Tomb Raider 3 Beta [PSX / PC]

Overview: After Tomb Raider 2, CORE had already planned the sequel which was later released November 1998 for PC and PSX. Based on the upgraded Tomb Raider 2 Engine, Tomb Raider 3 features new vehicles such as the: Kayak, Quadbike. These new vehicles give a dynamic feel and new experience to the game. Tomb Raider 3 appeared at ECTS 1998 and E3 May 1998.The game originally features locations such as: India, South Pacific, Nevada, London. There is evidence that CORE had planned Peru levels but there is no clear evidence of existence. Some of the level names changed during development for example: Suduhu Gorge | Maduhu Gorge | Madubu Gorge, Jungle Ruins |Jungle, Temple Of Shiva | Temple Ruins (Final names in bold)

Also, CORE rebuilt the PS1 engine, it was supposed to make use of all the power the PS1 has. They confirmed that the game would have higher resolution and groundbreaking graphics which did not feature in the final. It was confirmed in several magazine reviews that the game would support 1-3 routes of completion. Most of these routes were taken out of the game along with the extra veichles which CORE threw in just for gamers to have fun with optionally. The game was originally called “Tomb Raider III The Further Adventures Of Lara Croft” later changed to “Tomb Raider III Adventures Of Lara Croft”. In the earlier builds, Lara could roll whilst crawling and also use a combat knife to remove objects from stone, or climb trees.

This is taken from a beta copy of the game, it shows clear evidence of Peru’s previous existence. Core spoke of the first level explaining the storyline then that you would be able to choose the start of the adventure set in 4 different locations: India, London, South Pacific, Nevada. It’s possible that the first level was originally set in Peru where Lara Croft was supposed to retrieve the first artifact.

Alpha Stage – Date, Late May 1998 (E3 Build)

The title screen is different. It matches the rumoured name “Tomb Raider III Rebirth Of Fire”. Although this looks complete, the levels are in early development and contain cut out parts which put the final to shame. The only known playable levels are: Coastal Village, Thames Wharf. The deleted roll animation can be seen at 0:32. The flare lighting effects look much better compared to the final cut-down. The level is pretty much different to what we play in the final, the monkey swing animation is different seen at 0:57.

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Alpha Stage – Date, Unknown 1998

Definitly after May 1998 because the monkey swing animation is almost final.

Magazine scans, shows some early levels.

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Beta Stage – Date, Late August 1998 (ECTS Build)
Platform: PSX

About this beta

This demo was shown at ECTS 1998, It has a self playable demo or it can be played. It is very similar to the demo disc version with file size differences and some different un heard sound effects. The gun sound effects are identical to TR2. Lara starts in a completely different cell as the one in the final is inaccessible. The title screen background is different and the control pad to change the control scheme is missing.

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Beta Stage – Date, Early September 1998
Platform: PSX

In this version of the game, Peru is on the map. No modifications are needed to unlock it though, it can be selected just fine but the level itself is not there so the game freezes.

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Late Beta Stage – Date, Mid September 1998 (Public Demo)
Platform: PSX

Coming soon.

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Late Beta Stage – Date, Early October 1998
Platform: PSX

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About this beta

This is an interesting beta, All Hallows is after Thames Wharf. It makes more sense since sliding down the Cathedral bell would lead to a Cathedral rather than a train station. The storyline doesn’t make sense because of this alteration to the final build. There is a deleted cutscene CUT10.PSX more info to come soon ;) Some of the level names are different as shown below, there are also different gun names. For example: “Heckler & Koch MP5″ was later renamed to “MP5″. The ammo count colour is grey and is positioned at the top right hand corner rather than being pink and at the bottom right hand corner like final. Another interesting differences is that the Shotgun is exactly the same as the one used in Tomb Raider 2, the beta has file dates from both September & early October 1998.

Final Level List

• Jungle
• Temple Ruins
• The River Of Ganges
• Caves Of Kaliya
• Coastal Village
• Thames Wharf
• Aldwych
• Lud’s Gate
• City
• Nevada Desert
• High Security Compound
• Area 51
• Antarctica
• RX-Tech Mines
• Lost City Of Tinnos
• Meteorite Cavern
• All Hallows

Beta Level List

• Jungle Ruins
• Temple Of Shiva
• The River Of Ganges
• Caves Of Kali
• Coastal Village
• Thames Wharf
• All Hallows (This level was supposed to be after Thames Wharf)
• Aldwych
• Lud’s Gate
• City
• Nevada Desert
• High Security Compound
• Area 51
• Antarctica
• RX-Tech Mines
• Lost City Of Tinnos
• Meteorite Cavern

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Late Beta Stage – Date, October 1998
Platform: PSX

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About this beta

This is a beta build compiled close to final. Almost everything is done but there are minor/severe bugs which can prevent you from completing the game. The beta still has the deleted sprint and crawl + pickup animation. The sprint makes her look more ‘butch’ I believe it’s why they changed it. Whilst picking up items when crawling, Lara will reach out to her bagpack asif she’s putting it in there which doesn’t happen in the final.

Glitch 1 – River of Ganges, Quadbike

Another glitch is where the quadbike is too bouncy or can be used underwater. If you drive into a wall whilst falling into the water, Lara will be able to use it underwater without it exploding allowing the level to be completed easily.

Glitch 2 – Lost City of Tinnos, Fire Room

In the fire room, you can walk on the floor which should burn Lara Croft.

Glitch 3 – Rx-Tech Mines, Mine Cart

The most severe bug is with the mine cart, it easily picks up speed causing it to become uncontrolable. Along with this, it bounces up and down like a ball. It is impossible to complete Rx-Tech mines because there is a speed issue which causes the lower mine cart to crash every time used. The only way around this is to use the DOZY cheat to fly rather than using the mine carts. When Lara hits them things whith the wrench there is no sound for it yet.

Glitch 4 – Rx-Tech Mines, Mine Cart

There is a bug when putting in the scitimar it will not work if you press X (action) you must go through the inventory.

More differences

In the Jungle the first secret located near the tree doesn’t exist and there is no shotgun.

In Lud’s Gate.

Editors:
1. Gh0stblade

Change log:
Gh0stblade – Started write up, added October 98 beta info 14/12/11, Added Late August info, Added September 1998 Info.
Gh0stblade – Added E3 info, ECTS screenshots. 16/12/11
Gh0stblade – Added more general info, E3 video updated 09/01/11

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Edit

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