January 19, 2013

Tomb Raider Achievements List Leaked

The fandom is abuzz this morning with news that the Xbox 360 Achievement list for the new TOMB RAIDER has been leaked. As far as I know, the PlayStation 3 trophies are not yet public, but if the past several games are any indication, they will probably be very similar.

I've seen a fair number of comments complaining about too great an emphasis on multiplayer achievements, but in fact, the list breaks down to 75% single-player, 25% mulitplayer achievements.

Follow this link to my site to check out the complete Tomb Raider achievement list. Then please let me know what you think. How do you feel about the emphasis on multiplayer achievements? Too much, too little, just right? Are there any achievements you're particularly relishing or dreading? Do you even care about achievements and trophies or would you rather just play?


TOMB RAIDER screenshot. Click to enlarge.

January 11, 2013

Tomb Raider Multiplayer Hands-On Preview

As a follow-up to Tuesday's post introducing Tomb Raider's multiplayer component, I thought I'd share this video from GameSpot. It features 10 minutes of multiplayer gameplay narrated by Eidos Montréal's Joe Khoury.

January 8, 2013

Tomb Raider Multiplayer Details Emerge

Official Xbox Magazine - February 2013
At the end of December Crystal Dynamics confirmed that the new Tomb Raider will include a multiplayer component in addition to the main, single-player game, with details to be revealed in the next issue of the Official Xbox Magazine. That issue came out today, along with a new segment of The Final Days of Tomb Raider, which also focuses on the multiplayer game. Here's what we know....

OXM Senior Editor Dave Rudden acknowledged the trepidation some of us long-time fans are feeling as the series ventures into such unknown territory, but he noted that "having spent considerable time with both the multiplayer and single-player components of the game. . . we can say the creation and execution are coming from the right place. Crystal Dynamics just might land this one."

He went on to describe some of the key features of the multiplayer game:
  • Team Deathmatch – Survivors vs. scavengers with each team attempting to reach a predetermined kill count (or score the most kills during a given time period) with environmental hazards, interactive traps, and destructible environments making things more interesting.
  • Rescue – Survivors must collect specific supplies and deliver them to drop points, while a competing team of scavengers attempts to rack up a certain number of kills during the same time period.
  • Additional adventure-based map types, including one called "Cry for Help," were hinted at by Crystal's Global Brand Manager Karl Stewart but not yet described in detail.
  • Characters for the multiplayer game will be drawn from the single-player campaign and will include Lara's companions and notable baddies, as well as a few surprises. (See the video below.) As you'd expect, each character will have his or her strengths and weaknesses.
  • Weapons include the bow, pistols, climbing axe, and a grenade-style projectile weapon. Earning XP in mulitplayer will enable players to unlock more advanced characters and equipment.

The article includes more details, as well as some exclusive screenshots and a chance to win a customized Tomb Raider Xbox 360 console. Look for the February 2013 isue of OXM on newsstands now. Or download a copy online via Google Play, Kindle, Nook, etc.

Episode 4 in The Final Hours of Tomb Raider documentary also focuses on the multiplayer game. Host Zachary Levi visits Eidos Montréal, Crystal's sister studio, where development of the multiplayer game has been underway in secret for about 2 years. Check it out. Then let me know what you think about the multiplayer game. Love it? Hate it? Wait and see? Please leave a comment below.