Control System

The revamped control system provides intuitive and fluid character movement. Dynamic animation system puts focus on continuous motion, giving Lara the ability to seamlessly handle any obstacle and interact dynamically with any surface. Lara features many more realistic animations than before, and she does a lot of simple things from handling odd angles during jumps, to moving fluidly, to being free of a grid that makes her both modern in look and feel.

Crystal Dynamics says Lara is all about movement - It's fluid, fun, and constantly tapping into the heart of the adventurer. This new game functions differently than any other Tomb Raider. Lara is free-form in movement. She is completely free of grids. She walks and runs with a far smooth motion, independent of a mathematical grid hidden beneath the surface. The camera never fails to keep up with Lara's acrobatic antics.

Crystal Dynamics' goal for the in-game camera was to let you control it manually whenever you want to, but to ensure that you'd never actually need to. The camera assumes a third-person position behind Lara for the most part. The camera occasionally will reposition itself slightly to give a view of important objects you pass by them.

Secrets

Unlike previous games, when you beat a level, you'll see a stat screen to see how you did, but also to upgrade weapons, unlock several vaults worth of unlockables, including many alternative costumes and neat-o items. Crystal Dynamics estimates the completion time to be roughly 10-12 hours.

However, CD have said they have most likely underestimated the time and the game will take longer to complete. Perhaps 12-15 hours is a better guess. In any case they are hoping to pack enormous replay into the game with secrets, alternative routes and multiple ways to solve puzzles.

Release Date

Spring 2006

Formats

PS2, PC, Xbox, Xbox 360 and PSP.

All versions of the game will fundamentally be the same. However, Toby Gard has confirmed that the Xbox and PC versions of the game will have higher-res textures, higher frame rate and faster load times compared with the PS2 version.

There will also be widescreen support for the XBox version. However, Riley Cooper has stressed that regardless of the system you play, the game will be equally brilliant on each. Toby Gard has also confirmed the Xbox version will "support a jukebox function which will be fun in Croft Manor. You'll basically be able to play a stereo when training".

The PSP version will most likely be similar to the PS2 version although nothing has been confirmed yet.

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