View Full Version : How do you think TRA is going to "draw inspiration" from TR1?
When I first clicked on the Tomb Raider Anniversary screenshot (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77241) thread, presumably as soon as it was posted (as there were no replies, and it has since been edited), there was something about how the fans have been asking for a Tomb Raider remake, so they've decided to go one step further, and use the original storyline to make a new game.
What do you think that means? I'm assuming now that they're going to keep the original storyline pretty much exact, but change the locational challenges a bit so it's not completely the same game. Perhaps keep the fan-favourite puzzles and locations (the rooms in St. Francis Folly, bacon Lara, underwater statue room etc.), but remove some stuff that's not so iconic.
My first reaction to the statement, however, was that they were going to take TR1 and Legend-ify it, i.e. by adding Zip and Alister, using shiny clues, auto-grab and so on, which, naturally, filled me with dread.
Still, the fact that they've stated that "This game is for the fans", and have distinctly defined those fans as the ones who've been around for ages (and even those who haven't, but love the classics anyway) is very hopeful, in my opinion. It kind of says to me that they've been listening to our greviences with Legend. :)
So, how do you think they're going to change TR1 in the TRA?
Very hard to say, could be anything. My guess is that the general look and feel and layout of the levels will stay the same, but the actual puzzles, moves and jumps could be changed, maybe even hugely, and certainly incooperating moves that were found in Legend. I could also imagine that the order in which we visit some areas could be changed, new rooms could be added and old (unimportant) ones removed.
Still, the fact that they've stated that "This game is for the fans", and have distinctly defined those fans as the ones who've been around for ages (and even those who haven't, but love the classics anyway) is very hopeful, in my opinion. It kind of says to me that they've been listening to our greviences with Legend. :)That's what gave me a glimmer of hope too. I don't know if you saw my post, but I said I felt a bit listened to and I hope that I'm right. They have really highlighted us long-term fans and I sincerely hope this isn't PR guff.
Personally, I'm willing to give them plenty of leeway on remaking TR1 providing they aren't Legendifying it.
I'm quite happy for them to tweak the story, levels, locations, puzzles, add new bits and so on... providing, they make them with a genuine nod to old-style gameplay. Like when we looked at the Core AE - you could see it'd changed, but was still in the Spirit of TR1.
If it's a "Corridors R Us" (to quote Elysia) scenerio then I'll be most disappointed.
If they have a grapple I'll reserve judgement, but I don't want them to use it more than 3 or 4 times in the game and then use it imaginatively. Make it an ingenious puzzle breaker, not used here, there and everywhere. Same with the pole swinging. I don't want to make my way across the colosseum and Egypt swinging from pole to pole to pole to pole to pole to.... NO!!!
It doesn't have to be perfect or an exact copy. All I want is the Spirit of TR1, lovingly restored and respected.
Seems to me that Eidos is beginning to listen/consider long-term TR fans. Good for them and for us :D
One of the most important things in the future of videogames industry is a stronger contact between the publishers/developers and the customers/fans. This way we'll obtain a better product and they'll obtain great sales. And everyone will be happy! :)
Eidos' words sound good. Let's see if TRAE is really the way fans want it to be. I hope so...
I hope they stick to the original Level design, but expand on it becuase the technology can allow it, as Rivendell said in another thread it would be brilliant to actually do the bike sections, as long as its not mundane and repetitive like Legend, make it stunt filled and perilous :D
As in Tomb Raider tradition, the now manditory modern levels could appear in the form of the Lift FMV? Also! I hope the huge Canyon dive is playable :D
If they have a grapple I'll reserve judgement, but I don't want them to use it more than 3 or 4 times in the game and then use it imaginatively. Make it an ingenious puzzle breaker, not used here, there and everywhere.
If they have the grapple, I would like it to be useable whenever (i.e. not just when CD need you to use it), and at the choice of the player. Like, you could grapple your way up this small cliff face, or you could climb it. If they're having levels of difficulty, you could perhaps have grapple in Easy mode but not Hard. Or, Lara could lose her grapple after the first few levels.
If they have the grapple, I would like it to be useable whenever (i.e. not just when CD need you to use it), and at the choice of the player. Like, you could grapple your way up this small cliff face, or you could climb it. If they're having levels of difficulty, you could perhaps have grapple in Easy mode but not Hard. Or, Lara could lose her grapple after the first few levels.I think I know what you mean. Like - Lara being able to climb all climbable surfaces, she ought to be able to use her grapple on all "grapple-able" surfaces? Whether this helps you or not will depend on the specific situation, but potentially you can use your grapple wherever... and it's up to you to try it and see.
Hmmm. I like the idea in principle because that way using a grapple gives new options and diversity to the gameplay - potentially.
However, if it's implemented in this way but the "useful" grapple-able areas are so ludicrously obvious, that to all intents and purposes it's the same as it was in Legend, then I'd rather they didn't at all.
And if the number of useful grapple-able areas are so many that you can get up that cliff face (and everywhere else) using the grapple with your eyes closed, then I don't want it either.
Easy/hard options are a possible solution like you say. It's all in the execution I guess. :)
Is anyone really looking forward to the bit where lara goes under the sphinx, underwater with them two large statues.
I am Pablo! Especially if the swimming controls are made less 'complex' and she can hold her breath for more than 15 seconds underwater again :D
I am Pablo! Especially if the swimming controls are made less 'complex' and she can hold her breath for more than 15 seconds underwater again :D
yep true, Legend Lara would never be able to get to the bottom.
Laras Backpack
28-10-06, 18:46
I hope the creative death scenes are still there. For example:
the mauling from the t-rex
being smashed on the ground by the Atlantian torso monster
turning gold in the Palace Midas :jmp:
Imagine if they made those encounters (such as the T-rex and Giant Torso) into Interactive cutscenes.
PLZ CD No more of those
And if the number of useful grapple-able areas are so many that you can get up that cliff face (and everywhere else) using the grapple with your eyes closed, then I don't want it either.
Yeah, that could be the one big downfall with having a grapple you can use when you want. Of course, I guess different people would want to play in different ways, and some may like the option of speeding up cliff faces instead of climbing them. Adding the "multiple-choice" element of puzzle-solving could add an element of customization, a kind of "play your own way" mentality.
Hey! I just thought of something. They could perhaps do what they do on Hitman, and let the player choose what items they'd like to take with them before they start playing a level or location. The items could be added to your inventory when you find them, (so you don't get the option of gunning everything down with the Uzis in the first level or anything) but would be available for replaying levels so you can have a bit of fun. The same could be true with the grappling hook, although perhaps they could leave it as a reward for completing the game. Then you can go through the game and use the grapple to explore places that you couldn't reach before. Hey, maybe they could have a whole host of exploration tools you can unlock at the end of the game, like...uh...a drill? ;) And the people who complete it on super-duper-hard, killing all the enemies with nothing but a stick etc. etc. can unlock a jetpack!
...okay, that may deviate slightly from the original TR. :D But I think rewarding you with stuff to explore the enviroment with would be a great incentive for people to play, and perhaps take the more challenging options. Imagine staring up in the sky at some out-of-reach ledge with a ruined building on it. You think "okay, if I complete the game, I can get a grapple and attempt to get up there. If I complete the game with all secrets/all enemies down/whatever, I can get a jetpack and just fly up there. And if I complete the game with all secrets/enemies/whatever on Hard, then they'll helicopter me straight up there!"
Ooh, that would be great. :D
Laras Backpack
28-10-06, 18:52
Imagine if they made those encounters (such as the T-rex and Giant Torso) into Interactive cutscenes.
*wakes up screaming* Aaaahhhhhhh! :yik:
da tomb raider!
28-10-06, 18:57
I have no idea what it's going to be like. When I found out about Legend, I thought it was going to be challenging, longer, harder, and a lot more Tomb Raider like. In other words, I was completely wrong about Legend. So I don't know about TRA. They probably won't have any grapples, or I. cutscenes, but they probably will have the same or similar Lara model from Legend, and the same way you control Lara in Legend.
God, I hate CD. :mad:
I would like to see some extra area's.
for example the beginning cutscene with Lara in the snow, that could be playable, having to use your grapple to press the switch and then fight of that pack of wolves and then eneter caves.
Hey! I just thought of something. They could perhaps do what they do on Hitman, and let the player choose what items they'd like to take with them before they start playing a level or location. The items could be added to your inventory when you find them, (so you don't get the option of gunning everything down with the Uzis in the first level or anything) but would be available for replaying levels so you can have a bit of fun. The same could be true with the grappling hook, although perhaps they could leave it as a reward for completing the game. Then you can go through the game and use the grapple to explore places that you couldn't reach before. Hey, maybe they could have a whole host of exploration tools you can unlock at the end of the game, like...uh...a drill? ;) And the people who complete it on super-duper-hard, killing all the enemies with nothing but a stick etc. etc. can unlock a jetpack!Excellent idea! Selecting your start kit before you begin the game could influence your entire experience like you say.... hehe, especially having only a stick for those who want to kill a T rex extra hard style... good luck people, lol. :D
I would really like it if they were this creative with the unlockables. It could open up some unique challenges as well as make it worth repeating TR again and again. Much better than costumes changes for me.
Imagine staring up in the sky at some out-of-reach ledge with a ruined building on it. You think "okay, if I complete the game, I can get a grapple and attempt to get up there. If I complete the game with all secrets/all enemies down/whatever, I can get a jetpack and just fly up there. And if I complete the game with all secrets/enemies/whatever on Hard, then they'll helicopter me straight up there!"
Ooh, that would be great. :DOoh, yes it would. Either way it work well for me. Unlockables giving your extra features to make it through on the replay, or, selecting start kits to make your way around... "Next time I'll know to bring the rope with me and then I'll be able to reach that bit..." And then finding out, even more craftily, that the rope doesn't in fact work, and what you need is the axe to clear a tree that's blocking a pathway behind leading to some hidden stairs... Or whatever.
The possibility for puzzling options and rewards are so great... :tmb:
But what really interests me now is getting around TR with just a stick, lol. :D
I'd like a TR that has freedom of gameplay like Assassin's Creed (http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/) and not the linear rail-roading we got in Legend. If it looked halfway as good as AC that would be nice too.... :D
*wakes up screaming* Aaaahhhhhhh! :yik:
*screams even louder still*
:yik:
NOOOOooooooo!
Imagine if they made those encounters (such as the T-rex and Giant Torso) into Interactive cutscenes.
PLZ CD No more of those
Ugh. They don't need to, though. I mean, it's not like the T-Rex fight was an amazing piece of digital trickery that they would be unable to emulate on today's technology. Although it would make it easier. God, no...x.x
But what really interests me now is getting around TR with just a stick, lol.
LOL, it's the one thing Tomb Raider was missing. ;)
What I want to see are the vast open areas again, fully accessible for lara to try different ways of getting around. :jmp: Don't narrow us down to a skinney path and all the rest is just scenery wizzing by! :cen: I'd love extra levels, maybe one traversing the mountain to actually get to the start at the caves! Maybe climb the mountain to start st. fransic follies! Or have to find our way around on the island of atlantis before entering the water to swim into natla's mines? :eek: Give us MORE, not less. Don't whittle TR1 down to 5 boring short levels!!! :hea:
What I want to see are the vast open areas again, fully accessible for lara to try different ways of getting around.
Great! Me too. Get this months Edge magazine and read about Assassin's Creed...
EDIT: Actually it's the December issue!
Tomb Raider Jay
28-10-06, 20:55
Crystal Dynamics don't have to change the original TRs design too much because it's already perfect - and why spoil perfection? :p
I do however think that they'll replace the jump, grab-ledge, run, jump grab-ledge by adding poles and vines for Lara to swing on. I think they will just use the odd pole here and the occasional vine there though, like I said why spoil perfection when its un-nessisary.
I'm interested to see how Crystal D will change the puzzles, if they do get changed that is, because there's not really alot you can do with blocks and key/door puzzles. I'd like some new puzzles, using physics would be cool but the puzzles would have to fit in with the rest of the original TRs design and levels, a pretty tough feat that is ;)
Then there's the grapple, will they or won't they include it? :confused:
I'm guessing yes but only at the times when it's useful for something, no needless uses like pulling crates in Legend :o
Using the grapple to cross chasms or pull down parts of the enviroment could pave the way for new areas in the levels, adding new secrets and such.
I don't want any chit-chat over the head-set though, that would completely ruin TRs atmosphere and probably scare off the dinos and wolves :p
Other than that I don't know what to expect really but whether its a full blown re-make with new moves, level areas and enemies or simply a graphical update of a true classic I don't care so long as its about as far from Legend as I am - that would be after I traded it into the pre-owned section in GAME where there were lots of other Legends for mine to stay with and never be played again :p
Imagine if they made those encounters (such as the T-rex and Giant Torso) into Interactive cutscenes.
:yik: :yik: HELL NO! I dont want to see any of those.. I want to defeat or not defeat T-rex on my own with pistols/shotgun using tactics and ofcourse my head to think how I could kill T-rex or get away.
No interactive cutscenes in TR:AE.. PLEASE!
I hope it isn't just like Legend with different levels. I want it to feel like TR1 not Legend. I hope the levels are very much alike the ones in TR1 and have the infinate inventory. Please leave Zip and Allister out PLEASE! And Incorpate keys and exploration.
Also give us Uzi's, Magnums, Shotgun, and Automatic Pistols.
I hope the creative death scenes are still there. For example:
the mauling from the t-rex
being smashed on the ground by the Atlantian torso monster
turning gold in the Palace Midas :jmp:
Oh that'd be good, like RE4, interactive moments so you'd have to bash a couple of buttons to get out of the life draining situation. Adds more gameplay!
Laras Backpack
28-10-06, 21:46
Oh that'd be good, like RE4, interactive moments so you'd have to bash a couple of buttons to get out of the life draining situation. Adds more gameplay!
Actually I meant death scenes as they are in the older TRs rather than interactive cutscene deaths.
I did like the cut scenes of RE4, but not the ones in Legend. :)
Hello,
there was something about how the fans have been asking for a Tomb Raider remake, so they've decided to go one step further, and use the original storyline to make a new game.
I'm French and I came looking for an english version of what we got in France:
http://www.tro-online.com/esp2-Octobre-2006-799.html
Which includes the fact they've decided to go one step further... what you said! That's why I post here; is there somewhere I could read the english version of that french message from eidos. I just want to verifie some sentences which I don't like the way they are said in french and as Toby Gard and Kathryn Clements are english, it may be due to the translation.
Thanks.
Here's the English version, Busard:
"Eidos is pleased to announce some special news directly to the Tomb Raider community.
The official name of the next Tomb Raider game is Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and the first screenshot is going straight to where it matters most – the people who have supported Lara across the years.
As most of you may already know, Tomb Raider: Anniversary has drawn its inspiration from the original adventure that started it all. It is a celebration of Lara Croft and the history of the Tomb Raider franchise.
One would need to be blind to not see the impact that Lara Croft has had, both on gaming in general, as well as pop-culture. She is a character that people connect with, a character that transcends the media in which she was originally presented. However, Lara’s rise to fame didn’t just magically happen. There has been a very powerful, dedicated fan base that has not only tracked her every move over the last 10 years, but helped transform her from being just a video game character, to an international digital celebrity.
Over the years, the fans of the Tomb Raider franchise have been constantly asking for a new version of the original Tomb Raider. We have answered the call with Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This game is for the fans. It only makes sense that the first information, as well as much more to come, goes directly to the fans. We hope you enjoy the screenshot, and keep your eye out for more information soon… "
Originally, it was something different, but the post got edited very quickly.
Welcome, Busard! Anyway, I think this game will probably take the route the Resident Evil remake took. I.e. change a few of the levels around, add some new puzzles, but keep the memorable moments that everyone love while adding some new memorable moments.
Originally, it was something different, but the post got edited very quickly.
Thanks but I wanted the version before it got edited with the "we've decided to go one step further" of Kathryn Clements.
Because in French something is not very clear and it says it is like Peircebm said, a compilation of all the "key moments" from Tomb Raider 1 tide together in a whole new story involving the Scion... but what is it that they call a "key moment"? and how many are they in Tomb Raider 1? And I hope fiding some clues in the english version.
I don't know what we can expect, but I'm really looking forward to this!! (Aren’t we all!?) Anyway, I can't wait to play The Lost Valley :jmp:
Thanks but I wanted the version before it got edited with the "we've decided to go one step further" of Kathryn Clements.
Because in French something is not very clear and it says it is like Peircebm said, a compilation of all the "key moments" from Tomb Raider 1 tide together in a whole new story involving the Scion... but what is it that they call a "key moment"? and how many are they in Tomb Raider 1? And I hope fiding some clues in the english version.
I don't know where that is, I'm afraid. You could try asking tlr online, as that was the one he originally posted.
Shark_Blade
30-10-06, 12:34
I'm cautiously optimistic here. God forbid they turn the motorbike fmv into a motorbike level section:mad:
No All the stairs and Zipit, they're not born yet:whi:
Original inventory
Original levels,add all they want but don't take out things,anything:mad:
no grapple.but from the screenshot there is. heck it better be more useful than in legend
no riddiculous and pathethic attitude like Legend Lara.I want her strong, I want her mean, I want her doing things Lara's way.
Ward Dragon
30-10-06, 16:17
Thanks but I wanted the version before it got edited with the "we've decided to go one step further" of Kathryn Clements.
Because in French something is not very clear and it says it is like Peircebm said, a compilation of all the "key moments" from Tomb Raider 1 tide together in a whole new story involving the Scion... but what is it that they call a "key moment"? and how many are they in Tomb Raider 1? And I hope fiding some clues in the english version.
I don't know if you've seen this yet, or if it's what you're looking for, but this press release has some information :)
http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77446
Thanks a lot, that is exactly what I was searching. :)
EDIT: that IS strange. Everything is the same between the english and french press releases except one thing!
In english you got: "We´ve captured the essence of what made the original game so special and with today´s technology, created a game that pushes the boundaries of the current gaming consoles. Tomb Raider :Anniversary is a special celebration of Lara´s reign as videogaming´s leading lady" said Ian Livingstone, Eidos. but in french we got: "Nous avons capturé l´essence même de ce qui rendait le jeu original aussi unique, et grâce à la technologie d´aujourd´hui, nous avons créé un jeu qui repousse les frontières des consoles de jeu actuelles. Tomb Raider : Anniversary célèbre le règne de Lara" ajoute Toby Gard, concepteur principal du premier Tomb Raider et de Tomb Raider : Anniversary. Which are exactly the same quotes but in english it is supposedly said by Ian Livingston and in french said by Toby Gard?!
How the 'ell should I know!!
Who keeps resurrecting old threads? It keeps looking like there's new activity, when it's just old discussions being brought back for no reason.
I thought this thread looked familar...:D
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