E3 2011: Tomb Raider Demo Impressions

This morning at Microsoft’s E3 media briefing, Crystal Dymanics went on stage to show off brand new gameplay footage of their new Tomb Raider title. At first glance, the game looks amazing, and the over-the-shoulder camera angles give the game a fluid sense of motion.

The demo has Lara swinging herself out of a trap and falling down a shaft, landing on a rock that stabs her abdomen. The rest of the demo has her still limping her way through flooded caverns softly lighted with flimsy torchlights. Some of the game’s puzzle elements are briefly touched upon when Lara needs to burn some boxes and step on a hanging cage to make it possible for her to reach a ledge across from where she is standing. You will also have to be quick to input button commands to make her escape an assailant and to crawl out to safety.

Though it’s a bit early to tell, the game seems like it will be a nice blend of action and platforming, and immediately you will want to think about the Uncharted games that actually borrowed heavily from the Tomb Raider franchise. This time, Lara Croft seems to be borrowing some things from Nathan Drake’s arsenal of moves and gameplay. Let’s hope the full game has more in store!

Tomb Raider currently has a 2012 release date.