Tomb Raider Underworld Revealed

Tomb Raider is well known for larger than life environments and intricate puzzles that usually relate to this environment. Most of the time in Tomb Raider: Underworld, solving a puzzle results in the environment being transformed, usually in order to open up a path for the player to move forward.

These sequences are usually presented in the form of short in-game cinematics we like to call “reveals”. These “reveals” serve one of two purposes, sometimes both, which are to convey new information to the player (what he needs to do next, where he needs to go, etc…) or to plain and simply provide a bit of “wow” by showing an interesting event from a dramatic perspective.

One of my main tasks (and greatest pleasures) on the project was to create these “reveals”. They went from really basic single-shot sequences showing simple actions like a door opening up, to rather complex multi-shots scenes with massive statues sticking out of the ground and giant stone dragon heads rising up and spitting flames. Needless to say, some were more fun to create than others.

If you’ve checked any of the screenshots, videos and demos for the game yet, you’re already aware that all the levels in the game offer fantastic looking sceneries and beautiful lush landscapes. But some of the most impressive environments, at least to me, are featured in the game’s arctic level. From a towering spiral path leading down to a deep pit to a room with giant swinging hammers…, you get an eyeful of some of the best game environments seen in recent years.

Anyway, I hope you’ll enjoy playing and watching it as much as I did working on it. And brace yourselves because Tomb Raider: Underworld is going hit, HARD!

Mario out.