Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Tomb Raider delayed until Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tomb-raider-delayed-until-q1-2013/#comments The younger, dirtier and unvarnished version of Lara Croft still needs some polish, according to Crystal Dynamics. The developer is pushing back the release date of the next Tomb Raider, from Fall 2012 into the first quarter of 2013. (Yes, the same quarter that now hosts another one of 2012's former heavy hitters, Bioshock Infinite.)

"Our priority now is to make sure we fully deliver the very highest quality game," Crystal Dynamics Head Darrell Gallagher wrote. In a missive posted on the game's official forums, Gallagher shared the studio's push to make Tomb Raider "the best game of our careers." The delay will boost quality up to "a level that you deserve," he said.

The shift in release date has also given us an unexpected sense of optimism. If enough promising games get pushed into next year, we might actually start rooting for the world's continued existence beyond 2012.

JoystiqTomb Raider delayed until Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013crystal-dynamicsdarrell-gallagherdelaylara-croftmicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesquare-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012tomb-raider-2013xboxMon, 14 May 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soul Reaver shifts planes to GOG.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/soul-reaver-shifts-planes-to-gog-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/soul-reaver-shifts-planes-to-gog-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/soul-reaver-shifts-planes-to-gog-com/#comments
Raziel has been to many strange and wonderful places, but he's never been to Good Old Games until now. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is now available on the service for $6. Soul Reaver tells the tale of a betrayed vampire-turned-revenant, Raziel, and his vengeance against those who wronged him.

It also sports a top-notch voice cast and, hey, it's fun to play. If you missed it the first time around (or if you feel like reliving it again), it's definitely worth checking out.

JoystiqSoul Reaver shifts planes to GOG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicsgoggog.comlegacy-of-kain-soul-reaverpcsquare-enixThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/god-of-war-2-director-cory-barlog-joins-crystal-dynamics/#comments Cory Barlog, who served as writer and director for God of War 2, as well as "story creator" for Ghost of Sparta and creative director for Chains of Olympus, has joined Crystal Dynamics to work on its forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot and "a yet to be announced new title."

Its unclear what this transition may mean for Barlog's Mad Max project, which was reportedly in production at Avalanche Studios. "I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before," said Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg in a statement to Eurogamer.

This either means that Mad Max is continuing without Barlog at Avalanche Studios, or that it was never there to begin with. Either way, we're looking forward to seeing what kind of vengeful, face-painting influence Barlog has on Lara Croft's future, and whether his presence at Crystal Dynamics could finally lead to Gex of War.

Continue reading God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics

JoystiqGod of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avalanche-Studioscory-barlogCrystal-DynamicsGexLara-Croftmad-maxTomb-Raidertomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider to be promoted with real world geocaching treasure hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/tomb-raider-to-be-promoted-with-real-world-geocaching-treasure-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/tomb-raider-to-be-promoted-with-real-world-geocaching-treasure-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/tomb-raider-to-be-promoted-with-real-world-geocaching-treasure-h/#comments Lara Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have announced a partnership with Geocaching.com to promote Tomb Raider. What's geocaching, you ask? Essentially, it's a modern day form of treasure hunting, in which participants use GPS to uncover "geocaches" hidden across the globe by other enthusiasts.

Later this year, the promotion promises "a series of unique location-based adventures" in the spirit of Lara's own lust for precious artifacts. The promotion will use a combination of Geocaching.com's own app and "a photo-based adventure project" called Geocaching Challenges from Groundspeak.com. Presumably, would-be tomb raiders will be hunting for objects related to Lara and her adventures, though there's no hint as to what these treasures will be -- we can only hope that scions are involved.

Continue reading Tomb Raider to be promoted with real world geocaching treasure hunt

JoystiqTomb Raider to be promoted with real world geocaching treasure hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsgeocachingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics has new IP in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/crystal-dynamics-has-new-ip-in-the-works/#comments We miss you, Dana. It looks like Crystal Dynamics is up to more than Lara Croft's latest reboot. Posting on the Square Enix Members blog, Crystal Dynamics community manager Meagan Marie revealed that, in addition to Tomb Raider, the company is also "hard at work preparing to reveal exciting new intellectual property to the world." Exactly what that property is remains a mystery, though studio head Darrell Gallagher promised that 2012 will be "the biggest year in Crystal's history" and that there are "amazing things" in store.

The obvious question: Is Gex old enough to be considered new again?

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics has new IP in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012crystal-dynamicsgexipnew-ipsquare-enixWed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider celebrates 15th anniversary with Steam sale this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-steam-sale-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-steam-sale-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-steam-sale-this-wee/#comments Has it really been 15 years since we shared in Lara Croft's obsessive lust for artifacts and her undying vendetta against endangered species? Heck, the creatures of the earth aren't even safe after they've become extinct -- she's killed plenty of dinosaurs too.

To commemorate fifteen years of robbing graves, dodging traps and accidentally swan-diving into neck-crunching granite, Steam is offering the post-reboot Tomb Raider series at a magnanimous rate until Monday, 10AM Pacific. Tomb Raider: Underworld is the most expensive of the lot at $6.79, with Tomb Raider 1 remake Anniversary going for $3.39. Crystal Dynamics' first stint with Lara, Tomb Raider: Legend, is available for $5.09.

At under $16 in total, it's a trilogy to be treasured. Err, right before next year's reboot, of course.

JoystiqTomb Raider celebrates 15th anniversary with Steam sale this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslara-croftpcsteamtomb-raiderTomb-Raider-Anniversarytomb-raider-legendtomb-raider-underworldFri, 14 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Xbox 360 could use a hug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/tomb-raider-xbox-360-could-use-a-hug/#comments TomBox 360 We've seen a lot of custom Xbox 360s before, but never one that looked like it was in so much pain. The Official Tomb Raider Blog is currently running a contest to give the Xbox, featuring a bruised and battered Lara Croft, away -- and it's clear that it could use a good home. And just look at that Xbox controller! Poor little guy must have fractured a handle.

Winning isn't quite as easy as filling out a form, as the blog is asking folks to answer trivia questions, which can only be found via Twitter, Facebook and during the last five minutes of Crystal Habit, the Crystal Dynamics podcast. Once you have the answers, you can enter the contest here.

Do it quickly, because someone needs to get that mistreated console away from those monsters.

JoystiqTomb Raider Xbox 360 could use a hug originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestCrystal-Dynamicseidosmicrosoftsquare-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/#comments Last year, Square Enix snuck Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light onto the iOS App Store. It's following that mobile release this November with a version for Android -- specifically, Sony Ericsson's button-enriched phone, the Xperia Play.

This is part of a newly announced partnership between Square Enix and Sony Ericsson, which will bring more of the publisher's "established hits" to the Xperia Play "in the coming months." As of now, only Guardian of Light has been announced. A look at Square Enix's iPhone catalog could at least suggest possibilities.

[Image: iPhone version; the Xperia version won't need those virtual buttons.]

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcrystal-dynamicslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilerelease-datesquare-enixxperia-playWed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics planning new IP after Tomb Raider reboot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/crystal-dynamics-planning-new-ip-after-tomb-raider-reboot/#comments On the very first episode of Crystal Dynamics' podcast, The Crystal Habit, the minds behind the studio's upcoming Tomb Raider reboot sounded off on what their next project is going to look like. Studio head Darrell Gallagher explained, "We're starting to look at doing a new IP here, and we're in the very early stages of that." He added that the team hopes to "take all the learnings and the technology and everything that we've done with Tomb Raider over the last six years and apply that to something new moving forward."

He added that the new game will shoot for the same story-driven action-adventure experience the team has almost exclusively curated during its career.

We're actually pretty excited about the prospect of Crystal Dynamics taking on a new IP in the future -- not because we're excited by change, mind you, but because it means they're not planning on rebooting Gex any time soon.

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics planning new IP after Tomb Raider reboot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsipmicrosoftplaystationps3tomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Croft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/croft-comic-jumper-tmnt-this-weeks-xbl-deal-of-the-week-torc/#comments This week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week deals are organized under the generous umbrella of "Mutants and more!" The soon-to-be-pulled TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is available for just $5 / 400 Microsoft Points until July 4. (Note: Ubisoft told us it would be pulled at the end of this month.) That's certainly mutant-themed, so what's next? X-Men Arcade is also 50% off at just $5, so that's another mutant-themed offering. So there's something of a theme here ...

... except the other three games are non-mutant-themed! The excellent Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is 50% off, dropping the asking price to just $7.50 / 600 Microsoft Points, while both Comic Jumper and Hard Corps: Uprising are 50% off, dropping their sticker prices to $5 / 400 Microsoft points each. While we love those deep discounts, is it too much to ask for a solid theme?

Next week's offerings, while more thematically consistent, aren't nearly as delicious. The highlight for "Heatin' Up Summer" is definitely Torchlight for 33% off, at $10 / 800 Microsoft Points. Less enticing offerings include: Dante's Inferno DLC, a Medal of Honor map pack, and a Red Hot Chili Peppers album for Rock Band.

Continue reading Croft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week

JoystiqCroft, Comic Jumper, TMNT this week's XBL Deal of the Week, Torchlight next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumperCrystal-Dynamicsdeal-of-the-weekHard-Corps-Uprisinglara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledx-men-arcadeXBLAxboxTue, 28 Jun 2011 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Dynamics 'not making a second' Lara Croft game, focus is on Tomb Raider [Update: CrystalD responds!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/crystal-dynamics-not-making-a-second-lara-croft-game-focus-is/#comments Last year, we spoke with Crystal Dynamics' global brand director Karl Stewart, about the studio's new three team structure: the "pillar" team was hard at work on the new Tomb Raider reboot, one of the highlights of this year's E3; the experimental team was working on smaller games under the "Lara Croft" banner; and the brand team, which looks after the lucrative Tomb Raider brand and, ostensibly, oversees projects like the upcoming movie.

At that time, Stewart told us, "The experimental team is basically just looking at the IP going forward and how we can take Lara to new and exciting places." The first and, as it turns out likely the last, place they took her was last year's Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, an excellent isometric downloadable co-op game. So is Crystal Dynamics still looking to take Lara to new and exciting places? Outside of the reboot, it sounds like the answer to that question is in the negative.

"We're not making a second one," Stewart told me.

"Not yet, or just not?" I asked.

"Oh no, we're not making a second Lara. For us, that Lara Croft was, in a way, it was sort of the furthest possible extension of that iteration of Lara. Once we finished Guardian of Light, obviously we knew we were making this version of Tomb Raider," Stewart told us, referring to the reboot they were showing off during our interview.

Stewart was clear that the game performed well financially. "In business terms, it was very successful," he told me. What was less successful was the implementation of its online co-op feature. "In terms of issues, the one issue that plagued us all the way through, which looking back we would've changed our minds to do other things, was definitely the online," Stewart lamented. "I wish if we had the ability and had the information, we could've been a bit more transparent."

While the studio isn't pursuing the experimental Lara Croft series, it does recognize it as a successful "creative side endeavor" for the studio. In fact, Stewart told us that Daniel Neuberger, game director on Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, is now the game director of the new Tomb Raider.

[Update 6/12 6:20pm: Stewart reached out to Joystiq to say clarify that CrystalD isn't "'Currently' working on a new version of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light in the near future" and to note that he "didn't use the word 'Never.'" He adds, "We don't currently have plans on the table, but it was an exciting project and you just never know." We've asked Stewart to clarify whether or not the "experimental team" is still in operation in the above-mentioned three group structure.]

JoystiqCrystal Dynamics 'not making a second' Lara Croft game, focus is on Tomb Raider [Update: CrystalD responds!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicse3-2011Karl-Stewartlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSquare-EnixXBLAxboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft gets primitive in new Tomb Raider trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/lara-croft-gets-primitive-in-new-tomb-raider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/lara-croft-gets-primitive-in-new-tomb-raider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/lara-croft-gets-primitive-in-new-tomb-raider-trailer/#comments Square Enix has released this teaser trailer for the new Tomb Raider reboot on YouTube (after showing it on Spike earlier tonight), and boy is it purty. As promised by the game's reveal back in December of last year, the fully CGI trailer features a younger, (dare we say) more naive Lara Croft, given some slightly more savage and primitive tools by the end than we've ever seen before.

Sure, there's a Sully-esque old guy in there, but man, that setpiece at the end of the trailer more than makes up for any similarity to any other grave-exploring titles you may also be fond of. Stay tuned -- we'll have lots more information about this game for you as we head on into E3 next week.

Continue reading Lara Croft gets primitive in new Tomb Raider trailer

JoystiqLara Croft gets primitive in new Tomb Raider trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011trailervideoxboxFri, 03 Jun 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts hires back Tomb Raider franchise head Tim Longo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/#comments Gamasutra reports that LucasArts has hired Tim Longo, formerly Tomb Raider creative and franchise director at Crystal Dynamics. Longo worked with LucasArts in the past on several Star Wars titles, notably the Starfighter series, Jar Jar's Revenge and Republic Commando. Longo has signed on in order to work on an unannounced project for LucasArts though, given his pedigree (not to mention LucasArts' corporate mandate) a new Star Wars title seems likely.

JoystiqLucasArts hires back Tomb Raider franchise head Tim Longo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslucasartsstar-warstim-longotomb-raiderFri, 01 Apr 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Amos leaves Visceral for Crystal Dynamics, will help develop new IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/scott-amos-leaves-visceral-for-crystal-dynamics-will-help-devel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/scott-amos-leaves-visceral-for-crystal-dynamics-will-help-devel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/scott-amos-leaves-visceral-for-crystal-dynamics-will-help-devel/#comments Aside from giving Lara a fresh pair of pants (and a full-on reboot), Crystal Dynamics has something else in the works, it appears. According to Gamasutra, Scott Amos, executive producer at Dead Space creator Visceral Games, has joined on with the developer to lead a new team tasked with developing this new IP.

Prior to his work with Visceral, Amos also handled The Sims franchise at EA Maxis, developing the series for consoles. Amos will be relocating to Crystal Dynamics' Redwood-based studio, but we've heard he's got to make it all the way through The Angel of Darkness before he can start work. That's something we wouldn't wish on anyone.

JoystiqScott Amos leaves Visceral for Crystal Dynamics, will help develop new IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicseamicrosoftpcplaystationps3scott-amostomb-raider-2011visceral-gamesxboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider film franchise rebooted, first movie coming 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/tomb-raider-film-franchise-rebooted-first-movie-coming-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/tomb-raider-film-franchise-rebooted-first-movie-coming-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/tomb-raider-film-franchise-rebooted-first-movie-coming-2013/#comments The Tomb Raider game series is undergoing a reboot, so why not reboot the movie series as well? Eight years after the last cinematic adventure for Lara Croft, producer Graham King and his GK Films have purchased the franchise rights. The GK blog reports that the first new Tomb Raider movie is being prepared for a 2013 release.

The big question here is, will the film reboot follow the style of the game reboot? All GK Films has said is that it intends to "create daring new adventures for the young and dynamic Lara Croft." The game features a younger Lara as well, but that's no guarantee the films will hew to the violent, survivalist tone of the game.

JoystiqTomb Raider film franchise rebooted, first movie coming 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsgk-filmsgraham-kingmoviesquare-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA['The Tomb Raider Trilogy' hits PS3 in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-tomb-raider-trilogy-hits-ps3-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-tomb-raider-trilogy-hits-ps3-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-tomb-raider-trilogy-hits-ps3-in-march/#commentsEidos has opened its vault of classic Tomb Raider games for a new PS3 collection -- it has raided the tomb, if you prefer. The "Tomb Raider Trilogy" seen on retail websites last month has been described on the PlayStation Blog as a PS3-exclusive compilation of Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider games. It's due on March 22 at the seemingly standard PS3 trilogy collection price of $39.99.

According to the announcement, Tomb Raider Legend and Tomb Raider Anniversary are presented in "remastered HD versions" -- odd, considering they already supported HD for Xbox 360 and PC. Tomb Raider Underworld was already a PS3 game, so it's just along for the ride.

In addition to these three games, the Trilogy includes the slightest dusting of bonus content, in the form of an exclusive static theme, two PlayStation Home avatar outfits, and some behind-the-scenes videos.

Joystiq'The Tomb Raider Trilogy' hits PS3 in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidosplaystationps3q1-2011release-datesquare-enixthe-tomb-raider-trilogytomb-raidertomb-raider-trilogyThu, 06 Jan 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New, hard-hitting Tomb Raider images posted by Game Informer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-hard-hitting-tomb-raider-images-posted-by-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-hard-hitting-tomb-raider-images-posted-by-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-hard-hitting-tomb-raider-images-posted-by-game-informer/#comments If we didn't know better, we'd say Little Miss Croft's chances of actually coming of age in the new Tomb Raider are pretty much zilch. The first batch of screenshots and concepts, posted by Game Informer, sheds some light on the dark and terrifying setting of Lara's first adventure. Like, honestly, who puts dead bodies and creepy stuff like that in tombs? We thought they were just caves where dinosaurs hung out.

Oh! And Crystal D, when are you guys gonna confirm that Lara's totally being played by Hilary Swank this time? Holler at us if you wanna hook up that exclusive!

JoystiqNew, hard-hitting Tomb Raider images posted by Game Informer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raider-2011xboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider dev seeking multiplayer developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/tomb-raider-dev-seeking-multiplayer-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/tomb-raider-dev-seeking-multiplayer-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/tomb-raider-dev-seeking-multiplayer-developers/#comments Among listings for a technical producer and a senior level designer at Crystal Dynamics on the forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot, two positions popped up that we didn't expect to see: "multiplayer producer" and "senior multiplayer game designer." Though no multiplayer of any kind has been announced for the upcoming TR game, the listings go a long way in confirming it -- the job descriptions explicitly say "Come and work on the new Tomb Raider," for instance. It wouldn't be the first time a game starring Ms. Croft contained multiplayer functionality, as this year's Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light featured co-op play.

Crystal Dynamics is hoping to fill the multiplayer producer position with an individual who has "demonstrable project management experience," and can "take on a major production role in the multi-player part of an upcoming action adventure title." The senior multiplayer game designer position listing notes some potential info about what the game's multiplayer might have, cursorily detailing it as both co-op and "player vs. player." The latter position will also be "responsible for the overall multiplayer design vision for the game," so, uh, good luck with that, potential employees! A Crystal Dynamics representative gave us an official "No comment," but wouldn't say anything else regarding the listings.

[Original image: GameInformer.com]

JoystiqTomb Raider dev seeking multiplayer developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidosjob-listingjob-listingsmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raider-2011xboxWed, 22 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider PS3 trilogy pack confirmed, details to follow shortly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/tomb-raider-ps3-trilogy-pack-confirmed-details-to-follow-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/tomb-raider-ps3-trilogy-pack-confirmed-details-to-follow-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/tomb-raider-ps3-trilogy-pack-confirmed-details-to-follow-short/#comments Lady Croft's latest adventures -- excluding the downloadable Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light -- are getting bundled up in early 2011 for a Tomb Raider Trilogy pack on PlayStation 3. Karl Stewart, global brand director for Crystal Dynamics, confirmed this weekend's leak on his Twitter account. He noted that a full announcement would be made shortly.

If the Amazon listing is accurate, the Blu-ray compilation will include Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary, both of which will be available for the first time on the console, along with 2008's Tomb Raider: Underworld. You'll also get male and female avatars for PlayStation Home and an XMB theme.

This looks to be the last send-off for the obsessive and occasionally mean Lara introduced by Crystal Dynamics in 2006. She'll experience another reboot in Tomb Raider -- just "Tomb Raider" -- next year.

JoystiqTomb Raider PS3 trilogy pack confirmed, details to follow shortly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicskarl-stewartLara-Croftplaystationps3Square-EnixTomb-Raider-AnniversaryTomb-Raider-LegendTomb-Raider-UnderworldMon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Trilogy combines HD Legend, Anniversary and Underworld on PS3, retail listing says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tomb-raider-trilogy-combines-hd-legend-anniversary-and-underwor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tomb-raider-trilogy-combines-hd-legend-anniversary-and-underwor/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/tomb-raider-trilogy-combines-hd-legend-anniversary-and-underwor/#comments The PS3 may be home to yet another HD collection. Amazon.de has a listing for Tomb Raider Trilogy. According to the listing, the Blu-ray will include Tomb Raider Legend, Tomb Raider Anniversary and Tomb Raider Underworld. The first two games will get an HD makeover (and will likely look similar to the Xbox 360 versions), and all three games will offer PlayStation Network trophies. In addition, the collection will unlock special male and female avatars for use in PlayStation Home.

While Square Enix has yet to officially announce the collection, we find it a rather likely prospect. It would be a fitting way to close the book on Lara's previous adventures before the upcoming reboot. Oh, and everyone else is doing it too.

[Thanks, Jose M.!]

JoystiqTomb Raider Trilogy combines HD Legend, Anniversary and Underworld on PS3, retail listing says originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidosplaystationps3square-enixTomb-Raider-Anniversarytomb-raider-legendtomb-raider-trilogytomb-raider-underworldSun, 19 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring iDevices tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-exploring-idevices-tomorr/#comments New Zealand's iTunes App Store revealed Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad well before the game's official announcement in North America -- a tweet from Crystal Dynamic's global brand director Karl Stewart soon after confirmed its veracity. The game will arrive tomorrow for $6.99 (iPhone) and $9.99 (iPad), and its content is said to be unchanged from the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network game released to critical fanfare earlier this year.

Two-player co-op is included, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options will be at your disposal. As far as the recently released DLC for the game is concerned, however, it's not clear whether or not it'll end up on the App Store version -- we've asked Crystal Dynamics to clarify [see below].

Lara and Totec's now mobile adventure will be available to North Americans starting tomorrow morning at 12:01AM EST.

Update: A Crystal Dynamics representative confirmed that the DLC from Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network iterations of the game is not included with the iOS version.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (iPhone/iPad)

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring iDevices tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storecrystal-dynamicseidoseidos-interactiveitunes-app-storelara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilesquare-enixWed, 15 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider details emerge, features open world and brutal deaths]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/tomb-raider-details-emerge-features-open-world-and-brutal-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/tomb-raider-details-emerge-features-open-world-and-brutal-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/tomb-raider-details-emerge-features-open-world-and-brutal-death/#comments Survival is the name of the game for Lara Croft's next virtual excursion -- well, the name of the game is actually Tomb Raider, but, you know -- and a few details from the January issue of Game Informer (which already found its way onto the info-hungry internets) have revealed exactly how said survival story will unfold.

As hinted by yesterday's startling cover reveal, the game will not only be a reboot of the franchise, but a reboot of the Tomb Raider brand. Rather than being a heavily scripted third-person action game, the new title will allow for open-world exploration, giving a fresh-faced, 21-year-old Lara new areas to traverse as she upgrades her own exploratory abilities and finds (or crafts) new equipment and survival tools. Crystal Dynamics didn't give any specifics on these tools, but we're pretty sure Knife plus Stick is going to equal a thing with which you can kill things.

As one might expect, the game's survivalist objective sets a grim tone -- Lara will have to forage for food and water to stay alive. She'll also have to avoid the traps and violent inhabitants strewn across the game's island setting, which, according to the article, are capable of dispatching Lara in extremely brutal ways. Like, ways that make the Tomb Raider 2 "Blow Lara Up" code seem like a minor papercut. Keep an eye out for the January issue of Game Informer for even more details about this interesting adventure.

JoystiqTomb Raider details emerge, features open world and brutal deaths originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicsgame-informermicrosoftpcplaystationps3rebootsquare-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011xboxTue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider revealed by Square Enix in Game Informer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tomb-raider-revealed-by-square-enix-in-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tomb-raider-revealed-by-square-enix-in-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/tomb-raider-revealed-by-square-enix-in-game-informer/#comments As we theorized last month, the January issue of Game Informer will, indeed, be showing off the latest iteration in the Tomb Raider series called, simply, Tomb Raider. Details are scarce, but we know it features Lara's first adventure in which she must struggle to stay alive (hence "A Survivor is Born," the tag line used to tease the release). You can see the rough-looking Lara after the break.

Though Darrell Gallagher, head of Crystal Dynamics, says we should "forget everything you knew about Tomb Raider" and that this is "an origins story that creates Lara Croft and takes her on a character defining journey like no other," it's not clear if this is a relaunch or just an origin story that takes place in the series' already pretty convoluted time line. Heck, we don't even know platforms, though PC, PS3 and 360 seem like safe bets. Soon as we all get our hands on the new GI, we'll hopefully all know much more.

As for the new, stripped down title, Gallagher said "We know there is a blog that has a significant games database that relies on individual tags for each game title, and we like making things hard on them." ... OK, he didn't say that. But you know he was thinking it.

[Update: We've got the full cover image from Game Informer as you can see above (click here for big version). And is that ... a bow? Scour the image and let us know if you find any other clues.]

Continue reading Tomb Raider revealed by Square Enix in Game Informer

JoystiqTomb Raider revealed by Square Enix in Game Informer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011xboxMon, 06 Dec 2010 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/kane-and-lynch-and-kain-and-raziel-buddy-up-in-lara-croft-and-the-gu/#comments Ever wondered what playing through Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light would be like if Lara was Adam 'Kane' Marcus and Totec was James Seth Lynch, eponymous characters of the Kane & Lynch series? According to a hack of the PC version that popped up on YouTube - along with a helpful confirmation straight from developer Crystal Dynamics' Twitter account - soon enough you'll be able to experience such bizarreness firsthand as both characters will be available for download at some point in the future (remember: before the end of 2010).

Also revealed was that other Kane from CrystalD's past: Kain and Raziel (of Legacy of Kain series fame) will be the second character pack. Names are also put to the second and third content expansions: "Things That Go Boom" (number two) and "Hazardous Reunion" (number three). PS3 owners can actually buy the second pack right now, as of last week's update. The YouTube clip after the break shows a bit of our old friends Kain and Raziel in action ... for the first time in seven years. Quick, someone explain YouTube to them!

[Note: Crystal Dynamics is asking fans to tweet their choice for which character pack should come first. Instead, we're going to ask you to decide in our totally scientific poll, just below.]

View Poll


Continue reading Kane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC

JoystiqKane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdlcdownloadable-contenteidoshazardous-reuinionkane-and-lynchlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightlegacy-of-kainlegacy-of-kain-soul-reavermicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsquare-enixsteamthings-that-go-boomxblaxblmxboxWed, 01 Dec 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix files trademark for 'A Survivor is Born']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/square-enix-files-trademark-for-a-survivor-is-born/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/square-enix-files-trademark-for-a-survivor-is-born/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/square-enix-files-trademark-for-a-survivor-is-born/#comments The precarious, towering pile of evidence that Square Enix is planning a big reveal for a new installment in the Tomb Raider franchise just got a little bit taller -- Tomb Raider BIZ, a fansite for the crypt-plundering series, recently uncovered a trademark filed by the UK office of Square Enix, reserving the phrase "A Survivor is Born" for use with "computer game software" and "video game software" and "potpourri." Aha! We made that last one up. Just making sure you're paying attention.

So, in summary: The full spread teaser posted in the latest edition of Game Informer was definitely placed there by Square Enix, is probably hinting at a new Tomb Raider game, and we'll totally hear more about it when the cover of the next issue of Game Informer drops, which will absolutely happen on December 6. We're no mixologists, but that sounds like a pretty delicious recipe for a rumor cocktail.

JoystiqSquare Enix files trademark for 'A Survivor is Born' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsgame-informersquare-enixtomb-raiderSat, 27 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft co-op patch arrives for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-co-op-patch-arrives-for-pc/#commentsPC players of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light despairing about the lack of online play can now see a bit of sunshine coming in through a crack in a cave wall. Just one day after the release of the co-op-enabling patch for the PSN version, developer Crystal Dynamics tweeted that it's now available through Steam as well.

Since PC gamers have been waiting the longest (by an admittedly slim margin), your PC pals should be the happiest about the arrival of online play. You should notice an extra spring in their steps leaps across chasms and an unmistakable joie de vivre in the way they clamber up walls using your ad-hoc spear handholds.

JoystiqLara Croft co-op patch arrives for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicseidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightpatchpcsquare-enixsteamupdateTue, 23 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light online patch now available on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-patch-now-available/#comments Just seven short weeks after its release, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is finally a finished game on the PS3. Crystal Dynamics just announced that the title's online co-op title update has finally gone live, meaning we're just a PC patch away from the game reaching its full potential on all platforms.

It's not that we're unhappy for the update -- we are -- but it's been an exercise in frustration seeing Crystal Dynamics get so close to knocking one out of the park only to have missing features pluck it from the air at the last second.

... Oh man, did we just complete a successful sports metaphor? Don't worry, we won't get NBA Jam-style swelled heads. Holy crap, that's a double! And a double's a thing in baseball, right? So three!

Okay, two-and-a-half.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light online patch now available on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightpatchplaystationps3psnMon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Connect the dots: Possible Tomb Raider reveal in two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/connect-the-dots-possible-tomb-raider-reveal-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/connect-the-dots-possible-tomb-raider-reveal-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/connect-the-dots-possible-tomb-raider-reveal-in-two-weeks/#comments Let's connect the dots, shall we?
  • The current, November issue of Game Informer features the above two-page tease for its December issue stating, simply, "A survivor is born." An accompanying website at asurvivorisborn.com (and asurvivorisborn2012.com) mirrors the tease, though it's not clear who owns the domains.
  • A NeoGAF poster pointed out that, at one point, the Google Analytics account number 6150945-XX matched that of kaneandlynch.com, minininjas.com and deusex.com -- all Eidos / Square Enix titles. If correct, it appears the current asurvivorisborn.com account number of 19668291-1 was changed after being spotted.
  • The image of a crashed ocean liner recalls the leaked concept art and fact sheet spotted last year (the fact sheet description is still readable at Shacknews): "When a sudden storm destroys her research vessel, a young and inexperienced Lara Croft finds herself stranded on a mysterious and remote island hidden off the shores of Japan."
  • The "survivor is born" tagline recalls the origin story description in the fact sheet: "This new Tomb Raider concept reboots the franchise by exploring the origin of Lara Croft's transformation into a hardened adventurer as you unravel the story behind the island's mysterious past."
  • In a 346-page thread (!) on tombraiderforums.com concerning the potential of a December 6 reveal, forum admin Justin J. Farr wrote, cryptically, "I know something you lot don't." That could be the meaning of his middle initial "J" or it could be the identity of Game Informer's next cover ...
It's not quite a smoking gun, but it's certainly possible that next month's GI reveal will be the Tomb Raider reboot we know Crystal Dynamics - specifically the "pillar team" - has been working on alongside its excellent downloadable installment, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. After the progress the team made on the Legends, Anniversary and Underworld trilogy, all eyes are on Crystal D to keep it up with its first Tomb Raider game under the new Square Enix masthead.

JoystiqConnect the dots: Possible Tomb Raider reveal in two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsEidosGame-Informermicrosoftplaystationps3Square-EnixSquare-Enix-EuropeTomb-RaiderxboxTue, 16 Nov 2010 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC arrives Oct. 27 on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/free-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-dlc-arrives-oct-27-on/#comments Those of you hopping in to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on Xbox 360 tomorrow will find not only the newly added ability to play with a buddy online, but also the first of the game's DLC packs, "All the Trappings." (You'll remember it as a way of saying, "Hey, sorry we sold you our game before we implemented all of the features we promised.") The new area and its combination of puzzles and combat challenges will be free for 30 days.

Plans for online support in the PS3 and PC versions are still unannounced, but if Square Enix tries to charge you guys for "All the Trappings," we promise to support all of you in a well-earned freak out.

JoystiqFree Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC arrives Oct. 27 on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-the-trappingsCrystal-Dynamicsdlceidoslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcsquare-enixxboxTue, 26 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Gamer: New Tomb Raider to be open world, feature young Lara]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pc-gamer-new-tomb-raider-to-be-open-world-feature-young-lara/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pc-gamer-new-tomb-raider-to-be-open-world-feature-young-lara/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/pc-gamer-new-tomb-raider-to-be-open-world-feature-young-lara/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember that Tomb Raider reboot that was rumored last year? The one with a younger, less experienced Lara Croft? According to Eurogamer, the latest issue of PC Gamer says that the new Tomb Raider is indeed a reality. The game will reportedly be set on a Japanese island and will offer Lara an open world to explore, described as one "cohesive level with multiple ways around the puzzles."

The magazine also reiterates that Lara will be "younger and inexperienced in the ways of raiding tombs." Eurogamer believes that this next Tomb Raider is slated for a holiday 2011 release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Given the larger, open world and Lara's inexperience, allow us to suggest a title: Tomb Raider: Extended and Unraided.

JoystiqPC Gamer: New Tomb Raider to be open world, feature young Lara originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslara-croftmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011xboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-ps3-and-pc-wont-launch-wit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Much like their Xbox-playing counterparts, folks hoping to do some remote Tomb Raiding with an online pal on PS3 and PC will have to cool their jets for a bit. According to a press release from Crystal Dynamics, the PS3 and PC versions of the Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light are still slated to arrive on September 28 -- however, contrary to what was previously promised, the new versions will not have online co-op capabilities until "a later date." A Crystal Dynamics representative explained the 360 online co-op update will go live "in the very near future." We've followed up to find out if it will arrive alongside the new versions, as was announced last month.

We've also contacted Crystal Dynamics to get a better idea of what "a later date" entails for the PS3 and PC versions. For the developer's sake, we sure hope it means "before we plan to launch all those DLC expansions later this year."

Continue reading Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light PS3 and PC won't launch with online co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Dynamicsdelaylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftonline-cooppcplaystationps3square-enixxboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[First Lara Croft DLC pack free for 30 days on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/first-lara-croft-dlc-pack-free-for-first-30-days-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Presumably to make the sting of that delayed online co-op less painful, Square Enix will offer the first DLC release for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to Xbox 360 players for free -- for one month.

"...We will be offering the first DLC pack for free for the first 30 days, exclusively on the Xbox 360," Crystal Dynamics general manager Darrell Gallagher said in a press release, "so that gamers can get a taste of some of the exciting extras we have in store." This DLC pack is the first of five. Square Enix didn't announce a release date for the DLC, but it wouldn't be much of a conciliatory measure if it didn't arrive before the September 28 release of the online patch.

JoystiqFirst Lara Croft DLC pack free for 30 days on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsDLClara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftSquare-EnixTomb-RaiderxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/review-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/#comments When Lara Croft triumphantly steps out into the sunlight, precious trinket held aloft, everyone cheers (and momentarily overlooks the dead Royal Bengal tiger at her feet). But that immortal moment of success always overshadows a lonely line of work, fraught with deadly pits, unstoppable boulders and hideous creatures. Nobody ever talks about that unglamorous time Lara broke a hip inside the tomb of Qeutzalopec and had to chew on a giant spider leg for three weeks.

In temporarily putting the Tomb Raider brand aside, Crystal Dynamics has finally given gaming's iconic action archaeologist a helping hand. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light introduces an unexplored social element into a franchise that I've come to adore for its sense of isolation and discovery. A second player, acting as Aztec guardian Totec, necessarily disrupts that atmosphere, but also facilitates unplanned moments of creativity. Enter: Spider Bowling.

Continue reading Review: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqReview: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftplaystationps3square-enixxblaxboxMon, 16 Aug 2010 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will not have online co-op until Sept. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-will-not-have-online-co-op/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We hope you've got space for Lara Croft and one guardian of light on your couch, because that's where the heroic pair will find themselves on August 18th. Developer Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that when Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light launches on Xbox Live Arcade, concluding Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion, it will only support offline co-op.

Online co-op, as well as Xbox Live standards like full leaderboard support and voice chat functionality, will be introduced via a free update on September 28. On the same day, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will arrive on PlayStation Network and Steam.

The baffling omission of the online component appears to have been made at the last minute, with Crystal Dynamics global brand director Karl Stewart telling Joystiq, "We made a decision recently because we were focusing on how we can deliver the best possible experience to the players. If we had launched with online co-op, we wouldn't feel comfortable that it was the best possible experience for the player." Though online co-op had been promoted and promised since the game's announcement, Stewart claims that "nothing underhanded" influenced the decision. "This is our first digital title and we want to make sure we deliver the best possible experience to players."

It's a tough decision: delay the game on Xbox Live Arcade and miss out on Summer of Arcade promotion, or get an imperfect version in front of players first. Either way, it's a disappointing scenario for all parties involved, including Microsoft. You can play Lara Croft on Xbox Live Arcade first -- but not on Xbox Live at first.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light will not have online co-op until Sept. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicskarl-stewartlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftsummer-of-arcadexblaxboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light plunders PS3, Steam on Sep. 28, five DLC packs in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-plunders-ps3-steam-on-sep/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is making its debut as part of Microsoft's high-profile (and heavily co-marketed) Summer of Arcade program, that doesn't mean Lara isn't destined for other platforms. Square Enix today announced that GoL will be released on both PlayStation Network and Steam on September 28th for the same $15 asking price. But Lara's plans for 2010 don't stop there.

While we agree DLC is a pretty strange acronym for Downloadable Content, we're going to disagree with Crystal Dynamics General Manager Darrell Gallagher when he insists, "DLC for us means Downloadable Lara Croft." Don't get us wrong, we're on board for Guardian of Light in a big way (though our initial enthusiasm has certainly been blunted with today's news that online co-op will suffer a one-month delay for Xbox owners). We simply worry that five DLC packs over three months is going to cause a consumer revolt, fueled by cries of "that should've been in the game."

The first three packs are straight-up expansions, meaning fresh puzzles and "new areas" to visit. The latter two are "playable character packs" which will let you swap out Lara and Totec throughout the entire campaign for "some other well-known videogame characters." Our guess: Hitman's Agent 47 ... or perhaps another trigger-happy hero from Square's catalog, Vincent from Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light plunders PS3, Steam on Sep. 28, five DLC packs in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsDLClara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNSquare-EnixSteamXBLAxboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/lara-croft-avatar-items-and-premium-theme-coming-to-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your anticipation for the co-op treasure-plundering action of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is so strong that you're seeking for outlets through which to give Crystal Dynamics money, here's your chance. A handful of Avatar items based on the XBLA title will arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace July 29. The particulars and prices of these items have yet to be revealed, though a handful of images posted in the gallery below indicate costumes for Lara, her partner-in-raiding Totec, a Tomb Raider-themed T-shirt, a hideous matted wig and ... some kind of ... demon suit.

The background featured in these images is actually available on the Marketplace today for 240 MSP, under the title "The Lava Tomb." It's perfect for those who think their menu navigation experience could use a bit more molten rock and ugly statuettes.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Avatar items

Continue reading Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace

JoystiqLara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatarcrystal-dynamicslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpremium-themessquare-enix-europeXBLMxboxSat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft still likes all kinds of guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/lara-croft-still-likes-all-kinds-of-guns/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was one of our favorite games at this year's E3 -- while it's a new taste for the franchise, it certainly seemed like one gamers will enjoy. But even if all of the puzzle-solving and co-op has you worried that Lara's gone too cerebral, let this trailer reassure you: The girl still knows how to shoot things until they stop moving.

She and partner Totec do so with all kinds of heavy weaponry, including flamethrowers, rocket launchers and whatever else they find laying around that ancient temple they're exploring. The video also shows off some of the game's relic and artifact system, which will not only let you customize weapons with various stats and abilities, but encourage replaying of the game, as some of the relics will require a few runs through the title to obtain. Watch the full trailer after the break.

Continue reading Lara Croft still likes all kinds of guns

JoystiqLara Croft still likes all kinds of guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftsquare-enixTomb-RaidertrailervideoweaponsxboxMon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade for 'exactly' four weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/lara-croft-exclusive-to-xbox-live-arcade-for-exactly-four-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Crystal Dynamics previously announced plans to launch Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on XBLA, PSN and PC this summer. Since the XBLA release is now part of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion, however, PSN and PC players are going to have to wait a bit longer for their date with Lara. When asked how long the game's timed exclusivity on Xbox Live would last, Crystal Dynamics' Karl Stewart told Eurogamer, "Well, for exactly four weeks, really. The agreement with Microsoft is, in order to participate in their hugely successful Summer of Arcade promotion there is a window of exclusivity. That window of exclusivity is a set four weeks."

Lara Croft is slated to launch August 18 on Xbox Live Arcade, which would mean that the PSN and PC releases are essentially on hold until September 15. Stewart explained that it's ultimately "up to the first parties and the likes of Steam to agree that's the best date for us." It's worth noting that September 15 is a Wednesday, and North American PSN updates occur on Tuesday now, which could mean Lara Croft's release in the region could get pushed back another week.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara Croft exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade for 'exactly' four weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsexclusivitylara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-datesteamxblaxboxxbox-liveFri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/interview-karl-stewart-on-lara-croft-and-the-new-crystal-dynami/#comments At Square Enix's pre-E3 event yesterday, we got a chance to talk with Karl Stewart, global brand director for Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. We asked him about the reorganization inside the developer (which lead directly to the development of the already impressive Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light), its new approach to managing the Tomb Raider brand and how its new focus is affecting the way other Eidos studios work. We also got a taste of just how outside-the-box its new "experimental team" can go.

Joystiq: This reorganization all happened after the Square Enix acquisition?

Karl Stewart: We had actually been going through the shakeup at the studio prior to it, and really we had already presented that we knew we needed to make a drastic change for the studio and that continuing down the same path wasn't really going to cut it any longer. So Darrell Gallagher had taken over the studio at that time and he had some great ideas about how to sort of retool the studio, and it was around then that Square Enix came aboard, purchased us, so we presented our vision for it and they thought it was the right way to go. And as a result, we continued down that path.

This was after the release of Underworld?

Yeah, this was. Underworld had shipped, the DLC for 360 had already shipped and we just realized that when we started looking at our next game we knew that we needed to take a step back and build the next big title and it wasn't going to come year after year. That's been one of our frustrations: seeing the titles come out year after year after year, so we decided that was the end of that.

Continue reading Interview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics

JoystiqInterview: Karl Stewart on Lara Croft and the new Crystal Dynamics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsEidosinterviewKarl-StewartLara-Croft-and-the-Guardian-of-LightMicrosoftPSNSquare-EnixSquare-Enix-EuropeTomb-RaiderXBLAXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/hands-on-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/hands-on-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/hands-on-lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light/#comments Perhaps you've been glossing over any stories with the words "Lara Croft" in the headline, sure that it couldn't possibly have anything to offer you. You and Lara had your thing ... but that was years ago. You're older now. You've moved on.

Well, so has Lara. The team at Crystal Dynamics did an admirable job updating the Tomb Raider series with the Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld trilogy but they understood that they "needed to make a drastic change for the studio and that continuing down the same path wasn't really going to cut it any longer." So, Crystal Dynamics split itself into three groups: one focused on making the "pillar games" that will use the "Tomb Raider" branding; another focused on controlling the Lara Croft intellectual property and brand in-house; and the last one intent on delivering fresh "experimental" gameplay in a downloadable format using the "Lara Croft" brand. And that gets us to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

If you've been ignoring the Tomb Raider reboot, perhaps still spurned by the atrocious Angel of Darkness, you owe it to yourself to reevaluate that relationship once again. You see, Guardian of Light isn't a "Tomb Raider" game. It's something new: A $15 isometric co-op puzzle game. Ludwig's already given you his impressions of the game, but at a recent pre-E3 event I got to take the controller myself - along with Mr. Mike Schramm - for some co-op puzzle solving.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Continue reading Hands-on: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqHands-on: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-DynamicsEidosLara-Croft-and-the-Guardian-of-LightMicrosoftPSNSquare-EnixTomb-RaiderXBLAXbox-360Tue, 18 May 2010 16:50:00 EST