http://www.vg247.com/2010/09/19/rumour-next-tomb-raider-may-be-open-world/

Crystal Dynamics next Tomb Raider may be set in an open world according to latest rumours surrounding the game.

PC Gamer’s posted the news in its latest rumour column, suggesting the next title in the series could be taking a more radical approach in that Lara won’t be travelling through a series of linear levels.

The magazine’s sources claim the new Tomb Raider will be set in a open world, a Japanese sandbox-island which Lara can explore at will.

These same sources suggest puzzles and platforming aspects will remain in place.

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That could be really awesome actually, if they pull it off right! Here's hoping!

As long as it's not downloadable only.

what would be the point of traveling in an open world,when it's probably still going to be the same puzzles and platforming. What are you going to do besides that? Who knows it might work,but I personally don't see how.

No it's about the next Tomb Raider game: http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/square-enix-lara-croft-is-digital-tomb-raider-is-retail/

Tomb Raider = Retail game

Lara Croft = digital game

It could bring more actual exploration to the series. Finding things that you can get completely sidetracked with exploring in and things like that. I think that would make Tomb Raider much tomb raider-like.

I hope so but Tomb Raider has really paled in comparison to Uncharted which has stolen its thunder big time in recent years.

Which is why something like this might put it back on the map. If they pull it off well.

Lets hope so, Tomb Raider 1 is in my top 10 games ever.....the experience of playing it back then revolutionary, unforgettable and unmatched. Now its sad to see Tomb Raider close to irrelevant in terms of sales and quality.

Lets hope so....

And Why is it on a Japanese Sandbox island?! lol

uncharted isn't like tomb raider to me anyway,exploring/finding is miles better in TR and i actually prefer it but then TR is my fav,not sure i really like the sound of change,i quite like it linear but the levels in TR aren't exactly what i call linear say like a shooter

but hey we all see different things,i'll keep an open mind,but i don't fancy gta type open with  mission icons everywhere,

i liked underworld(obvious faults aside) and anniversary was brilliant to me 

people seem to want more shooting like legend,aslong as they make it i'm happy

Good, it's about time. All franchises should be tried in an open world setting at some point.