The basic premise of Tomb Raider is that Lara "has to survive", says Stewart

Karl Stewart, global brand manager for Crystal Dynamics, has dropped a few extra details surrounding the gameplay, plot, and the settings contained within the new Tomb Raider revamp.

Speaking in a Q&A over on the official Eidos forums, Stewart said plans are in place to show some behind-the-scenes content via developer diaries, but for now, information the team is able to provide is a bit scarce as the developer doesn't "want to give it away right now."

However, Stewart was able to provide a few bits and bobs pertaining to the game's combat system, which he said "has a variety of different play paths and playstyles," such as the use of various melee, ranged, and stealth options when trying to solve the mystery of the island Lara is stranded on.

"There is a core discovery to be made, and that core discovery will unlock the mystery of the entire island and answer a lot of questions," he said. "There are items and artifacts that you have to pick up and find around the island, but everything points to this big discovery."

While on the island, players will be using a bow to hunt - a weapon Stewart said he looks forward to showing in action.

There will also be "plenty of people on the island" providing diverse encounters, he added, but don't expect Lara to develop a "love interest" with one of the inhabitants.

"I’ve read and fed into the script now on many, many occasions, and I can tell you that there is no love interest in this game," he said. "She is trying to survive. She is busy. Surviving the situation is all she can cope with right now; surviving a relationship would be a bit tough.

"In one of the next releases we could possibly see this 'more human Lara' meet someone, but that is way over the horizon."

Lara's actions in the game will also be more realistic than in previous adventures as there will be limitations to freedom of movement. For example, players will be unable to "jump off the side of a cliff and hook onto the side at random" in order to free climb.

"The real world doesn’t work like that," said Stewart. "Like real life you can’t just walk up to a cliff and assume you can climb it. It may be too steep, or too rocky, or jagged. But then there will be other areas perfect for climbing. It will feel organic and natural. The path won’t be screaming at you – no white ledges."

Sounds like there are plenty surprises in store for Tomb Raider fans, and more information on the game, as well as the combat system, will be revealed around E3.

The game is slated for release in the fall on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.