Multiplayer game modes announced for new Tomb Raider

Single-player video games have it rough. After the initial play-through of a single-player game there isn’t much left for players to do with the game — a common issue with most, if not every, single-player game.

Tomb Raider fans should be happy to learn that, earlier this month, Crystal Dynamics announced that a multiplayer component will be included within the game, in addition to the standard single-player campaign, giving gamers a bigger bang for their buck and extend the longevity of their play time.

Tomb Raider’s multiplayer has been developed separately by Deus Ex Human: Revolution developers Eidos Montreal and includes competitive game modes where players take control of teams consisting of Lara’s shipwrecked shipmates and the the island’s deadly and savage inhabitants. Players will be able to gain experience over time to increase their performance stats and purchase new characters to play with their own specific weapon loadouts.

“Team Deathmatch” mode will traditionally pit the Survivor and Scavenger teams against each other in a best of three matches where players alternate between playing as the opposing teams after each round.

Another multiplayer game mode called “Rescue” is where the Survivors are tasked with delivering medical supplies to various locations scattered throughout the map while the Scavengers press on to gun them down. The winner is determined by whether or not the Survivors deliver all of their packages before the Scavengers reach 25 kills.

Finally, there is the “Cry for Help” game mode, which isn’t directly as competitive as the other game modes, and the focus of the matches is based on exploration and discovery. While the developers’ description of the game mode was very limited, it appears that Cry for Help will play very much like a scavenger hunt.

To keep things interesting, the environment will also play a large role in Tomb Raider’s multiplayer. Booby traps are laden throughout the maps and even the weather can play a pivotal role in turning the tide of battle. In video gameplay demonstrations of Tomb Raider’s multiplayer, a huge sandstorm had developed amidst a deathmatch and blinded a team of pursuing attackers, putting them at a severe disadvantage and ultimately costing them the match. Parts of the environment are also destructible, so you can take out a key bridge to funnel your enemies into a kill zone and gain an upper hand.

Last year, Mass Effect 3 surprised the world with its hugely successful multiplayer mode that was included with the legendary single-player title, and it seems that other game developers are beginning to follow suit with multiplayer modes being added to the upcoming God of War: Ascension and Dead Space 3.

The multiplayer addition to Tomb Raider even has some gamers reconsidering their initial stance on the game, now knowing that it boasts multiplayer capability. Tomb Raider looks like a well-rounded and solid gaming experience that promises to be a sure buy.