We already know that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition will boast a number of updated features on the PlayStation 4, but one thing that developer Crystal Dynamics has kept under wraps is the fact that the title will actually support voice controls on Sony’s next generation hardware. Speaking as part of a Question and Answer session on publisher Square Enix’s official forums, executive producer Scot Amos revealed the tidbit, along with a few other tasty morsels regarding Lara Croft’s return to Yamatai.
“There are custom differences as you know for each – meaning that the PS4′s controller has a touch-pad on it, [and] the lit front that we do interact with in-game,” the developer explained when asked to illustrate the variations between the re-release on Sony and Microsoft’s respective machines. “Xbox One has Kinect which we make use of, [but] both support voice commands.” You’ll be able to use the updated PlayStation Camera to employ the functionality on the Japanese giant’s hot new hardware, or alternatively you’ll have the option to connect a microphone to the DualShock 4.
These voice commands will allow you to switch between weapons on the fly, as well quickly navigate through menus and status screens. It’s not the only upgrade, though, as Amos insists that the studio has worked hard to draw every last drop of juice out of the Japanese giant’s new console. “A few of our engineers were dedicated to improving physics both on Lara and in the world,” he continued. “The climbing axe, her radio, her bow and arrows – all of these now have subtle but simulated physics on them so as she runs, jumps, falls, [and] stumbles, they react accordingly giving her more grounding in the world.”
In addition, the developer’s expanded these overhauled physics to the objects within the adventure's various environments, meaning that the trees and plants will now respond to each other as the wind pushes and pulls them about. And, of course, the protagonist’s pony-tail will drift in the direction of the gusts, too. “All-in-all it adds a great additional depth and realism to the world,” Amos explained, furthering that the release will achieve all of this in glorious 1080p.
The big question is: are all of these admittedly tantalising upgrades enough to justify selling the title at full-price again? “We’re releasing it on a new system, with a lot of development work put in to custom craft it for the new hardware,” the studio spokesperson concluded. “With the new aesthetic additions, and the updated physics, particles, and lighting, I absolutely stand by our decision to offer up Definitive Edition the way that we are.” But are you going to buy it when it washes up on store shelves at the end of January? Moan and groan in the comments section below.
[source forums.eidosgames.com, via neogaf.com]
Comments 17
Better graphics, better physics, some gimmicky voice control, but at the end of the day, the same game which I basically enjoyed but wasn't overly impressed with to begin with. Nope, I won't be buying it again.
I just recently bought Tomb Raider, so I don't see myself buying the definitive version anytime soon, though the voice control features sound like they'd come in handy.
If Naughty Dog were to give The Last of Us similar treatment, Wally West would be envious of the speed at which I gave them my money.
I pre ordered I played through the previous version and loved it but never bought it so this is perfect for me
I probably won't be using the voice controls though.
Always meant to get around to this one. I'll get the PS4 version if I can find it for cheap enough. Might wait a little while for the price to drop as I've already waited this long.
I think the ability to use voice controls without the camera is a huge bonus on PS4 and is heavily overlooked. Whenever people talk about the Kinect of Xbox One the only thing people even remotely care about is voice commands, but you have to have that big ugly camera to use them. For people like me it's a lot more practical to just be able to use a headset. The same headset you use for chatting online can also be used for voice commands and is a lot fluid because the system can better hear what your saying and you don't have to scream at the top of your lungs disturbing everyone in the house as well as your neighbors. Just my opinion though.
Yeah I will be picking this one up. Even though I already played and beat this on the 360 I never owned it. Also I gotta try out the voice commands.
Will definitely pick this. Never able to finish this game but I remember the game is very fun
The last game I played using voice controls was a horrible one called Life Line back on PS2. At least we know the core game here is awesome, hopefully the voice controls work well.
I think this is one of the best things they could have done with the game. New and improved hardware that is really in need of some more games will obviously boost the sales a bit beyond the already respectable amount. Not to mention they're over overhauling most everything in the game. Even if it's really a glorified port, it's still a smart decision.
I played it on PS3 but didnt buy it. I will be buying for PS4 tho.
Reading this article has really opened my eyes to the reality that all anyone ever talks about anymore is "physics" and "particle effects" and "her hair will blow with the wind"... I assume that's because there are so many newer gamers out there now that focus too much on the "video" rather than the "games". It's videoGAMES, and the playing the game is what brings the fun and entertainment. I'm all for improving visuals but it seems that's the only thing they focus on anymore.
@JaxonH
To be fair, when I buy a $300-$500 next-gen console I'm expecting a bump in visuals. If graphics and performance are so meaningless then we all should've just stayed with NES. I also think it's unfair to say they're not focusing on gameplay. This is a re-release, we already know what it brings to the table from a gameplay perspective and it's fantastic. Yes, it looks nice, but it also is fun to play, even if it is a more dark and gritty game. No reason games can't have gameplay, graphics and story. Shouldn't write off games simply because devs put a focus on giving us something that looks nice and has a good narrative as well. I've always found Naughty Dog's games to be highly enjoyable all the way around, that includes the gameplay.
PS4 voice recognition is pretty neat, so I'd like to try it out in games.
@Gamer83
Like I said, I'm all for better visuals. Never said graphics are meaningless, and I am certainly not writing them off. In no way am I dismissing this game either...In fact, I have this game pre ordered. That's not what I was saying.
What I was getting at was that it seems as if they put way too much emphasis on graphics nowadays. Almost all the focus is now on games' visuals. You do make a fair point though. This is a re-release, and the game is already well established. So perhaps this isn't the best example.
I've just read way too many articles lately where devs only talk about the visuals, like it's the only thing people care about. I know games on PS4 will have better graphics than last gen- that's a given. They don't need to spell it out for me with every game, noting every nitty gritty visual detail and effect. Does that make sense?
I'll likely pick it up. Didn't finish playing it on the PS3, then loaned it to a friend who's playing it now. Not my favorite game, but I did enjoy it. Plus there's a hard cover art book included. So you're getting something besides better graphics.
I purchased this for the PS3 digitally via the PSN. If there is a PS3 to PS4 upgrade for a cheaper price AND it's offered for the PSN's digital version, then I'll pick it up. I loved this game; it was great fun! Still, with inFamous:SS, Dying Light, Driveclub and other great PS4 titles right around the corner, I'll probably just skip this one until it's offered for cheap (or free) via PS+/PSN. I bet this game will be free on PS+ within 6-months... TOPS! As I said in the beginning of my comment though, if there is a PS3 to PS4 upgrade with a damn decent price cut ($10-$20 for upgrading), then I'll get it for PS4...
@JaxonH
It makes sense, I think the problem is we're at a point where most games are going to be sequels and for better or worse, we know how they're going to play. Even Nintendo, which is praised for its innovation, falls into this trap with its franchises outside of the 3D Mario platformers. Unless a game is really breaking the mold, we know what we're getting so the focus is going to be on new, high-powered graphics engines or stories and story-telling methods. You'll still read about gameplay but it's not going to be unless it's a new IP (in which case the focus will be on everything) or if it's a sequel that truly is trying to be different.
Also just want to let you know I wasn't trying to be a condescending a-hole in my last comment. I just re-read it and didn't like the way it comes off.
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