The World Exclusive of Lara's Next Generation Debut by Play

Tomb Raider 8

Well boys and girls, looks like Santa came a bit early this year... And left an amazing gift at our doorstep.

Yes that's right, we have Tomb Raider 8: Underworld pictures and info!!!!

From what I've read in the article, the enviroment will be much like Legend, but vastly improved.

"Remember those massive environments from the first Tomb Raider when the gameplay was so fresh and new, where you had no idea what to do or how to do it? Well, that sense of awe is back, only tenfold, as the terrain has become a living part of the game. Everything you see is dynamic. It's pure woman versus wild. If Lara's negotiating a wet ledge she's more apt to slip or lose grip, and if she picks up a stick to use for leverage it becomes a physical part of the game."

Some excerpts from the Q & A with Crystal Dynamics:

One of the coolest new refinements has to be the way water cascades down her skin and the way she gets muddy and/or wet, and then dries off realistically.

Is this a product of your specific technology? I've never seen it done to such a degree.

The model for Lara Croft is a showcase of are and technology that we are very proud of. She has more than a dozen layers that determine her skin tone and texture, how light reflects or scatters, how shadows form, etc. We use these layers to not only make Lara look more amazing than ever, but we manipulate them in various ways to make her appear wet, sweaty, dirty, muddy, and more.

I know that you can't divulge any story elements but can you explain how the game unfurls in terms of locales? Is it set in one massive region or will Lare take to globe hopping?

The adventure Lara pursues takes her around the world, where shediscovers and explores the mythical underworlds of multiple ancient cultures.

What about vehicles? I've seenthe (early) bike, but what other means of transport will she control?

Stay tuned!!

You mentioned that there were very few armed enemies inthe game. Does thismean that Lara will use her firearms less as well?

Hardly any of Lara's enemies will have guns but she will certainly need hers. Her quest takes her far from civilization, discovering ruins no onehas ever seen before, so she has few encounters with armed humans. What she finds down in these underworlds are dangerous cryptids (creatures that are presumed extinct, or have yet to be discovered) and other guardians that aren't natural in origin, and many ofthem can take a lot of bullets before going down.

What types of melee abilities will she posses? Will they evolve in any way or is Lara Lara?

Lara Croft is and continues to be a skilled combatant, and this will include gun play and melee abilities. Lara's physical attacks focus on repelling enemies so she can shoot them with less risk to herself. These skills are with her from the start, but as the player explores deeper into the underworlds, they become increasingly necessary to use and use skillfully.

Toby(Gard) keeps a careful eye on the line between sexy and trashy. How is this being handled given the authenticity of such a detailed new model?

Our belief has always been that Lara is sexy because she is beautiful, strong, skilled, stylish, and confident. Once those elements are established, overtly sexual elements of any kind, be they physical or behavioral, actually detract from Lara's attractiveness. Lara will have realistic secondary motion throughout her model as she moves, but along with everything else from her clothing choices to her tone of voice, only as a way os supporting those core elements of Lara's appeal. The result on the whole is really compelling.

Will Keeley Hawes reprise her role as Lara?

We are very pleased to say that Keeley is the voice of Lara Croft for this adventure.

How long a game are you shooting for? Or does it depend on how you play? Based on what I saw I know I'll be stopping often to soak in the sights.

The length of the game will depend more than ever on play style, given the different possibilities and optional exploration rewards. What also makes the playtime hard to predict is that the process of exploring and solving various challenges the first time will last significantly longer than subsequent replays.

Is there a central "bad guy" or is Lara up against something omnipotent?

It's safe to say that what Lara is up against is unlike anything she's done before.

More Images and Full Size Mag Cover in The Gallery Under

Tomb Raider 8 News Page and The Gallery .

Source: Play Magazine January 2008 Issue

Thanks to Gia Assist. Admin for Typing the article.

they made her ponytail shorter

http://www.laracroftonline.com/gallery/pic...ider_8/2222.jpg

I dont think her pony is that much shorter if at all. Notice that she is moving so her hair is most likely to do the same also this is Early footage so her hair is most likly going to be as long as in Legend Dont worry LOL.

Thanks Tom this is amazing!

Edited December 17, 200718 yr by Experience

Thanks for posting, Tom! I think Lara looks amazing in this pic. Can't wait for the new game to come out.