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[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 celebrates 15th anniversary with a Lara Croft art gallery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-a-lara-croft-art-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-a-lara-croft-art-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/tomb-raider-celebrates-15th-anniversary-with-a-lara-croft-art-ga/#comments The Tomb Raider franchise celebrated its 15th anniversary (which is crystal, by the way -- get your mom, girlfriend, wife, sister or sister-wives something from Swarovski, cheapskate) with an artistic tribute to Lara Croft, featuring digital renditions from eight legacy artists and newcomers. Artists include the current senior art director for Tomb Raider, Brian Horton; Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, art director for Deus Ex: Human Revolution; and the final artist, Toby Card, who designed the original Lara Croft back in 1995.

Check out the gallery here, but don't check it out too hard -- Lara is only 15, after all.

JoystiqTomb Raider celebrates 15th anniversary with a Lara Croft art gallery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15th-Anniversaryartlara-croftmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-Enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012xboxSun, 30 Oct 2011 21:30:00 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[Don't smash this Amazon deal on Tomb Raider Trilogy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/dont-smash-this-amazon-deal-on-tomb-raider-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/dont-smash-this-amazon-deal-on-tomb-raider-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/dont-smash-this-amazon-deal-on-tomb-raider-trilogy/#comments Lady Lara Croft clearly has her strengths, but she's also not without her weaknesses. Take, for instance, her inability to recognize value. She sees a priceless antique pot in a temple not breached by man for centuries, and what's her reaction? She smashes it to see if there are bullets inside. Lara: They sell them at Wal-Mart. Just bring more.

You don't have to be a Lara, though. When you spot the Tomb Raider Trilogy on PS3 for $30 at Amazon, you know you could buy it and enjoy it, or perhaps give it to a friend. In fact, just about any interaction would be more appropriate than doing a backflip and blasting it with dual pistols. But you wouldn't make that mistake, would you?

JoystiqDon't smash this Amazon deal on Tomb Raider Trilogy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lara-croftplaystationps3square-enixthe-tomb-raider-trilogytomb-raiderWed, 13 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light half off, Kane and Lynch character packs available today on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-half-off-kane-and-lynch-char/#comments As part of Xbox LIve's "Countdown to 2011," today's deal is the excellent downloadable title Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light at 50 percent off, which means the co-op adventure can be yours for 600 Microsoft Points (that's $7.50). That's quite inexpensive for some time with Lady Croft. We'd say "cheap," but she ain't cheap.

Also available today is the free Kane & Lynch character pack for Guardian of LIght. Don't ask questions, just let the weird wash over you.

Finally, there's a dose of randomness with a pet monkey for your Avatar, half off for 120 MSP ($1.50). "He's not horrible. He's lovely. He's a lovely little monkey."

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara Croft & the Guardian of Light half off, Kane and Lynch character packs available today on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealskane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-dayslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftxboxWed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 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[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[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light online co-op patch due next week for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-online-co-op-patch-due-next/#comments Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light owners will finally discover online co-op on Xbox when the long-awaited patch is implemented October 27. Crystal Dynamics just announced the news and noted that the update for PS3 and PC is "coming later, stay tuned."

The company also reiterated that the first DLC pack would be free "to say thanks for your patience." Guardian of Light was one of the standout downloadable titles of the summer, despite missing a key feature at launch. It was originally intended to be patched in during September, but Lady Croft slept in and missed the date.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (7/6/2010)

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light online co-op patch due next week for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftpatchSquare-EnixxblaxboxWed, 20 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[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 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 gets by with a little help from her friend in Guardian of Light trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/lara-gets-by-with-a-little-help-from-her-friend-in-guardian-of-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/lara-gets-by-with-a-little-help-from-her-friend-in-guardian-of-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/lara-gets-by-with-a-little-help-from-her-friend-in-guardian-of-l/#comments Eidos and Crystal Dynamics recently released a trailer for their upcoming downloadable Smash TV-esque take on the Tomb Raider universe, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. The video does a great job of showcasing the game's frantic co-operative action and puzzle elements, which have a tendency to overlap, resulting in ... puction? Yeah, sure, puction.

Check out the trailer above to see what $15 will buy you when the game hits XBLA, PSN and PC sometime this summer. Or check out the gallery below, if you find all the moving pictures to be a tad overwhelming.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara gets by with a little help from her friend in Guardian of Light trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidoslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightMicrosoftpsnsquare-enixtomb-raidertrailervideoxblaXbox-360Mon, 17 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix: Lara Croft brand for digital, Tomb Raider for retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/square-enix-lara-croft-is-digital-tomb-raider-is-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/square-enix-lara-croft-is-digital-tomb-raider-is-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/square-enix-lara-croft-is-digital-tomb-raider-is-retail/#comments It seems that Lady Croft isn't having quite the identity crisis we once assumed, what with her new series, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, having neither "tomb" nor "raider" in the title. It's all according to plan, says Square Enix Europe CEO Phil Rogers, who told Develop, "I'm not saying this is a split - we're not driving a huge wedge through this - but we had always planned separating the two, with the Lara name in digital and the Tomb Raider brand at retail."

Aside from its method of distribution, Lara Croft and Guardian of Light is also set apart from traditional Tomb Raider games by ... well, by being an isometric co-op puzzle shooter thing. You definitely won't confuse the two.

JoystiqSquare Enix: Lara Croft brand for digital, Tomb Raider for retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlclara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightMicrosoftpsnSquare-Enixtomb-raiderXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 15 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft statue is worth every penny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/lara-croft-statue-is-worth-every-penny/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/lara-croft-statue-is-worth-every-penny/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/lara-croft-statue-is-worth-every-penny/#comments
Yeah, we see you staring. And why wouldn't you? This Sideshow Collectibles statue dubbed "Snow Day" is more than easy on the eyes. But this isn't some Saturday night good-time girl, man. This is Lara Croft we're talking about here. Lady Lara Croft. If you want to make her yours, you're going to need to pull out all the stops.

In this case "all the stops" translates to $250. Now, we know that's a big commitment, but she's also not available yet, so you have a little time to decide if you're ready to take the plunge. We have a suspicion, though, that she's worth every penny.

JoystiqLara Croft statue is worth every penny originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosfigurelara-croftsideshow-collectablessquare-enixstatuetomb-raidertoysThu, 08 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-preview/#comments Giant spiders. Why'd it have to be giant spiders?

Mind you, seeing Lara Croft gun down squealing, eight-legged monstrosities doesn't bring with it the tinge of regret that I've come to associate with her tendency to permanently cross off creatures from the endangered species list. Had Crystal Dynamics opted to switch out the spiders with tigers, there'd be enough fur coats left over to give everyone in the world a warm winter.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is heavy on the action, with territorial enemies swarming the eponymous explorer and a newfound partner, the Mayan warrior Totec, from all directions. Thankfully, the guy knows how to fire a gun and toss a spear -- though I pray he doesn't mix the two up when the situation gets out of hand. If you're playing the game with a co-op partner, either online or on couch, you'll have someone to yell at should that happen.

The game's isometric camera angle and twin-stick shooting mechanics bring to mind Assault Heroes (or Geometry Wars, at a basic level), but the pacing here is different. A more apt comparison -- that takes into account the lulls in action -- would be Left 4 Dead, especially when one player is tasked with manipulating a puzzle object while the other defends the rear.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Continue reading Impressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqImpressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidosgdc-2010lara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightMicrosoftpsnsquare-enixtomb-raiderxblaxblmXbox-360Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light launching this summer for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-launching-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-launching-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-launching-this-summer/#comments
Click to enlarge It may not have "Tomb Raider" in the title, but Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light -- scheduled to launch on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC this summer -- will mark the leading lady's return to a crumbling underworld and its unreasonably hostile caretakers. And while the game's aesthetics are unmistakably consistent with previous games, its unique format draws inspiration from a wider range of sources, including last year's polished XBLA hit, Shadow Complex.

Like Shadow Complex, the game will launch for $15, offering approximately six hours of two-player co-operative action and puzzle-solving (though your pace may vary). According to developer Crystal Dynamics, Lara Croft & The Guardian of Light will be cognizant of the bar set by other high-production games in the download space, while offering a unique interpretation of the well-established Tomb Raider franchise.

Catch Joystiq's impressions of the game and an interview with Crystal Dynamics later this week.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light launching this summer for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsguardian-of-lightlara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightMicrosoftpsnrelease-datesquare-enixtomb-raiderxblaXbox-360Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA['Guardian of Light' a co-op Tomb Raider action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/guardian-of-light-a-co-op-tomb-raider-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/guardian-of-light-a-co-op-tomb-raider-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/guardian-of-light-a-co-op-tomb-raider-action-game/#comments
Boy, when Crystal Dynamics said it would be creating "something completely new and very different" for Lara Croft, it wasn't kidding around. GameSpot has posted a first look at Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and we don't know where to begin. It's downloadable, it's isometric-view and it's arcade-y action with just a hint of the old platforming ways. There's a heavy co-op element, too (both local and online), with Lara and her companion, Totec (a "Mayan tribesman" wielding a spear) fighting off evil spirits and the undead, as well as combining their various skills to traverse through jungles and temples.

Actually, it looks ... good. While the pace seems likely to be a little faster than the standard tomb raiding Lara does, this might be just the thing to spice up the still-aging franchise. We'll check the game out for you at GDC next week, and let you know if this left-turn in genre is the right one for Lara to take.

Joystiq'Guardian of Light' a co-op Tomb Raider action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opcrystal-dynamicseidoslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightMicrosoftSquare-Enixtomb-raiderXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to be an 'original digital experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-to-be-an-original-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-to-be-an-original-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-to-be-an-original-digital/#comments Crystal Dynamics has announced its first new game since the completion and launch of 2008's Tomb Raider: Underworld. Set to debut in 2010, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will see the roadworthy leading lady come to undisclosed platforms -- via download.

It wouldn't be the first time the posh pot-smasher and exotic animal extinguisher stars in a downloadable format, as Tomb Raider: Anniversary was digitally distributed in the form of Tomb Raider: Legend DLC on Xbox 360 before getting a regular retail spot. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, however, is a standalone title that Crystal Dynamics GM Darrell Gallagher hopes will defy expectations.

"This is a really exciting project for Crystal Dynamics, we have created something completely new and very different to what people might be expecting," he said. "Lara Croft is such an iconic character in videogames, with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light we have created what we believe is a truly original digital experience."

We expect to catch our first glimpse of the game at next week's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, along with an indication on what else Crystal Dynamics has in store. Since the studio is staffed for two projects, we can't imagine this being the only Tomb Raider game in the works. The other one might even have "Tomb Raider" in the title.

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light to be an 'original digital experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdarrell-gallagherdownloadeidoslara-croftlara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightsquare-enixsquare-enix-europetomb-raiderThu, 04 Mar 2010 07:51:00 EST<![CDATA[UK road to be named after Lara Croft thanks to internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/uk-road-to-be-named-after-lara-croft-thanks-to-internet-poll/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/uk-road-to-be-named-after-lara-croft-thanks-to-internet-poll/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/uk-road-to-be-named-after-lara-croft-thanks-to-internet-poll/#comments So, remember that story back in December -- about how the town of Derby was holding an internet poll to come up with a name for one of its roads? And Lara Croft was one of the options? Guess what? The buxom relic-gatherer won, and a brand new street connecting Osmaston Road and Burton Road (which we presume are not named after video game characters) will soon be known as Lara Croft Way.

Derby Councillor Lucy Care chalked up Croft's 89-percent margin of victory to the fact that the Tomb Raider series was conceived by the now defunct, Derby-based studio Core Design. We personally think the name won because the poll was on the internet, where video game fans could easily flood the ballot box. Yes, you named a road in a town in the U.K. that you'll probably never visit. We live in very, very strange times, friends. And it's kind of amazing.

JoystiqUK road to be named after Lara Croft thanks to internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core-designderbyeuropelara-croftlara-croft-wayroadtomb-raiderukFri, 26 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rebellion's Derby studio on the verge of shutting down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/rebellions-derby-studio-on-the-verge-of-shutting-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/rebellions-derby-studio-on-the-verge-of-shutting-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/rebellions-derby-studio-on-the-verge-of-shutting-down/#comments Echoing grim sentiments made earlier this year, Rebellion Studios' CEO Jason Kingsley recently told Develop that the Derby branch of Rebellion that birthed Lara Croft (previously at Core Design) may not be around for too much longer. "It's quite likely that [the Derby studio] won't be kept intact in the way it did, but that individual consultancy period is not over yet," he said. He's concerned, however, with that fact that "no one has stepped up" to purchase the ailing third branch of Rebellion Studios. "We would obviously like someone to, but no one has done so as yet."

When we reached out to our contacts at the studio, we were unfortunately met with no response as of publishing. Kingsley revealed that Rebellion otherwise is in the "mid-stages" of "two big projects," and reiterates that "nothing's been decided yet" for the Derby offices. As always, if you are a member or representative of the studio in question, don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to clarify.

JoystiqRebellion's Derby studio on the verge of shutting down originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorderbyeconomyfiringjason-kingsleylara-croftlayoffsrebellionrebellion-derbyrebellion-studiosukTue, 23 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft may have road named in her honor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lara-croft-may-have-road-named-in-her-honor/#comments They say you can find your stripper name by combining the name of your first pet with the street you grew up on. Keeping that in mind, you may someday find yourself trying to figure out how to politely decline the awkward, compulsory advances of Miss Fluffy Lara Croft. As reported in the Derby Telegraph, the hero of the Tomb Raider series in one of eight potential names for two stretches of a road in the UK city Derby, which was the home of Core Design, the original studio behind Lara.

Surprisingly, Lara Croft is not our favorite option, as the idea of being badgered into buying Scruffy John Flamsteed a $13 drink is just too wonderful to imagine. Voting is currently being conducted via a poll on Derby's official website.

[Via F*** Yeah, Lara Croft!, Thanks, Jose]

JoystiqLara Croft may have road named in her honor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core-designderbyeidoslara-croftSquare-Enixtomb-raiderTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The many artistic portrayals of Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/#comments
[Nebeziel, deviantART user]

A Google image search of Lara Croft is a lot tamer than it used to be these days, though it's still something we wouldn't suggest doing. Thankfully, we have a link to quench your thirst for inspired, non-naked, sexually-deprived-fanboy-fantasy-quasi-porn, courtesy of The Design Inspiration.

There are 40 fanworks in total, all originating from deviantART (obviously). There are a lot of great renditions, including the image where Lara is fighting dinosaurs and the one where she's hiding from dinosaurs. We also have a soft spot for this odd image of her fighting Wonder Woman, but the best has to be this image where she defends herself so she can stop and eat the baked potato she brought down into the tomb with her. Tomb raiding takes a lot of carbohydrates, people!

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqThe many artistic portrayals of Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artdeviantartDSlara-croftMicrosoftNintendotomb-raiderWiiXbox-360Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toby Gard off again with Lara, Crystal Dynamics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/toby-gard-off-again-with-lara-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/toby-gard-off-again-with-lara-crystal-dynamics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/toby-gard-off-again-with-lara-crystal-dynamics/#commentsToby Gard has had a hot-and-cold relationship with Lara Croft from the beginning. After helping to create the character at Core, he returned to help relaunch the series with Legend, before directing the cutscenes for Underworld. In June, his LinkedIn profile revealed that he'd been working on a a secret, unannounced project since January; one that we speculated was his latest engagement with the gun-toting adventurer.

It seems it's not to be, though. As Develop discovered, Gard's LinkedIn profile again tells the tale: He left the company this month to open his own consultancy business. At this point, we don't know if the project dies with his career at Crystal Dynamics, as both Gard and the development team have refrained from elaborating on recent events.

[Image credit]

JoystiqToby Gard off again with Lara, Crystal Dynamics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicseidoslara-crofttoby-gardtomb-raiderTue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix and Eidos announce first collaboration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/square-enix-and-eidos-announce-first-collabo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/square-enix-and-eidos-announce-first-collabo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/square-enix-and-eidos-announce-first-collabo/#comments
Now that Eidos lives under Square-Enix's crystalline, spire-laden roof, it makes sense that we'd see the two companies collaborating on something. We just didn't think it'd be this soon. Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada recently told Gamasutra that it was "possible" a Square team could work with an Eidos IP "but what's more important is that the two companies, for example, are going to be creating a new IP together."

Not the Lara Croft RPG we were hoping for, but interesting nonetheless.

JoystiqSquare Enix and Eidos announce first collaboration originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosfinal-fantasylara-croftrpgsquare-enixFri, 12 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A younger Lara will star in next Tomb Raider film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/a-younger-lara-will-star-in-next-tomb-raider-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/a-younger-lara-will-star-in-next-tomb-raider-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/a-younger-lara-will-star-in-next-tomb-raider-film/#comments
Speaking to About.com, Terminator Salvation producer (for the film, not the game) Dan Lin stated that the next Tomb Raider film will feature a younger Lara Croft. Lin spoke of the "rebooting" of the franchise -- revealed earlier this year -- saying, "It's a great origin story that we're going to tell." Lin added that the film would be "very character-oriented" and that it would be "more realistic" than previous films in the series. While Lin did not reveal any information on who would be playing Lady Croft, he did note that it would be a younger Lara, so don't count on Angelina Jolie making a third appearance.

Furthermore, Lin said that the films and games have become "too action-oriented," while he would rather see "action, but with character." We have to agree with Lin, action has never been Lara's strong suit, as combat is typically the worst aspect of any Tomb Raider games. Still, we suppose a movie about platforming might get a little boring.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqA younger Lara will star in next Tomb Raider film originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureeidosfilmlara-crofttomb-raiderTue, 19 May 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam selling Tomb Raider: Anniversary for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/steam-selling-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/steam-selling-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/steam-selling-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-5/#comments
Has your recent playthrough of Tomb Raider: Underworld left you curious about Lara Croft's roots? No, not like, her hair (though she's obviously not a natural brunette) -- her history. Well, there's no better way to brush up on your Croftian comprehension than to check out Tomb Raider: Anniversary, the 2007 remake of the original Tomb Raider -- and thanks to Steam's current weekend deal, there's no better time to pick it up.

Valve's download platform is offering the updated grave robbing sim for just $5 until the end of the weekend. Sure, you could just as easily purchase a foot-long sandwich with that kind of cash, but we find double-pistoled tiger homicide to be much more fulfilling in the long run.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqSteam selling Tomb Raider: Anniversary for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoslara-croftsteamtomb-raidertomb-raider-anniversaryvalveweekend-dealSun, 05 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe getting exclusive PSP Tomb Raider two-pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/europe-getting-exclusive-psp-tomb-raider-two-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/europe-getting-exclusive-psp-tomb-raider-two-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/europe-getting-exclusive-psp-tomb-raider-two-pack/#commentsEidos announced today that Lara Croft's two adventures on PSP will be merged together into one package. The Tomb Raider Double Pack is exclusively available in Europe and will feature both Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary (uh, the only TR games released on the system).

Tomb Raider Double Pack is set for release next week, on April 10. A price hasn't been set yet, but we suspect it won't break the bank. Punchline: You won't have to raid any tombs to pay for it.

JoystiqEurope getting exclusive PSP Tomb Raider two-pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoslara-crofttomb-raidertomb-raider-anniversarytomb-raider-legendThu, 02 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Lara's Shadow (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-laras-shadow-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-laras-shadow-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-laras-shadow-dlc/#comments Acting as a cracked mirror, reflecting the obsession and ruthlessness that has come to envelop Lara Croft in her most recent adventures, the Doppelganger makes for an interesting choice of protagonist for Tomb Raider Underworld's second downloadable expansion. As Lara's shadow so curtly explains, she's an exact duplicate of Tomb Raider's lithe leading lady -- minus all the flaws.

Unfortunately, Lara's Shadow is anything but, serving only to highlight and exacerbate one of the biggest problems that has plagued the Tomb Raider series since its inception. It's vaguely appalling that developer Crystal Dynamics has managed to introduce even more combat this time around, even after removing most of Lara's guns.

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Lara's Shadow (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Lara's Shadow (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdlceidoslara-croftlaras-shadowMicrosofttomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldtomb-raider-underworld-dlctomb-raider-underworld-laras-shadowXbox-360Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos confirms 'Beneath the Ashes' price, playable character in second DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eidos-confirms-beneath-the-ashes-price-playable-character-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eidos-confirms-beneath-the-ashes-price-playable-character-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eidos-confirms-beneath-the-ashes-price-playable-character-in/#comments
Eidos has finally confirmed that Tomb Raider Underworld's Beneath the Ashes pack -- releasing tomorrow -- will cost the expected 800 ($10). Lara's exploration of what existed beneath her 12-room (2-bath), fully furnished wine cellar is the first piece of DLC, to be followed by Lara's Shadow, which offers a "new" playable character.

Given the disappointing sales of TRU, we're going to guess that quite a few haven't played the title yet. As this playable character is a spoiler, we'll place that info after the break.

Continue reading Eidos confirms 'Beneath the Ashes' price, playable character in second DLC pack

JoystiqEidos confirms 'Beneath the Ashes' price, playable character in second DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beneath-the-asheseidoslara-croftlaras-shadowMicrosofttomb-raider-underworldtomb-raider-underworld-dlcXbox-360Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix behind Eidos takeover bid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/square-enix-behind-eidos-takeover-bid/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/square-enix-behind-eidos-takeover-bid/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/square-enix-behind-eidos-takeover-bid/#comments
Dear Diary,

I've finally learned the identity of the man I've come to describe as "my secret admirer," or "my irritating stalker" whenever he attempts to serenade me with one of those dreadful J-pop ditties. You know ... this revelation explains his questionable taste in high-pitched music, not to mention the fact that he wears a suit made entirely of Tetsuya Nomura belts. Oh, Mr. Square Enix, how long have you loitered outside my manor window, hoping to catch a glimpse of my recently sagging assets?

According to a letter sent to my lawyer type persons, Mr. Enix has offered to purchase Eidos (the company I helped build in the '90s) in an 84.3 million pound bid -- that's roughly 38 million kilograms $120 million. I find it immeasurably flattering, especially with him labeling my Tomb Raider plays as one of the most successful franchises "of all time." While my people have yet to come to a final agreement with his people, the deal values my company's shares at 32 pence a piece -- that's quite a premium! He calls the courtship a strengthening of his "broad portfolio of market leading franchises," but I think he's really just lonely, stuck with all those "RPGs."

Speaking of which, Winston just told me there's an exotic and highly endangered marmoset running about the mansion courtyard. Better grab some explosives and blow its legs off before it gets away.

-- Lara

JoystiqSquare Enix behind Eidos takeover bid originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquisitionEidosLara-CroftSquare-EnixTakeoverTomb-RaiderThu, 12 Feb 2009 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Underworld 'Beneath the Ashes' DLC delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc-delayed/#comments
It appears Lady Croft will have to explore her basement at a later date, as Eidos has once again delayed Tomb Raider Underworld's DLC. StrategyInformer received word from the publisher that the hold up is being caused by an "unexpected technical issue." There is currently no new release date for the DLC.

We wonder if this "technical issue" would have been dealt with by now if Crystal Dynamics still had its staff intact? We've contacted Eidos with questions regarding this delay and will update if we hear anything.

Update: An Eidos rep. has responded to our questions by reaffirming the delay and stating a new launch date will be revealed as soon as it's confirmed.

JoystiqTomb Raider Underworld 'Beneath the Ashes' DLC delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beneath-the-ashescrystal-dynamicsdlceidoslara-croftMicrosofttomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldtomb-raider-underworld-dlcXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Lara explore her basement in 'Beneath the Ashes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/watch-lara-explore-her-basement-in-beneath-the-ashes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/watch-lara-explore-her-basement-in-beneath-the-ashes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/watch-lara-explore-her-basement-in-beneath-the-ashes/#commentsFiled under:

Eidos has released a developer diary video talking up the soon-to-be-released, Xbox 360 exclusive "Beneath the Ashes" episode for Tomb Raider: Underworld. For those just joining us, the new level sees Lady Croft discovering that her home's basement has ... a basement. And that, in addition to being very large, it's also chockablock with traps. We're guessing her realtor wasn't big on total disclosure.

The video offers up our first good look at the DLC, with principals on the project revealing that it contains puzzles even more ... puzzling than those in the retail game. It's also quite "creepy," "spooky" and "scary" -- as the viewer is told, oh, a dozen times or so. See for yourself ... unless you scare, spook or get creeped out easily.

JoystiqWatch Lara explore her basement in 'Beneath the Ashes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beneath-the-ashescrystal-dynamicsdlceidoslara-crofttomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldtomb-raider-underworld-dlcvideoXbox-360Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Warner Bros. rebooting Tomb Raider film (sans Megan Fox)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/report-warner-bros-rebooting-tomb-raider-film-sans-megan-fox/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/report-warner-bros-rebooting-tomb-raider-film-sans-megan-fox/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/report-warner-bros-rebooting-tomb-raider-film-sans-megan-fox/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warner Bros. is preparing to restart Lara Croft's celluloid career, reports ComingSoon.net. The rights to a Tomb Raider film were reportedly included in the deal when Warner acquired approximately 20% of publisher Eidos last year. How this particular franchise reboot -- overseen by producer Dan Lin -- ties in with Eidos' alleged plan to redesign the iconic protagonist (again!) remains to be seen.

Chances are she won't be played by Megan Fox, though. According to a rumor making the rounds yesterday, the Transformers star was poised to succeed Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in a third Tomb Raider film. However, according to What They Play, Fox's spokesperson says the actress is "not involved in the movie at all."

Sorry, Fox fans; looks like the role of Lara still belongs to Angelina.

Source -- Warner Bros. Rebooting Tomb Raider
Source -- Megan Fox is not the new Lara Croft

JoystiqReport: Warner Bros. rebooting Tomb Raider film (sans Megan Fox) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelina-jolieeidosgame-to-filmlara-croftmegan-foxmoviesPS3rumorongtomb-raiderwarnerwarner-brosWiiXbox-360Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted dev: Nathan Drake already as big as Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/uncharted-dev-nathan-drake-already-as-big-as-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/uncharted-dev-nathan-drake-already-as-big-as-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/uncharted-dev-nathan-drake-already-as-big-as-lara-croft/#commentsFiled under:

And by big, we don't mean his chest size.

Naughty Dog's Uncharted made quite an impression when it debuted on PS3 in 2007. Nathan Drake was an incredibly likable character that resonated quite well with critics and gamers alike. "I think people like him because he's compelling, and a much needed breath of fresh air in an industry that's been a bit stale for a while, in terms of characters," Bruce Straley told CVG.

When asked if Drake will ever be as popular as Tomb Raider's Lara Croft, he responded: "Why, do you think he's not already there, if not beyond that point already, in terms of popularity?" The lackluster sales of Lara's latest may suggest that gamers have found a new, better hero to raid tombs with.

[Image Credit; Via Joystiq]

JoystiqUncharted dev: Nathan Drake already as big as Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lara-croftnathan-draketomb-raiderunchartedTue, 20 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nathan Drake beyond Lara Croft's popularity?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/nathan-drake-beyond-lara-crofts-popularity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/nathan-drake-beyond-lara-crofts-popularity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/nathan-drake-beyond-lara-crofts-popularity/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Oh Nathan, is it cold there in Lara's shadow? Not according to Naughty Dog's Bruce Straley, who told CVG that it's Lara Croft who should be shivering beneath the Uncharted hero's cover, not the other way around.

Asked if Nathan could ever be as popular as Eidos' British spelunker, the Uncharted director responded with a question of his own, asking "Why, do you think he's not already there, if not beyond that point already, in terms of popularity?" He added that Drake adds a "much needed breath of fresh air in an industry that's been a bit stale for a while, in terms of characters." So cheeky, Mr. Straley, though Lara Croft was fresh once too, and time has a way of making even the most standout luminaries passé.

JoystiqNathan Drake beyond Lara Croft's popularity? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoslara-croftnathan-drakePS3tomb-raiderunchartedMon, 19 Jan 2009 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[M-rated Tomb Raider a possibility?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/m-rated-tomb-raider-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/m-rated-tomb-raider-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/m-rated-tomb-raider-a-possibility/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eidos recently laid off 30 employees at Crystal Dynamics, including Tomb Raider: Underworld creative director Eric Lindstrom. Understandably bitter about Eidos' cost-cutting, Lindstrom is now answering fan questions on a popular Tomb Raider fan forum, giving an intriguing and frank insight into the development process (including details Eidos probably didn't want publicized).

One of the more interesting factoids to emerge from Lindstrom's open Q & A session is that Crystal Dynamics was held back by Eidos from making Underworld an M-rated title. "I wanted to do things that a Teen rating prevented," explained Lindstrom, "but I also wanted it to get the players the first unrated games, did. In the end it didn't matter because publishing wanted it to be Teen."

So far, the Tomb Raider franchise has contained only Teen-rated games, but was a Mature title still a possibility? Says Lindstrom: "The managers who said it had to be Teen left some time ago, so maybe that could change sometime." We assume such a game would either include more violence, or, as some sites have been quick to suggest, a more risqué depiction of Lara.

Though something evidently has to change after Underworld's disappointing sales, does anybody else find such a prospect depressing? We'd prefer it if Eidos concentrated on shipping games that, y'know, functioned correctly. Also, while we're discussing Underworld, we figured this would be an appropriate place to mention the Zero Punctuation review, which just popped up in our RSS feeds -- catch the video after the jump!

Continue reading M-rated Tomb Raider a possibility?

JoystiqM-rated Tomb Raider a possibility? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncrystal-dynamicseidoseric-lindstromesrblara-croftm-ratedmaturenuditypuzzleratingtomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldzero-punctuationWed, 14 Jan 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Underworld creative director speaks out on his layoff, DLC rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/tomb-raider-underworld-creative-director-speaks-out-on-his-layo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/tomb-raider-underworld-creative-director-speaks-out-on-his-layo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/tomb-raider-underworld-creative-director-speaks-out-on-his-layo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Now-former creative director of the Tomb Raider franchise at Crystal Dynamics, Eric Lindstrom, has broken his silence about recent layoffs at the developer -- including his own -- and rumors that the upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive DLC for the game was "held back" from the final release for profit's sake.

Posting on the site Tomb Raider Forums, Lindstrom says that he was let go as the result of there being "too many captains for the number of ships" at the studio, suggesting that the new, leaner Crystal Dynamics won't be working on multiple concurrent projects. Linden likened the layoffs to "musical chairs," saying that, "when the music stopped all the seats were taken."

Lindstrom also used his new "free agent" status to dispel rumors about the 360's two additional, downloadable missions, which are coming soon to XBLM. "We had a production issue that was going to make us miss our ship date," he wrote, revealing that, "It was my idea to cut what was cut, and I did hope that it would one day be made available as a download mission ... but on the day we made the cut, it was made purely for Underworld production reasons."

JoystiqTomb Raider: Underworld creative director speaks out on his layoff, DLC rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdlceric-lindstromlara-croftlayoffsPCPS3tomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldWiiXbox-360Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail: Tomb Raider Underworld DLC coming Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/retail-tomb-raider-underworld-dlc-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/retail-tomb-raider-underworld-dlc-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/retail-tomb-raider-underworld-dlc-coming-jan-21/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Finally, some Tomb Raider news that's about, you know, tombs. Specifically, the downloadable kind meant to extend Lara Croft's latest -- and commercially disappointing -- adventure, Tomb Raider Underworld. Eidos had promised two Xbox 360-exclusive episodes, with the first initially scheduled to arrive by Christmas. Sadly, the only things to be released by developer Crystal Dynamics thus far are thirty employees.

Though an official post-delay date has yet to be confirmed by Eidos, retailer GameStop currently lists a Tomb Raider Underworld "Expansion Token Pack," which is said to contain two Xbox Live Marketplace Token cards. According to the product page, the pack will cost $19.99 and ship on Wednesday, January 21st. If we were prone to bouts of speculation, we'd say that the presence of two cards indicates that both DLC packs ("Beneath the Ashes" and "Lara's Shadow") will be released simultaneously on Xbox Live at a combined cost of 1600.

If we were prone to such silly things -- we'll let you know what Eidos has to say as soon as possible.

JoystiqRetail: Tomb Raider Underworld DLC coming Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beneath-the-AshesCrystal-DynamicsDLCEidosJS-TwitterLara-CroftLaras-ShadowTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-UnderworldXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 12 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos looking to reinvent Lara Croft (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eidos-looking-to-reinvent-croft-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eidos-looking-to-reinvent-croft-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/eidos-looking-to-reinvent-croft-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Forget that Lady Croft's reinvention -- by the recently downsized Crystal Dynamics -- in Tomb Raider: Legend brought new life to a franchise that was on life support, Eidos wants to do another makeover of the heroine after "disappointing" Underworld sales of only 1.5 million units in the six weeks following the game's release. Eidos expected the latest Croft adventure to hit 2 million sales during this brutal holiday season.

Speaking with The Times, Eidos CFO Robert Brent says they need to look at everything when developing the next Tomb Raider title. He uses Batman as an example of a "sad character" from the Burton films, who became more "noir" in The Dark Knight. This would be a good time to note that Croft tried going "darker" before; it was called Angel of Darkness.

Eidos would also like to make Lara more female-friendly, which is understandable -- a good first step might be showing her eyes on the box art. It's worth pointing out that Eidos is apparently using Legend's 3 million sales to gauge its disappointment with Underworld. Key difference: Legend released with breathing room in April of 2006, not in the war zone of 2008's climax.

JoystiqEidos looking to reinvent Lara Croft (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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