around, with twin ice picks and crampons letting you scale sheer cliffs and ice formations. That being said, the gameplay trailer shown after the walkthrough drops hints regarding the game’s other locations, including island temples, forests, gold mines and mountains. Expect to have to hunt to survive, using Lara’s now trademark bow and arrow. Unfortunately we can’t tell from the brief clips whether Lara will get her signature twin pistols, although given how much fun they were to use in the final moments of the last game we’re hopeful they will play a bigger part this time around.
Rise of the Tomb Raider has been pencilled in for a 10th of November release, exclusively on Xbox One. Naturally we were given no indication as to when that exclusive deal will expire during Microsoft’s press conference, but the game will eventually make its way to Sony’s PS4 and the PC once that deal runs out.