While there has been a lot of rumors going around the gameplay of the Rise of the Tomb Raider, the game's franchise creative director Noah Hughes answers some fan queries that reveal new spicy details on gameplay, including the new combat skills of Lara Croft, improvements on animation effects, and a still action-packed adventure of the femme protagonist.
Hughes dishes exciting information about Lara's upcoming adventure over an official forum at the Square Enix.
In the course of Lara's adventure missions, clothes being ripped, getting dirty, hair and clothe-sticking snow are still there. A previous image leaked shows the protagonist in the same manner with her tattered jacket and wounds while coming to blows against a wild bear.
A system-based reflection of visual layer will add to the animations effects, like the dirty, wet and dry states. Behavioral layer is also added depending on the situation of the protagonist, especially with regards to temperature and feelings. Example of which is when Lara gets hurt or feels cold.
"We've tried to do as much as we can to connect Lara with the world, so a lot of this is the team enjoying adding details to the character because it supports her, grounding her in the moment. In the context of the story, they almost become reminders of everything you've been through, and how far you've come since the beginning of the game," said Hughes.
Lara is also given the new combat weapon, including a knife as a melee finisher. She will have some new close quarter combat opportunities according to weapons available which will be different from the ranged weapons in 2013. Other finishers include stealth kill which can be done from atop of trees or from the water. These additions are important to characterize Lara's mobility and agility.
As an action adventure signature, Rise of the Tomb Raider is made more exciting with more incredible quests. The title goes beyond the survival mode as it is just "sort of the flavors" of the game. Hughes assures fans that the franchise will go beyond hostile wilderness, ancient locations manifested with bears and wild wolves, and treacherous terrains.
"In some ways we've pushed survival feeling different than it did before. We go that extra step to try to make sure she's not relying too heavily on her gear and equipment that she brings with her... Part of that is to bring out her character, to recognize her determination and her wit and resourcefulness," stressed Hughes.
Although some of the game's QTEs are still there, Hughes said the team reduced the use of DTEs in combat. Specific buttons for QTEs will be used ditching randomness. Previously, Rise of the Tomb Raider was revealed to have a standalone story, three time's larger maps, and Lara's London apartment.
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