The Tomb Raider gameplay demo at the Microsoft E3 2011 press conference contained a lot of quick time events (QTE) and many people, understandably, were upset at the design decision. They don’t have a reason to worry, however, as Karl Stewart, Crystal Dynamics’ global brand manager, has told Videogamer.com that the QTEs will not be overdone, and players can expect a dynamic combat system.
“We are not heavy when it comes to quick time events. We are not shallow. We saw the cinematics today about how Lara interacts with Roth and we see an emotion we haven’t seen before. I think yesterday morning was really more of a representation of aspects of the game,” mentioned Stewart. The game has a day/night cycle, and a varied weather system, which is yet to be shown. Lara also meets another character named Conrad Roth, a 52-year old treasure hunter, who teaches her key survival techniques. Missions can also be completed in different ways, and there are branching routes to an objective.
The game also features a new loot and crafting system, much like the modern RPG’s out there, which should enhance the survival aspects of the game. You will also be able to fast travel from captured base camps in the island, and is specifically introduced by the developers to reduce backtracking.
The game is set to release late next year for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.