Square Enix has released the second episode of Tomb Raider's "Guide to Survival" videos series. In this episode, Crystal Dynamics shows us how Lara uses the various tools at her disposal as well as the "Base Camp" system in unlocking the island's many secrets.
Lara's Base Camp is not only the place where players can customize her equipment and abilities, it also houses the "Fast Travel" system employed by the game. Obviously stated on the name alone, the Fast Travel system will let Lara jump from one Base Camp to another, provided she already explored that particular area.
While that sounds a bit like backtracking made to sound better, Lara really does need to go back to some of the places she has already explored to look for clues, salvage and build up experience points. Tomb Raider will be joining the ranks of Castlevania, Metroid and even Darksiders that will fence off areas unitl you have the necessary equipment or abilites to traverse it.
While sectioning off areas until the player gets the appropriate ability/equipment is nothing new, it does seem to fit within Tomb Raider's universe…at least based on the video. Let's just hope it doesn't become a game of backtracking all throughout.
Are you liking what Crystal Dynamics is doing with their Tomb Raider reboot or does it look a bit too much like Uncharted?
Tomb Raider is set for a March 5 release for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.