Starring the original Lara Croft voice actress Shelley Blond [Tomb Raider (1996), Peep Show] and featuring incredible artwork by Inna Vjuzhanina!

Bulgarian Subtitles by Tomb Raider Passion

German Subtitles by Lara’s Generation

Croatian Subtitles by Tomb Raider Empire 

Rise of the Tomb Raider and Baba Yaga Temple of the Witch out now on Xbox 360 and Xbox One and PC.

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We’ve received a very special parcel off Crystal Dynamics. We’re keeping some of it for our collections but the majority of stuff will be given away through competitions. Stay tuned on our website and Facebook page in 2016!

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What is the team’s main goal for the game?

 Where to start…! Firstly, to make this the most
compelling and technically/graphically advanced adventure yet – with a real
‘epic’ feel to it.

We’re really
focusing on a storyline that’s driven seamlessly through the game, making it a
continuous experience. We’re linking the locations with FMVs, cut scenes, plus
in-game levels – so instead of loading screens the game will dissolve into cuts
and FMVs. Also, some locations are linked via gaming levels such as a jeep
chase and even a level on a train.

Althoug the game
is the same size as previous TR games, locations are smaller and more
atmospheric, plus there’ll be far less wandering around vast maps to find
cluse. The player will have a very clear idea of what needs to be achieved and
puzzles will be solved with information/items from the near vicinity. This wil
definitely help to keep the objectives much clearer.

For the person that has
played the last three versions, what’s the most compelling reason to pick this
one up?

 As soon as you
load the game you’ll be presented with a completely new interface. Gone are the
inventory rings, passport etc. We’re introducing a brand new inventory system
where items can be collected and combined. Also featured is Lara’s diary – this
will keep a log of the information, maps etc. she collects throughout the
adventure – it can be referred to at any time, It’ll also contain hints and
tips as well as a ‘scrapbook’ that tells us more about Lara herself.

We’re
re-introducing Lara via level one – so you’ll be able to find out a lot more
about her history and the reasons why she is the way she is today. This is a
training level but it’s actually part of the game, rather than being in Lara’s
home (which is not featured at all this time). You’ll have to finish this level
in order to play TLR.

We can’t say too
much about this just now, but the game will also feature a couple of important
characters that have influenced Lara’s life tremendously. These ccharacters
play integral roles through the entire game. Lara herself is also fully skinned
so fans will be able to see far more detail in her.

Egypt as a
location offers tremendous scope for atmospheric locations, mythological
artefacts, tombs and baddies etc. We’ve really been able to go to town with
some weird and wonderful enemies and the AI is now vastly improved due to an
almost new game engine. Lots of Lara’s enemies will have the same moves as she
does so they’ll be much harder to dispatch or outwit – it won’t be a case of
simply standing on a ledge to avoid them…

The storyline
itself, as I said earlier, is more straightforward and will really hook the
player into the adventure.

Interaction with
characters is far greater, puzzles are all-new and Lara has an array of new
moves from complex rope swings/climbs to simply kicking down doors.

Graphically we’re
looking at the most detailed game yet – as well as new environment mapping,
we’ve been able to introduce far greater levels of detail via new lighting and
object systems. 3D Objects will be extensively used to populate environments
which would otherwise be sparse – and many of the objects are targettable so
Lara will be able to shoot / destroy or interact with them etc.

Gameplay will be
a lot simpler than TRIII in terms of the player being fully aware of what needs
to be done – the difficulty lies in solving the puzzles, rather than spending a
long time finding the puzzle components or information.

In our review of Tomb Raider 2, we said that there were
to be more installments in the series, “the designers would be
well-advised to send her back into ancient tombs full of twisted traps. She
seems more at home there,and so does the game.” How would you respond to
that comment?

We’d say that you
were definitely right! We’ve done exactly as you suggested and sent Lara back
to the most tomb and trap-infested locations we can think of! Egypt is
obviously perfect for this  – and for
sending Lara back to her real Tomb-Raiding roots.

What are the main benefits of using one locale?
Drawbacks?

Benefits means
that instead of using the storyline to link locations on a worldwide basis – we
did this for the past 3 games – we can now make the storyline far more integral
to gameplay itself and hence focus the player more toward the plot rather than
the next location.

Egypt is so
steeped in mythology and ancient architecture that we’ve been able to reproduce
stuning locations, some of which are influenced but many of which are taken
from real history or buildings, temples etc. still standing there today.        

Drawbacks – well,
a lot of sandy and golden colours and stone textures, but the artists have let
their imaginations loose and we’ve been easily able to produce a lot of
variety. 

Are there any overriding philosophies driving the game’s
level design?

Really a return the
original atmosphere, suspense and puzzle-orientation of the original game –
with plenty of new and improved twists to keep Lara on her toes.

What are the new Lara moves?

To name some:
we’ve introduced ropes (no mean feat). Lara can climb up and down ropes, grab
them, swing on them, gain momentum etc. So this means that she’s now got a set
of completely new options to traverse areas. Since we have ropes, we can also
have poles for her to go up and down too.

The
hand-over-hand shimmy now goes around corners which also opens up new
possibilities. In the past it was obvious where this move would be used – but
now Lara can shimmy round corners we have new ways to move her around the map.

We also have door
open and door close (with hands), shoulder barge doors, kick down doors etc.
Plus new moves with crowbars and other objects, searching bodies, grabbing
levers concealed within small holes… the list goes on.

Some of the existing
moves have been improved to make animations more fluid – and more practical for
the player’s control over Lara.

What is the main goal of the new inventory
interface? How complex will the  new
puzzles be?

Main goal is to
make life easier for Lara and more interesting for the player. Objects can be
collected and combined eg. torch plus batteries for looking into dark corners,
torch plus batteries plus gun for shooting into dark areas. Pieces of maps can
be collected and once Lara has them all she’ll not only have a full overview of
the location, but may be able to access additional secret areas. The binoculars
will be used for viewing remote areas and collection information for
inscriptions etc that would be too distant to read with the naked eye. Once
viewed, this info will appear in the diary – as if Lara has written it herself.
The diary’s integral to the inventory and will have several uses.

Puzzles won’t be
so tricky that they become too frustrating – as I said earlier, the player will
have all the info required to solve the puzzles within easy reach, it’s just a
case of working them out! We’ve looked back at the original game but the
majority of puzzles are all-new.

What kinds of vehicles (if any) will Lara get to putter
around in?

At the moment we
have a jeep and a motorbike with sidecar!

How would you answer criticisms that the game is
somehow “less” of a sequel because, despite additional features, it
doesn’t appear to have radically new technology?

The progression
from TRIII to TLR is the most marked yet. Whilst the engine isn’t brand new,
it’s been ripped down to it’s foundations and completely re-built – so it’s
around 90% new. Fundamental elements such as the targeting system have been
completely re-adressed, as has AI.

You’re not going to play around with the saved game
issue, are you? Save anywhere, right? 

Right – with
multiple slots for PSX.

What is the breakdown, percentage wise, on sales, PSX
vs. PC?

It’s around 60:40
in favour of PSX currently, however we have seen a steady increase in the
market share of TR on the PC for each version released so far.

Beyond “bump mapping,” what other PC-only
features can we look forward to?

This time around
the PC version is dedicated and will hold its own against other titles
developed for PC only. Bump mapping makes a tremendous difference to clarity
and depth, but we’re also looking to use the power of the PC wherever we
can.  This may result in some features
being available on the PC that may not be available on the PSX.

Is the gameplay more shooting-based a la Tomb 2, or
is it more puzzle-based, like Tombs 1 and 3? 

It’s more
puzzle-based, ala original Tomb Raider, but we’re talking all-new puzzles,
combined with Lara’s new moves and the new inventory system. Items can be
combined to help with puzzle solving and information retrieval as well as
combat etc. Lara will have everything she needs to solve the puzzles within the
near vicinity – so she won’t have to spend ages running around the map to
collect items. The difficulty will lie in actually working out the puzzles,
rather than obtaining the items required to solve them – so it’s certainly more
like the original game in that respect.

We’ve got
pressure-pads, timed levers, rotating hubs, wheels, hanging switches, switches
in holes, levers and fulcrums, platforms and blocks that can be raised, trip
wires, breakable walls, direction puzzles (using compass) to name but a few.
The old levers from previous games are now obsolete! We have a whole range of
new systems for Lara to operate, using a variety of new animations.

Of course we will
have shooting but the targeting system has now been completely re-designed so
Lara won’t necessarily lock-on automatically but will be able to toggle between
targets with her guns. In the previous games, as soon as Lara was near an
enemy, she would lock-on – this really gave the game away and prevented her
from locking onto any other enemy. We were unable to change this due to the
fact that it was such a fundamental part of the engine.

Now that the
heart of the engine has been ripped out and reconstructed, we can change the
whole combat system and also introduce brand-new AI – enemies themselves will
have a far greater range of ability and moves. They are given AI that enables
them to follow Lara all over the map, mimicking and/or countering her moves –
so it’s no longer a case of being able to stand on a ‘safe’ ledge and shoot
from a distance. Lara will really have to ‘deal’ with the majority of enemies
so she won’t be able to run away from them all – and if she does they’ll soon
be back to confront her again. 

The new inventory
replaces the old rings and gives the interface a whole new look. In fact, as
soon as you load the game you’ll notice that everything is completely changed. 

Items can be
collected, stored and combined to solve some of the puzzles, or generally make
life easier for Lara. EG. combine a torch (if you have batteries) with your gun
and you’ll be able to target in the dark. Collect dry sticks from the floor and
Lara can then light them from a fire – they will burn for a limited time.
Binoculars will also be available to enable Lara to read inscriptions that she
can’t with the naked eye – she can zoom in and out with these. Once read, info
will appear in the diary (in inventory) as if Lara’s written it in herself.
Maps can also be collected and when pieced together may give access to secret
areas… The diary also features hints and tips, save-game, a scrapbook and
other useful clues, notes etc.

Are the levels distributed all over Egypt, or is it all
set in one large tomb complex?

We have several
locations such as Cairo, Alexandria, Karnak, Pyramids at Giza etc so there’s
plenty of variety in the actual locations. The locations are more integral to
the storyline, which is driven seamlessly through – gameplay will dissolve to
cut-scenes and FMV amd vice-versa. Loading screens are eliminated so we’re looking
at a really continuous, single adventure which will really keep the player
focused.

To link the more
remote Egyptian locations, some levels will be played that actually take Lara
to the next location e.g  jeep chase and
train levels – very new and exciting! 

Are the enemies human, animal or fantastic, or a mixture
of the three?

As the storyline
goes, Set’s approach toward earth gradually begins to wreak more and more
havoc, creating some rather unusual occurrences… statues coming to life,
things emerging from ancient graves… lots of reference to ancient mythology
and strange creatures! We have a real mixture of enemies ranging from the
mythological to the human, but the majority are non-human so lots of potential
there… Human enemies are mostly followers of Lara’s main enemy, Von Croy. We
have fantasy enemies such as skeletons, sphinxes, wraiths, mummies etc.

What bits of the plot are we allowed to tell our
readers? Any secret new stuff you can tell us?

Basically Lara is
hired to discover a new tomb. During her exploration of this untouched tomb,
she manages to unleash the very evil spirit of Set (Horus’s brother. Horus
himself bound Set for eternity in this tomb). Lara discovers that the only
person who can re-imprison Set is the person who has set him free… i.e.
herself. In order to do this, Lara must re-animate Horus at the correct
alignment of the Orion constellation at the Millennium (so there’s a timed element
here) so that he can do battle with Set and hopefully vanquish him. Obviously,
all is not straightforward and the plot takes many twists and turns. Lara,
however, is not completely alone and will have recourse to an old friend
(Jean-Yves) throughout. Jean-Yves will help Lara from time to time and Lara
will even save his life when Von Croy kidnaps him in an attempt to lure Lara
away…

I understand the big baddie is the Egyptian god
Set. Where does Lara’s nemesis fit into the picture?

Von Croy. He used
to be Lara’s mentor (we discover this in level one). We learn that Lara once
had to abandon Von Croy due to unforseen circumstances, but that he’s now back
on the scene and has actually, unbeknown to Lara, hired her. Lara soon
discovers this so it’s a game of cat and mouse to see who comes out on top. 

How does the new inventory system work? Does the
fact Lara can combine items and stuff mean we can expect Resident Evil-style
puzzles? 

Not exactly – the
inventory is there to make life easier and more interesting for Lara/the
player, and to add a new dimension to gameplay and puzzle-solving as mentioned
earlier. 

How many levels will there be? Will there be a
system where you can choose which way you go through the game, like in Tomb
Raider 3?

No – the game
will be linear so there will be no choice regarding order of locations. Lara
will have to revisit certain points (we’re calling them hubs). There will be
around 15 ‘levels’ but final number tbc. As stated earlier, this is a
continuous adventure so the word ‘levels’ isns’t really applicable. Size-wise
it’s around the same as the previous TR games, but the locations themselves are
smaller and mostly inside.

Does Lara have new guns to play with? Is the combat
system any different from the first two? 

Yes – we’ve got
some new weapons – including a crossbow. Weapons will be low-tech due to the
fact we’re in ancient locations. We’ll have choice of ammo for weapons such as
the shotgun. Combat system is certainly changed – as stated above. The majority
of weapons can be targetted by the player and the crossbow will have a
laser-sight. This weapon is also used with a first-person perspective.

So, how final is the end of Tomb Raider 4?

Well, the title
certainly seems to imply that… but who knows!

Other:

Lara is now
skinned and has remodelled hands and head! She can now blink and her mouth will
move so that she will actually be seen to talk in cut-scenes.

She may look
toward certain important objects, features. This will help toward detection of
small objects and intercative objects such as door handles and switches etc.

Some of the moves:

Ropes are
introduced so there’s more scope for negotiation areas. Lara can grab, go up
and down, swing and gain momentum with ropes. Ropes will also be linked to some
of the puzzles and may be used to activate switches, bells etc. Some ropes will
be breakable..

Corner climb: Lara can now reach 90 degrees around
corners whilst shimmying – this really opens up potential for traversing areas
(in previous games Lara could only shimmy in a straight line and would have to
drop when she reached a corner)

Doors may be
opened simply with the hand, ot they may be pushed and/or barged open.

Trapdoor open –
Lara will be able to lean down and pull up trapdoors. She will also be able to
jump up and pull down doors/grates in the ceiling.

Miscellaneous
other moves – crowbar levels, running pick-ups, swin dash.

Existing moves
are also modified for easier control, fluid animation etc.

28/07/1999

The post TOMB RAIDER: THE LAST REVELATION Q and A with the team appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

Merry Croftmas! Image courtesy of www.core-design.com

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TOMB RAIDER

THE LAST REVELATION: 

Brief storyline 

EGYPT- Present Day 

Lara moves across an unforgiving
desert, on camel, a guide by her side. 

She halts at a small rocky outcrop, dismounts and activates
an ancient mechanism, revealing what appears to be a virgin tomb… 

Upon her later escape, Lara’s guide attempts to double
cross her and steal an artefact she has taken from the tomb. She outwits him
and he flees. 

Anxious to discover who her latest enemy is, Lara pursues
the guide but runs into an ambush. She escapes by the skin of her teeth across
the Nile. 

It is at this point that we recognise Lara’s rival and learn
of his true intentions…

Lara meets with an old colleague and fellow archaeologist
to gather more information about the artefact she has discovered. Lara must now
begin her real task and collect vital pieces of information and other artefacts
etc. 

Her next stop is the Tomb of Semerkhet at Karnak; she can only enter using the
artefact as a key, and henceforth leaves it in the key-slot as she enters. 

Somebody then traps her inside, steeling the artefact and
sealing Lara inside the tomb…

She escapes to discover her rival is heading to Alexandria in an attempt to find the
other artefacts and information.

Once in Alexandria, it’s a game of cat and mouse. Lara
must regain the artefacts before her enemy. 

Lara’s enemy then kidnaps her colleague in an attempt to
lure Lara to Cairo. 

Lara reaches Cairo on motorbike, and fights her way through
to the Citadel, subsequently to the Giza Pyramids for the final show-down. 

Document info:

Susie Hamilton was the Public Relations expert for Core Design in 1993-2002

The post Tomb Raider the Last Revelation OFFICIAL STORY OUTLINE appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

TOMB RAIDER

The
Last Revelation

Prophecy 

       And SET sayeth: ‘I am the shadow across
the

       sun; I am the bringer of plagues. My
wrath

       will consume all lands and shall be
ceaseless.’

/back
to Lara and Jean-Yves as they look to each other.

Jean
Yves looks concerned when he realises what Lara has done.

 ——————————————-

Egypt. Land of mythology, mystery,
pharaohs… and the most complex tombs known to man. Tombs littered with mazes,
puzzles and traps, designed to drive even the most persistent raiders to
distraction… or to their deaths. So great is the glory of discovery that the
fanatical explorer will risk life itself in order to discover and plunder their
hearts… 

The prospect of exploring a virgin tomb deep in the belly
of the desert cannot be ignored by an adventurer so determined as Lara Croft …
but with this discovery comes a price that could cost the earth. 

——————————————- 

Based entirely
in Egyptian locations, Last Revelation’s plot revolves around ancient mythology
and the alignment of the stars at the millennium. 

Finding
herself in a serious predicament, Lara’s objective is clear from the outset –
she must escape a terrifying destiny and rectify a situation that threatens to
destroy humanity. 

The
storyline is driven seamlessly through gameplay via advanced engine technology.
New programming routines allow gameplay to dissolve into cut-scenes and FMV –
loading screens are eliminated and the adventure becomes a continuous experience.

Last
Revelation’s redesigned inventory system gives Tomb Raider brand-new gameplay.
The traditional inventory rings are now obsolete – the interface is totally
redesigned, allowing items to be combined, collected and stored. The new
inventory also features Lara’s diary and a location map that may be accessed
for hints and tips. 

Application
of the transformed system gives new life to puzzle elements – a key feature of
Last Revelation. Combined with Lara’s new moves and abilities, gameplay
features greater scope than ever before. 

Clear
objectives and smaller locations result in less time spent travelling between
areas. Individual environments are more reminiscent of the original game –
tightly focused and puzzle-orientated, but with higher levels of detail and a
greater number of objects than seen before. An emphasis on ancient locations
and tombs etc. allows mystery, suspense and characteristic atmosphere to play
key roles throughout. 

To further
the atmospheric detail, the lighting system now features spotlighting. New
environment mapping also allows a variety of surfaces and objects to reflect
and react to light sources. Bump mapping is also featured to significantly
increase graphical definition. 

Lara
herself is remodelled – fully skinned and more detailed. A range of new moves,
both simple and complex, has enabled designers to create an assortment of brand
new puzzle and trap mechanisms for Lara to negotiate. 

In terms of
accessible gameplay, Last Revelation is able to offer greater range than any of
its predecessors. New technology features a wealth of original elements and
effects designed to give a more focused and compelling experience. 

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation.

Release
date:     November 1999

Format:              PC and PlayStation

Document info:

Susie Hamilton was the Public Relations expert for Core Design in 1993-2002

SEE ALSO OFFICIAL CORE DESIGN TOMB RAIDER 4 MEMO

The post Tomb Raider the Last Revelation Official Press Release appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

UPDATED OVERVIEW 5^TH AUGUST 1999

Storyline (See overview for plot details).

This is driven seamlessly through game and gives
Lara very clear objectives throughout.

The storyline is related via FMV’s, cut-scenes and Lara’s
interaction with characters, plus the collection of information (from
inscriptions etc).

Gameplay dissolves to cut-scenes, cut-scenes to FMV,
and vice-versa. The intention is to completely eliminate loading screens and
keep the adventure continuous

Whereas for previous Tomb Raider games, the story
was used as a means of linking locations, Last Revelation’s plot  will be completely integrated throughout the
game, keeping the player clearly focused.

FMV and cut scenes are far more prevalent than seen
in previous games and quality is vastly improved. Last Revelation will feature
11 FMVs (20 minutes).

The Last Revelation introduces two important
characters that have influenced Lara’s life tremendously. These characters play
integral roles through the entire game.

 Locations

The game is set entirely in Egypt.

Main locations:

• Karnak
• Cairo
• Giza
• Alexandria
• Valley of the Kings

Last Revelation is the same size as previous Tomb Raider games, but
locations themselves are smaller and more atmospheric. The player will not be
required to wander around vast maps in search of clues and will have a very
clear idea of what needs to be achieved. Puzzles will be solved with
information/items from the near vicinity in order to keep objectives clear.

Training Level 

Lara’s mansion is not featured. 

The training level takes place in Cambodia and is a
‘flashback’ level that is used to introduce Lara’s mentor, Von Croy, and also
to re-introduce Lara herself at the age of 16 years. 

The 16 year version of Lara is not a feature of Last
Revelation but is used as a means to tell both old and new users more about her
history and the reasons why she is an adventurer today. 

Von Croy has the same moves as Lara and teaches her
how to perform all moves, both old and new. 

The level features a race against Von Croy.
Experienced / proficient players will be rewarded with an alternative route
toward the end of the training level. 

The training level may be repeated by re-starting
the game. It must be completed in order to access the real adventure. 

At the end of the training level, the player is
presented with an FMV: Von Croy’s leg becomes trapped. When Lara tries to save
him, the area around her becomes unstable. She flees to save her own life – and
has to leave Von Croy for dead. 

The player is subsequently presented with an
introductory FMV that sets the scene for The Last Revelation itself. 

Inventory

Upon loading Last Revelation, the player is
presented with a brand-new interface. The old inventory rings and passport
system are now obsolete. 

The new inventory system is more akin to that of a
traditional adventure game e.g. Monkey Island. 

Standard inventory items: 

• Colt pistols
• Canteen
• Flares
• Compass – required for solving some of the puzzles
• Binoculars – these have a zoom in/out feature
• Diary – see ‘Diary’ section  

 Inventory contd.

 Items may be collected, combined and stored in the
new inventory.

Objects:           Batteries

Diary 

The new inventory also features a diary that has the
following uses: 

·        
Storing of information – the Diary makes a journal that details Lara’s
progress e.g plot details, location details etc. If Lara reads inscriptions,
these will also appear in the Diary as if she has written them in herself.
Information contained within the Diary can be referred to at any time. 

·        
Hints and tips – For areas where Lara becomes stuck, the player may enter this
section of the diary for simple clues. (There will be some kind of penalty for
frequent referral to this section). 

·        
Maps
– Lara may collect pieces of maps throughout the game. These may be overlaid on
the screen during gameplay to assist the player (PC only). Once Lara has all
pieces of a particular map, secret areas may be opened up for additional
exploration. 

·        
Scrapbook – throughout the game, background information will appear in the
scrapbook e.g. pictures of Lara, her family, friends, information about her
past and previous Tomb Raider adventures etc. This is not required for
completion of the game, being used purely for the player’s interest /
amusement. 

·        
Save / Load game – both PSX and PC games use a ‘save-anywhere’ system. PSX format
offers 5 save-game slots. 

Game Engine

The existing Tomb Raider engine, although solid,
prevented Core from changing fundamental elements for Tomb Raiders II and III.

Development of Last Revelation started Spring 1998.
The engine is 90% new, having has been completely re-designed. 

Fundamental changes include the following: 

·        
New comprehensive inventory system 

·        
New targeting system – Lara will no longer automatically lock-on to
enemies. The player will have the option to toggle between targets. Objects
within the environment may now also be targeted. 

·        
New AI – due to the new targeting system, AI is now able to reach
advanced levels (see Artificial Intelligence) 

·        
New ‘Organics’ – 3D objects are introduced via the new editing system.
This results in areas featuring ‘real’ objects that Lara may interact with, 3D
architecture and therefore greater levels of detail. 

·        
Collapsible walls – some walls may now be blown up / collapsed. 

·        
Lighting system – Dynamic lighting and spotlighting are featured.
Spotlighting enables concentrated beams of light to be used to guide the
player/ focus attention/create additional atmospheric effects. 

·        
Environment Mapping – textures and 3D objects are environment-mapped to
display realistic characteristics and react to light. E.g. metallic surfaces
will now be reflective, marble surfaces will shine etc. 

·        
Bump Mapping (PC only) – for greater visual clarity, detail and depth. 

·        
PSX version is hi-res and supports dual-analog. 

·        
PC Specification: 266 Minimum (software and hardware). Details to be
confirmed.  

Artificial Intelligence 

Last Revelation features advanced levels of AI. 

Many enemies are given the same moves as Lara and
will be able to mimic her moves around the environment. 

Human enemies are not prevalent but will be given
almost the same range of moves as Lara herself. 

Lara will no longer be able to reach a safe point
and simply shoot enemies from safety – they will pursue her and/or counter her
moves. 

Lara will have to ‘deal’ with enemies, using far
more complex methods than seen in previous TR games. Enemies now have the
capacity to dodge and evade. 

Some enemies may not be killed outright e.g.
Skeletons may not be shot down since they are already dead. Lara must find
other means to destroy them e.g. they may be pushed off ledges, smashed or
trapped etc. 

Supernatural enemies may not be killed outright
either – e.g. different types of Wraiths will require different methods for
their elimination. 

Enemies now follow the environments closely and will
‘hug’ the landscape for greater levels of realism. 

Lara may be poisoned by some of Last Revelation’s
enemies. To restore health she will need to use specific items that may be
collected and stored in the inventory. 

Enemies 

Due to the storyline and setting, the majority of
enemies are non-human. Set’s approach to earth gradually begins to influence
the environments and bizarre events begin to occur… 

Examples of enemies:

• Mummies
• Skeletons
• Wraiths
• Sphinxes
• Statues (ancient Gods/creatures come to life)
• Von Croy’s followers (human)
• Giant scorpions, beetles etc. 

Characters 

Lara will interact with several characters but there are
two main characters that she will meet frequently throughout Last Revelation: 

Von Croy: Lara’s arch-enemy, unbeknown to her at the outset.
He will appear throughout the game and will usually be one step ahead of Lara 

Jean-Yves: Lara meets this old friend several times. Lara and
Jean Yves share a mutual respect for one another – like Lara, he is an
adventurer/archaologist. There is an ‘X-files’ sexual tension between the two
but this is not developed to a romantic level. Lara will visit Jean-Yves
several times and at one point will have to save his life. 

Weapons 

Again, due to the setting and storyline, Lara has no
need for hi-tech weapons. Her standard weapons are a pair of Colt pistols. 

Other weapons include: 

• Shotgun
• Uzis (with standard and new tracer bullets)
• Revolver
• Grenades (standard, stun and smoke)
• Crossbow – this is a very accurate, targetable
  weapon. When used, perspective will move to first person. 

Moves 

Last Revelation features a higher ratio of new moves
than seen in previous games.  Two of the
key moves are the use of ropes and new ‘shimmy’: 

Use of ropes –  This opens
up brand new methods for negotiation of environments and puzzles.  Lara may climb up and down, grab, swing from
and build momentum using ropes. 

Shimmy round corners – Lara can now move
hand-over-hand around corners. Again, this opens up new possibilities for
exploration. 

Examples of other new moves:

• Shoulder barge door
• Kick down door
• Open door (with hand)
• Crowbar door open
• Search bodies
• Open trap door in floor / ceiling  

Lara Croft

 Lara is now fully skinned and has an increased
number of polygons. She can now blink and
her mouth will move so that she will now be seen to talk in cut-scenes. 

Lara may look toward certain important objects, features. This will help
toward detection of small objects and interactive objects such as door handles
and switches etc. 

Lara also has a new voice for Last Revelation! 

Costume changes will not be heavily featured since
the story is set in one country only. There may be small changes – these to be
confirmed. 

When Lara emerges from the water, the player will
now see water dripping from her. 

Vehicles 

Last Revelation features 2 main vehicles – a jeep
and a motorbike with side-car. 

Also featured is a train. A ‘level’ will be played
in/on the roof of the train. 

Vehicles are used to link geographical areas via
gameplay. As such, they are intrinsic to gameplay/progression to a new area.

Puzzles 

Last Revelation is heavily puzzle-based, more so
than even the original Tomb Raider. 

Puzzles themselves are all-new. Lara’s new moves,
plus the new inventory system allows greater scope than ever before for
invention of new puzzle ideas. 

All items required to solve puzzles may be found
within Lara’s near vicinity. This eliminates the need for the player to cover
vast distances searching for objects. The difficulty will lie in actually working out the puzzles, rather than
obtaining the items required to solve them. 

Puzzles
feature element such as: ropes and pulleys, pressure-pads, timed levers,
rotating hubs, wheels, hanging switches, switches in holes, levers and
fulcrums, platforms and blocks that can be raised, trip wires, breakable walls,
direction puzzles (using compass). 

The
old levers/switches from previous games are now obsolete. Lara has a range of
new systems to operate, using new animations and the new inventory.

 Document info:

Susie Hamilton was the Public Relations expert for Core Design in 1993-2002

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