Q&A session #9 (November) answers

lcroft_lc · 04-12-12, 08:59

Originally posted by MeaganMarie on Eidos board.

Tillymander: Once you have completed the game and you can roam around the island and still do things, will there still be enemies and wolves on the island? Or will it be empty.

Karl Stewart: There isn’t a new game + option, but once you finish Tomb Raider you can re-traverse through the island to find any relics you may have missed, or tombs left undiscovered. And yes, the island will still be populated with animals and natives. Don’t think you’re being sneaky and deriving anything related to the story from this tidbit though – this is a gameplay addition for hardcore Tomb Raider fans and completionists. It isn’t a hint at how the narrative ends!

Brand.seph: How much freedom do we get during Combat Melee wise? By freedom, I mean, for example, using the Pickaxe in one hand and a pistol in the other, or something like that.

Karl Stewart: We’re really proud of the flexibility in our combat system, including melee. We have clarified that Lara won’t be kicking and punching, Instead, she’ll have a more scrappy move set including the ability to shove enemies away, blind them with dirt, use the bow or axe for a stealthy takedown, or dodge counter by planting an arrow in an enemy’s leg. I don’t want to break down all the melee moves, as they are fun to discover on your own.

Andrashi: Can I ask please if the game is playable from the beginning to the end without the need to use the RPG skill system?

Karl Stewart: We actually just answered this one in the podcast! I’ll not count it as an answer – just wanted to draw attention to where you can find it!

Rai: We can see that Lara has a hand watch, which obviously sets time. Is there any other applicable-playable use for this or it's just decorative? (since she is not the only one who has one)

Karl Stewart: In this instance the watch is purely decorative. Meaning, it’s not tied to any gameplay mechanics. That being said, the utilitarian nature and design gives even more insight into Lara. She’s less concerned about form than she is function.

Metal Rocks: When will you announce the pc requirements?

Karl Stewart: Another popular question we addressed in the most recent podcast. Again, this doesn’t count as a question in our Q&A – just wanted to direct you to an answer!

Lara Rocks 2: Will there always be an objective at hand, or does the player get to free roam and decide to do the missions at a later time? Are there load times between areas, or levels?

Karl Stewart: We’ve sort of touched on this one before, but I’m excited to answer the latter part of the question. Yes, you’ll always have an objective, be it to find food when Lara gets her first bow, or to track down Sam. That being said, you can choose to stray from the critical path and explore quite frequently. In regards to load times, yes, there is one. At the very start of the game. That’s it. ?

Sam_Kain: It is said there will be Stealth Interactions in TR, how would they be like since Lara is quite young and weak?!, I can't see her choking a grown up man.

Karl Stewart: Lara may be young and inexperienced when it comes to combat, but she’s also very resourceful, and very motivated to stay alive and save her friends. We try to keep combat (and stealth) scrappy for this reason. Lara’s used a bow before, so stealth kills from a distance aren’t too difficult for her to pull off. Other times she can use a rock, or her axe to take out an unsuspecting foe. With the element of surprise on her side, they often don’t have the time to fight back. I wouldn’t underestimate Lara, though. The scavengers already made that mistake.

JohnReiner: Are you going to allow mods?

Karl Stewart: We don’t have plans to release official mod toolkits at this point in time.

AireTam: I think I read or saw an interview that said something about how day/night and weather conditions are going to play a role in island exploration. Would it be correct to assume that weather-related events that permanently change a hub will take place? Such as a flood, mudslide or avalanche event, for example?

Karl Stewart: We’ve worked hard to make the island feel very alive, and as such there will be instances where it’s permanently changed after important events. One example involves the “slide of insanity” clip showcased near the end of the Crossroads trailer – the one with plane debris crashing after Lara down a cliff. The bulk of the plane ended up elsewhere, and you’ll see it if you revisit that space. So will the scavengers – if you go back, they are likely looting it.

tr fan 4 ever · 04-12-12, 09:10

Thanks for posting.

Quote:

Karl Stewart: We’re really proud of the flexibility in our combat system, including melee. We have clarified that Lara won’t be kicking and punching, Instead, she’ll have a more scrappy move set including the ability to shove enemies away, blind them with dirt, use the bow or axe for a stealthy takedown, or dodge counter by planting an arrow in an enemy’s leg. I don’t want to break down all the melee moves, as they are fun to discover on your own.

Sounds great! I want to see those melee moves.

just*raidin*tomb · 04-12-12, 09:13

I can't handle all this new information.

TippingWater · 04-12-12, 09:14

Quote:

I wouldn’t underestimate Lara, though. The scavengers already made that mistake.

I like the sound of that!

Thanks for posting!

nevillet · 04-12-12, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcroft_lc

Yes, you’ll always have an objective, be it to find food when Lara gets her first bow, or to track down Sam. That being said, you can choose to stray from the critical path and explore quite frequently. In regards to load times, yes, there is one. At the very start of the game. That’s it.

Please, please, Please, PLEASE let this be the end of all those people whinging and moaning about cinematic games and never-ending QTE's. You can stray whenever you want and pursue secondary goals. F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! ! !

**Rai** · 04-12-12, 11:36

I'm not surprised by the objective question, CD have pretty much touched on this before. They've said that there are objectives, but you're free (in the hubs especially) to roam around and explore.

I would just like to add that the question by me was on behalf of someone else, Evan C, if I remember. So I'm glad that one got picked.

Thanks for posting the answers, Lcroft_lc

SpyrosMonster · 04-12-12, 11:42

Thanks! Enjoyed those!

Alex Fly · 04-12-12, 11:59

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

lcroft_lc · 04-12-12, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rai

Thanks for posting the answers, Lcroft_lc

Welcome.

Congrats to you for your question being picked.

Evan C. · 04-12-12, 12:35

Yay, they answered my question about the use of hand watch. (Thanks Rai). But for the first time, I don't know what Karl says about it. I didn't get the answer appart than it won't affect by any form the gameplay mechanic.

04-12-12, 08:59	#1
lcroft_lc Member Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 15,558	Q&A session #9 (November) answers Originally posted by MeaganMarie on Eidos board. Tillymander: Once you have completed the game and you can roam around the island and still do things, will there still be enemies and wolves on the island? Or will it be empty. Karl Stewart: There isn’t a new game + option, but once you finish Tomb Raider you can re-traverse through the island to find any relics you may have missed, or tombs left undiscovered. And yes, the island will still be populated with animals and natives. Don’t think you’re being sneaky and deriving anything related to the story from this tidbit though – this is a gameplay addition for hardcore Tomb Raider fans and completionists. It isn’t a hint at how the narrative ends! Brand.seph: How much freedom do we get during Combat Melee wise? By freedom, I mean, for example, using the Pickaxe in one hand and a pistol in the other, or something like that. Karl Stewart: We’re really proud of the flexibility in our combat system, including melee. We have clarified that Lara won’t be kicking and punching, Instead, she’ll have a more scrappy move set including the ability to shove enemies away, blind them with dirt, use the bow or axe for a stealthy takedown, or dodge counter by planting an arrow in an enemy’s leg. I don’t want to break down all the melee moves, as they are fun to discover on your own. Andrashi: Can I ask please if the game is playable from the beginning to the end without the need to use the RPG skill system? Karl Stewart: We actually just answered this one in the podcast! I’ll not count it as an answer – just wanted to draw attention to where you can find it! Rai: We can see that Lara has a hand watch, which obviously sets time. Is there any other applicable-playable use for this or it's just decorative? (since she is not the only one who has one) Karl Stewart: In this instance the watch is purely decorative. Meaning, it’s not tied to any gameplay mechanics. That being said, the utilitarian nature and design gives even more insight into Lara. She’s less concerned about form than she is function. Metal Rocks: When will you announce the pc requirements? Karl Stewart: Another popular question we addressed in the most recent podcast. Again, this doesn’t count as a question in our Q&A – just wanted to direct you to an answer! Lara Rocks 2: Will there always be an objective at hand, or does the player get to free roam and decide to do the missions at a later time? Are there load times between areas, or levels? Karl Stewart: We’ve sort of touched on this one before, but I’m excited to answer the latter part of the question. Yes, you’ll always have an objective, be it to find food when Lara gets her first bow, or to track down Sam. That being said, you can choose to stray from the critical path and explore quite frequently. In regards to load times, yes, there is one. At the very start of the game. That’s it. ? Sam_Kain: It is said there will be Stealth Interactions in TR, how would they be like since Lara is quite young and weak?!, I can't see her choking a grown up man. Karl Stewart: Lara may be young and inexperienced when it comes to combat, but she’s also very resourceful, and very motivated to stay alive and save her friends. We try to keep combat (and stealth) scrappy for this reason. Lara’s used a bow before, so stealth kills from a distance aren’t too difficult for her to pull off. Other times she can use a rock, or her axe to take out an unsuspecting foe. With the element of surprise on her side, they often don’t have the time to fight back. I wouldn’t underestimate Lara, though. The scavengers already made that mistake. JohnReiner: Are you going to allow mods? Karl Stewart: We don’t have plans to release official mod toolkits at this point in time. AireTam: I think I read or saw an interview that said something about how day/night and weather conditions are going to play a role in island exploration. Would it be correct to assume that weather-related events that permanently change a hub will take place? Such as a flood, mudslide or avalanche event, for example? Karl Stewart: We’ve worked hard to make the island feel very alive, and as such there will be instances where it’s permanently changed after important events. One example involves the “slide of insanity” clip showcased near the end of the Crossroads trailer – the one with plane debris crashing after Lara down a cliff. The bulk of the plane ended up elsewhere, and you’ll see it if you revisit that space. So will the scavengers – if you go back, they are likely looting it.

04-12-12, 09:13	#3
justraidintomb Member Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 17,925	I can't handle all this new information.

04-12-12, 11:36	#6
Rai Moderator Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 36,784	I'm not surprised by the objective question, CD have pretty much touched on this before. They've said that there are objectives, but you're free (in the hubs especially) to roam around and explore. I would just like to add that the question by me was on behalf of someone else, Evan C, if I remember. So I'm glad that one got picked. Thanks for posting the answers, Lcroft_lc

04-12-12, 11:42	#7
SpyrosMonster Member Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 6,837	Thanks! Enjoyed those!

04-12-12, 11:59	#8
Alex Fly Inactive Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 31,967	Interesting. Thanks for posting.

04-12-12, 12:35	#10
Evan C. Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 14,900	Yay, they answered my question about the use of hand watch. (Thanks Rai). But for the first time, I don't know what Karl says about it. I didn't get the answer appart than it won't affect by any form the gameplay mechanic.