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Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
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Graphics & Sound:
The existing Tomb Raider engine, although solid, prevented Core from changing fundamental elements for Tomb Raider II and III. Development of Last Revelation started in Spring of 1998. The engine is 90% new, having has been completely redesigned. New environment mapping allows a variety of surfaces and objects to reflect and react to light sources and to further the atmospheric detail, the lighting system now features spotlighting. Bump mapping is also featured to significantly increase graphical definition. Individual environments are more reminiscent of the original game - tightly focused and puzzle-orientated, but with higher levels of detail and a greater number of objects than seen before. Lara herself is remodeled - fully skinned and more detailed. Core did a great deal of work to help Lara seem more lifelike. During cut scenes Lara blinks, and moves her mouth when talking - small changes sure, but they really add to the game. The background music is nice as well, occuring at key points in the game which fit the current situation. This helps add to the overall atmosphere of the game.
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Gameplay:
Egypt. Land of mythology, mystery, Pharaohs and the most complex tombs known to man. Tombs littered with mazes, puzzles and traps, designed to drive even the most persistent raiders to distraction, or to their deaths. Lara's objective is clear from the outset - she must escape a terrifying destiny and rectify a situation that threatens to destroy humanity. So begins Lara's latest adventure, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation. In terms of accessible gameplay, Last Revelation is able to offer greater range than any of its predecessors. New technology features a wealth of original elements and effects designed to give a more focused and compelling experience. The storyline is driven seamlessly through gameplay via advanced engine technology. A range of new moves, both simple and complex, have enabled designers to create an assortment of brand new puzzle and trap mechanisms for Lara to negotiate. New programming routines allow gameplay to dissolve into cut-scenes and FMV. As a result, loading screens are eliminated and the adventure becomes a continuous experience. Last Revelation's redesigned inventory system gives Tomb Raider brand new gameplay. The traditional inventory rings are now obsolete - the interface is totally redesigned, allowing items to be combined, collected and stored. Clear objectives and smaller locations result in less time spent travelling between areas. An emphasis on ancient locations and tombs etc. allows mystery, suspense and characteristic atmosphere to play key roles throughout.
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Difficulty:
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation's difficulty varies. This is not a game to give to your children, as they will be incredibly frustrated with it, but Tomb Raider has never been targeted at the younger crowd, so us adults are in for a treat. Core has done a great deal of work to make each puzzle logical and a few puzzles will leave you scratching your head wondering what you should do next - but that's what Tomb Raider is about. Completing each level is only half the game, as the real challenge comes in collecting all of the secrets found in each level. Although no real reward comes from collecting all of the games secrets, it is the only true way to fully complete the game - a task which should keep you busy for weeks, if not months at a time.
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Game Mechanics:
For those not familiar with the Tomb Raider series, Core has included a nice training level, to help you learn all of the moves. The training level takes place in Cambodia and is a 'flashback' level that is used to introduce Lara's mentor, Von Croy, and also to re-introduce Lara herself at the age of 16 years. The 16 year old version of Lara only appears in the training mission and is used as a means to tell both old and new users more about her history and the reasons why she is an adventurer today. Von Croy (a non-playable trainer) shares the same moves as Lara and teaches her how to perform all moves, both old and new. The level features an interesting race against Von Croy. Experienced / proficient players will be rewarded with an alternative route toward the end of the training level. Last Revelation features a higher ratio of new moves than seen in previous games. Two of the key moves are the use of ropes and the new 'shimmy':
Use of ropes - This opens up brand new methods for negotiation of environments and puzzles. Lara may climb up and down, grab, monkey swing from and build momentum using ropes.
Shimmy around corners - Lara can now move hand-over-hand around corners.
Again, this opens up new possibilities for exploration. I can't say enough about this game, it's just that good. Plus if you get the Millenium Edition, it comes complete with a special edition Lara comic, pewter figurine and collector's card. No true TR fan should be without it. Love it or hate it, Tomb Raider is here to stay. |
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-Raider, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Duran |
Minimum System Requirements:
PII 266MHz, Windows 95/98, Direct X 6.1, 4X CD-Rom, 4MB Video Card, Keyboard and mouse, supports all major 3D acceleration cards |
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Test System:
PII 450, 128MB Ram, 44X CD, Voodoo 3 3000 video accelerator |
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