Core Design's Susie Hamilton Reveals Lara's New Revelations (1999)

GameSpot.co.uk

We've managed to secure an exclusive interview with Core's PR Manager Susie Hamilton. She gives us an interesting insight into Lara's new revelations. How does Lara aged 16 differ from the Lara we all know and love? She'll look quite different but we're keeping the final details to ourselves at the moment...sorry but this is one that you'll have to see for yourself when you play the game! What are the advantages of the new game engine (for the PC and the Playstation)? We've been able to really take the old engine down to its bare foundations and start from scratch for both PC and PSX formats - almost. Main differences are: New targeting system - Lara will be able to toggle between enemies so the player can choose which baddie to take out first.

Environment interaction - Lara can really interact with the scenery e.g. she'll have to shoot switches, destroy objects, etc.

Objects - 'organic' 3D objects are introduced via the new editing system. Environments look a lot more 'busy' and Lara will be able to interact with these objects.

Detail - higher levels of detail, a lot of 3D architecture, new atmospheric visual effects e.g. new spotlighting system

Inventory + diary - one of the most important features.

Collapsible scenery - Lara will be able to blow up / break down walls, etc.

Ropes - Lara most complex manoeuvre yet! Ropes are used not only for traversing maps but also for puzzle solving.

AI - this has now advanced to the next level. Many baddies will be able to mimic most of Lara's moves so it's now a lot harder to get rid of them. Some enemies will also be able to go from water to land and vice-versa. Human baddies will go off in search of weapons and ammo. Also, many supernatural baddies cannot be shot outright so the player will have to learn new tactics to deal with them properly. You may be able to get rid of some of the baddies for a while - but they'll be back!

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 will result in some features being available on the PC that may not be available on the PSX. Specific features for cards will be included. Details tbc.


Any details about the new weapons and ammo?

New crossbow with different bolts. This is a very accurate, targetable weapon. When used, perspective will move to first person. New tracer bullets for the Uzi. New revolver. Grenades include standard, stun and smoke. Crossbow - this is a very accurate, targetable weapon. When used, perspective will move to first person. Shotgun now has narrow and wide spread ammo so player will have to determine which ammo to use per situation.


Is it true she's got an Uzi?

Yep!


What's so good about Lara's new diary?

It serves several purposes:

All key events will automatically be entered into the journal - so the player can look back over the history so far at any time to recap on plot, locations, items/places of interest, etc.

If Lara reads an inscription, talks to people, gathers new info, etc. this will be entered into the diary as if Lara's written it in herself.

Hints and tips section of the diary will be available for when the player gets stuck - although there will be a penalty for looking at this too often.

Scrapbook section - this shows photos of Lara, her friends, previous adventures, gives detail about her background - just to give the player a bit more history to Lara herself.

Maps - these will be featured in the diary. If the player collects enough pieces of a particular map, secret areas may be opened up.


Will we learn any more about Von Croy?

Yes - during the training level, first FMV and a bit more during the game itself.


Tell us about the Jean-Yves character.

He's Lara's old friend, an archaeologist and adventurer after her own heart. The two have a shared affinity for raiding and will meet several times during TLR. It's an X-Files Mulder & Scully-type scenario really. Lara will even have to save Jean-Yves' life at one point. Just how grateful he'll be remains a mystery...!!!


Tell us about the new objects.

3D architecture plays a key role, plus objects such as urns, monuments, statues and also puzzle objects that will have to be interacted with or collected and used via the inventory - plus a few surprises.


Will there be a multiplayer version of the game? If not why not?

No - Lara's quite enough to handle by herself! We've considered multiplayer but not enough time/resources right now to sort out the mechanics for this. It may be something for the future.