During the Microsoft press briefing at Gamescom, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics Rise of the Tomb Raider gameplay footage alarmed many fans as the game seemed to highlight Lara as a murder machine (with knives to the back and arrows to the head). After Gamescon, fans were starting to wonder if there would be a possibility of avoiding conflict and use of violence all together. Today, publisher Microsoft Studios released an alternate play through focused on stealth, presumably intended to alleviate fears that developer Crystal Dynamics was turning Tomb Raider into a game more about killing than adventuring.
The gameplay video below shows how Lara can advance in the game utilizing stealth. However, it is still uncertain if players can actually progress through the entire game without killing anyone.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGhJc0spPQg”]
Creative director Noah Hughes explained:
“We’ve built our combat to offer as many choices as possible, and in this case, it’s possible for Lara to make her way through the area with zero kills. Of course, sometimes combat is unavoidable, but how you approach combat in Rise of the Tomb Raider is often up to you.”
In the critically-acclaimed Tomb Raider, Lara Croft survived a harrowing experience only to be discredited as part of a cover up. Now, after uncovering an ancient mystery, Lara must explore the most treacherous and remote regions of Siberia to find the secret of immortality before a ruthless organization known as Trinity. Lara must use her wits and survival skills, form new alliances, and ultimately embrace her destiny as the Tomb Raider.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is due on 10th November for Xbox One and Xbox 360 with a PC release to follow in early 2016 and a PS4 port trailing behind in late 2016. Stay tuned for details!
I believe that games are an important form of entertainment, and that they can uplift and inspire millions of people around the world. I love JRPGs, and dabble in many other genres, especially MOBAs.
