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[SCi pulls out of buyout talks, stock plunges following Tomb Raider delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/sci-pulls-out-of-buyout-talks-stock-plunges-following-tomb-raid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/sci-pulls-out-of-buyout-talks-stock-plunges-following-tomb-raid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/sci-pulls-out-of-buyout-talks-stock-plunges-following-tomb-raid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Eidos owner SCi has been on the hunt for a potential suitor for some time, reportedly having batted its eyelashes at everyone from Midway and Vivendi to Time Warner and even some mysterious outfit in China, with none showing enough interest to sign their name across the dotted line. However, after having been given the cold shoulder by Ubisoft last October, the British firm has finally gotten the hint and moved on, stating that it had not received any formal offers within the requested timeframe.

What this means to you and I is that it may be some time before we see another major release branded with the Eidos logo, as SCi confirmed that it has pushed out the recently revealed Tomb Raider: Underworld until the fourth quarter of 2008, along with three other unspecified titles. The company also announced plans to bring Lara Croft's latest escapade to the DS, Wii and PS2, in addition to the previously known versions for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Way to be strong, SCi, but you might not want to look at your stock this morning. Following the firm's decision to go it alone, SCi's stock hit "rock bottom," and according to a new Bloomberg report, suffered its biggest plummet in more than 18 years, falling some 61 percent after SCi admitted that the aforementioned delays will likely result in an operating loss for 2008 and that the company may need to look to outside parties for the money to stay afloat. Of course, with SCi's share price now swimming with the fishes, we wouldn't be too surprised if another company now swooped in and bought up SCi and its properties at bargain basement prices. You hear that EA? Someone is singing your song.

JoystiqSCi pulls out of buyout talks, stock plunges following Tomb Raider delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitioncrystal dynamicscrystal-dynamicsCrystalDynamicsDSeidoslara croftlara-croftLaraCroftPCPS2PS3scistocktomb raidertomb-raiderTombRaiderWiiXbox-360Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Minnie Driver to voice animated Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/minnie-driver-to-voice-animated-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/minnie-driver-to-voice-animated-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/minnie-driver-to-voice-animated-lara-croft/#commentsFiled under: ,


We have a very serious question regarding this particular news item. What happens when you put Minnie Driver into a Mini Cooper S? Would the unusual occurrence of a famous Driver becoming a Mini driver release an unstoppable explosion of meta-energy, forcing the entire universe to infinitely collapse in on itself? We're not sure if anybody has tested this theory, but the more likely outcome would be Ms. Minnie running us over for childishly poking fun at her name and wasting an entire paragraph before talking about her latest role.

Ahem.

The gist of it, you see, is that GameTap's upcoming ReVision animated series, which initially chronicles the adventures of one Lara Croft, is set to become a star vehicle of sorts for Minnie Driver. Reuters reports the actress and occasional singer will lend her voice to Tomb Raider's gun-toting heroine for ten episodes, the first three of which will come from Aeon Flux alum, Peter Chung. Further episodes will have other artists interpreting the iconic action archaeologist, while future seasons of ReVision will delve into other characters and games.

[Via Tomb Raider Chronicles]

JoystiqMinnie Driver to voice animated Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GametapLara CroftLaraCroftMinnie DriverMinnieDriverReVisionTomb RaiderTombRaiderTue, 03 Jul 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft opens women-only beach in Italy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/lara-croft-opens-women-only-beach-in-italy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/lara-croft-opens-women-only-beach-in-italy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/lara-croft-opens-women-only-beach-in-italy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


No, we're not quite sure we understand the purpose of a female-only beach either, but experience has taught us that it's never a good strategy to question the wisdom of a woman wielding two guns. Doubly so if said woman happens to be one famous for destroying dinosaurs and gallivanting through graves, Lara Croft. The action archaeologist and Tomb Raider star, here represented by non-polygonal human model Karima Adebibe (she's the one with the big guns), opened Italy's first women-only beach in Riccione, "an exclusive resort near Rimini on the east coast" as Gamertag Radio reminds us.

Though you may have briefly interpreted the presence of Lara's scantily-clad posse as proof that the next Tomb Raider game would be "Pikmin with babes," the ladies were in fact there to compete in "Miss Muretto," a beauty contest coinciding with the opening (or closing if you're a guy) of "Pink Beach." Don't worry, we're sure there's a nearby lookout point that's ideal for surveying Italy's finest beaches. If being a pervert isn't your thing, there's always the superb Tomb Raider: Anniversary to keep you occupied indoors.

JoystiqLara Croft opens women-only beach in Italy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosLara CroftLaraCroftTomb RaiderTombRaiderWed, 27 Jun 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Tomb Raider: Anniversary making its way to PS3?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

The Xbox 360 is receiving their Tomb Raider: Anniversary fix in the form of episodic content over Xbox Live, however it's initially limited only to those that own the last next-gen outing, Tomb Raider: Legend. While it would seem trite of Eidos to snub Sony by not releasing any similar content for the PlayStation Network, they do have plans to release a retail version of all episodic content on one disc. PSX Extreme says there is reason to believe this retail version will hit PS3 through the magical re-engineering of porting the Xbox 360 code.

We aren't holding our breath on this one. Knowing how most devs feel about the port process leave us more than a bit skeptical, especially considering the fact that Tomb Raider: Anniversary is more or less just a new map on top of the already-built game engine of Tomb Raider: Legend. Porting it to PS3 would more than likely take a larger team of devs to complete than Eidos is willing to fund. But hey, we're wishful thinkers. We sincerely hope that if this slim rumor holds any weight, the port team will be diligent and give PS3 owners the chance to experience the new Tomb Raider: Anniversary content in all its PS3 splendor.

JoystiqRumor: Tomb Raider: Anniversary making its way to PS3? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eidos UK announced that Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be 4 pieces of episodic content, playable through Tomb Raider: Legend, with the first two episodes releasing in September. The complete set, (including a the Croft Manor as a free download), will come to 2400 MS points, or 600 Microsoft points per episode. Since playing requires having Legend handy, those strictly wanting the content alone can wait until later in the year for the retail release. So, in short we were right, but it still leaves a question lingering. Since the episodes will be tied to Legend, is there going to be a maximum of 250 Gamerscore to be given out, if it even has additional Achievements? If that's the case, then what about the retail release, will that have 1000 Gamerscore? Either way, this could be breaking new ground on Xbox Live.

[Via Joystiq. Thanks, Bob]

JoystiqTomb Raider episodic content in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnniversaryLara CroftLara Croft Tomb RaiderLara Croft Tomb Raider AnniversaryLaraCroftLaraCroftTombRaiderLaraCroftTombRaiderAnniversaryTomb RaiderTomb Raider AnniversaryTombRaiderTombRaiderAnniversaryMon, 18 Jun 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lady Croft runs out of steam in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/lady-croft-runs-out-of-steam-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/lady-croft-runs-out-of-steam-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/lady-croft-runs-out-of-steam-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we joke that everyone and their mother was invited to purchase and play Lara Croft's big Tomb Raider: Anniversary, it seems an invitation got lost in the mail. The European version of Valve's Steam service no longer has the game available. According to GI.biz, neither Valve nor Eidos is explaining why. Apparently after the final stage of purchase the service says, "Sorry, but Tomb Raider: Anniversary (ROW) is not available for purchase in this country. Your purchase has been canceled."

Too bad European Steam users. On a happy note, you can still purchase the game practically everywhere else in the outside world and even at TombRaider.com ... or Eidos' official site. For North Americans, feel free to join Lara at retail, Steam, GameTap and we're sure Eidos will be offering the game by carrier pigeon soon too.

JoystiqLady Croft runs out of steam in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoslara croftPCsteamtomb raiderThu, 07 Jun 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Anniversary coming to 360 (as DLC?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/tomb-raider-anniversary-coming-to-360-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/tomb-raider-anniversary-coming-to-360-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/tomb-raider-anniversary-coming-to-360-as-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


Is there anything the ESRB can't do? Routinely revealing numerous Xbox Live Arcade games, the ratings board has now revealed that Tomb Raider: Anniversary is headed to the Xbox 360. In an interesting twist, the ESRB actually lists five different entries for the game, each with a different locale specified. In all, Peru, Lost City, Greece, Egypt, and Croft Manor are listed. This specificity leads us (and Joystiq) to conclude that Anniversary will be offered as downloadable content. Whether this is done via Tomb Raider: Legend or as independent downloadable episodes remains to be seen (if we had to guess, we'd say it'll be Legend DLC). Considering Anniversary costs $30 on other platforms, a $5-6 price tag for each episode on Xbox Live Marketplace would be reasonable (though we're not necessarily expecting it).

We really enjoyed Lara Croft's first outing on the 360, so here's hoping Eidos makes an official announcement soon.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTomb Raider Anniversary coming to 360 (as DLC?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today begins the next iteration of game subscription service GameTap. One of the key components of this new version is the free ad-supported service that'll have about 30 games on a rotating schedule, starting with titles like Metal Slug (which will have online co-op), Bust-A-Move, Bubble Bobble and Rampage. Best of all, part of this free service is being able to play the excellent return of Lara Croft in last year's Tomb Raider: Legend. Yes, for free.

As part of their regular paying subscription service, GameTap is rolling out Panzer Dragoon, Metal Slug 2, Art of Fighting, The King of Fighters '95 and Tomb Raider: Legend. We're mostly looking forward to logging into the service next week and playing Tomb Raider: Anniversary as part of the normal subscription fee without having to experience the unwashed masses at retail. You can also purchase the full version digitally from Steam if you don't want to pony up the $10 for GameTap, or there is always the option to purchasing it directly from GameTap's new digitial distribution service, which is completely different from their subscription and free gaming sections. There's a lot of changes going on at GameTap, and we're more than happy to play classic arcade and console games free ... legally.

JoystiqGameTap launches free ad-supported service originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegametaplara croftPCsubscriptiontomb raiderTombRaiderThu, 31 May 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap's Lara Croft mega-site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/gametaps-lara-croft-mega-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/gametaps-lara-croft-mega-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/gametaps-lara-croft-mega-site/#commentsFiled under: ,


If there's been any entity who has surprised us over the last year, it's GameTap. The online game service that started off as nothing more than a retro library repository is really turning into something completely different. Starting with Sam & Max, then URU, then their reinvention of sorts at the end of this month including a "free-to-play" service, topped by the leak of Grimm this morning, this isn't the GameTap we once knew. Their latest venture is a website fully dedicated to Lara Croft with a retrospective documentary and a conceptually amazing animated series beginning in July.

Although the 10 year retrospective documentary is definitely interesting, the thing that really catches our eye is the "Re\Visioned" series that starts in July. An animated series of shorts all featuring Lara Croft by artists and writers well known in the animation field. The first three episodes are by Peter Chung, best known for Aeon Flux and a segment in the Animatrix (although his credentials really do go on and on). All the shorts will be available to view for free on this GameTap Lara Croft site. After the Lara Croft series is done, GameTap will apparently do more characters as part of this Re\Visioned series. Even if they stick with Eidos' characters it'd be cool to see Hitman and Kane and Lynch, but they're apparently going in a completely different direction.

The website also includes a bunch of extra content like clips of all the models who have "been" Lara Croft, conversations with developers, sneak peeks at Tomb Raider: Anniversary (which will be "free" to GameTap subscribers on the same day it launches in stores) and just a mess of other stuff. Definitely worth checking out for behind-the-scenes geekery and if you're looking to get a feel for the franchise in a nutshell.

JoystiqGameTap's Lara Croft mega-site originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametaplara croftLaraCroftPCretrospectiverevisionedtomb raiderFri, 18 May 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's raidingest video: Tomb Raider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/todays-raidingest-video-tomb-raider/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/todays-raidingest-video-tomb-raider/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/todays-raidingest-video-tomb-raider/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Some of us have been jonseing for each successive Tomb Raider adventure ever since Lara Croft decided that messing up archaeological sites wasn't just for Indy. (Where were the interns and study? No, Kurtis Trent and Short Round don't count.) The June 5 launch of the original, remade with updated graphics (and we can only hope controls), as Tomb Raider: Anniversary is just around the corner.

The tombs aren't going to just raid themselves; our video pick is the latest trailer for the back-to-her roots game. We don't see much that we didn't already know -- surprise, the game has "mild suggestive themes" -- but we're sure fans will appreciate the latest look at Lara. See the video after the break.

Continue reading Today's raidingest video: Tomb Raider

JoystiqToday's raidingest video: Tomb Raider originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarylara croftLaraCroftlaura croftLauraCroftPCPS2PSPremaketomb raiderTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryTombRaiderThu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Anniversary set for June 5th (don't forget!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Those longing to don a pair of unreasonably tight pants, shoot up ancestral tombs and mow down innocent bears (without getting arrested) would be wise to circle the date of June 5th, 2007 on their official Rhona Mitra calendars. This day marks the release of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary, a Crystal Dynamics remake of the adventure that put the grave-robbing heroine on the map, the coffee mug, the magazine cover and the unfortunate t-shirt which proclaimed, "I raided Lara's tomb."

Hearkening to a time (1996!) when Tomb Raider regularly induced drool as opposed to debilitating nausea, Anniversary sees reworked puzzles, improved controls and enhanced graphics injected into one of the greatest games of all time. Play it on your PS2, PC or PSP while you wait for a sequel to last year's surprisingly superb Tomb Raider: Legend to arrive -- and don't forget to do a graceful swan dive straight into a boulder. That's always good for a laugh.

JoystiqTomb Raider: Anniversary set for June 5th (don't forget!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureAngelina JolieAngelinaJolieCrystal DynamicsCrystal-DynamicsCrystalDynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara CroftLaraCroftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2PSPTomb RaiderTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWed, 25 Apr 2007 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Anniversary to revive Lara's legend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/tomb-raider-anniversary-to-revive-laras-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/tomb-raider-anniversary-to-revive-laras-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/tomb-raider-anniversary-to-revive-laras-legend/#commentsFiled under: ,

The upcoming Tomb Raider Anniversary is a complete re-imagining of the original PS1 classic. Anniversary, for PS2 and PSP, will include a brand-new graphics engine, and many of the acrobatic moves from the last Tomb Raider game, Legends.

We haven't seen any footage from the PSP version of the game, but we're hoping it'll look as stunning as what we see above. Anniversary hits stores this June.

JoystiqTomb Raider Anniversary to revive Lara's legend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tomb raidertomb raider anniversaryTombRaiderTombRaiderAnniversaryFri, 20 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony unfurls Q2 release list for PlayStation platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/sony-unfurls-q2-release-list-for-playstation-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/sony-unfurls-q2-release-list-for-playstation-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/sony-unfurls-q2-release-list-for-playstation-platforms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Prompted by a panicked glance at a nearby calendar, Sony has blasted out a list of "key titles" slated for release on all manner of PlayStation devices during the second quarter of 2007. Starting over two weeks ago and ending on the last day of June, this period of time sees us paralyzed by F.E.A.R. and having to resort to Calling All Cars to save us from The Darkness brought by ninjas, pirates and Transformers. We'll likely run the Gauntlet in a Final Fantasy of Harvest Mooning... oh forget it.

Just read the list.

PSN
  • Calling All Cars -- 18 May
  • Nucleus -- 25 May
  • Super Stardust HD -- 15 June
  • Championship Sprint
  • Gauntlet II
  • Joust
  • Mortal Kombat II
  • Rampage World Tour
  • Super Puzzle Fighter II HD Remix
  • Rampart

[Note: PSN release dates as published by "semi-official", semi-accurate Sony blog, ThreeSpeech.]

Continue reading Sony unfurls Q2 release list for PlayStation platforms

JoystiqSony unfurls Q2 release list for PlayStation platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Calling All CarsCallingAllCarsNucleusPlayStation NetworkPlaystationNetworkPS2PS3PSNPSN OnlinePsnOnlinePSPRidge RacerRidgeRacerSonysuper-stardust-hdTomb RaiderTombRaiderThu, 19 Apr 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Low install base to blame for no Eidos titles?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/low-install-base-to-blame-for-no-eidos-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/low-install-base-to-blame-for-no-eidos-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/low-install-base-to-blame-for-no-eidos-titles/#commentsFiled under:

Eidos is, of course, referring to itself in the subject line. See, most of their PS3 titles aren't planned for release until 2008. That sucks. Why? They blame the low install base of the new console. Eidos may have new Tomb Raider, Hitman, and a possible Just Cause sequel in the works for the mid-2008 fiscal period.

Eidos CEO Jane Cavanagh made these comments: "We believe that PlayStation 3 will be a successful platform, and are developing technology and products for this console...However, as we do not believe that the installed base will be high enough until the second half of our 2008 financial year, most of our major product releases on the PlayStation 3 platform are not scheduled before that date."

To me, this says that Eidos doesn't have much faith in its games. They don't think they'll sell well, or they don't think they'll be nearly enough to move systems. Granted, they shouldn't think too highly of themselves, but no game developer should be complacent enough to make games that are "just okay". They need to work on something that will move systems! Something every dev should strive for! Revolution! ...Or, you know, get pumped up and stuff.

JoystiqLow install base to blame for no Eidos titles? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EidosHitmanJust CauseJustCausePlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTomb RaiderTombRaiderSat, 31 Mar 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Anniversary site online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-site-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-site-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-site-online/#commentsFiled under:

Ever wanted to go back and play the original Tomb Raider, but couldn't stand the old control scheme or graphics? Well. you're in luck, because Tomb Raider Anniversary will give you the chance to replay Lara's first game adventure but redone by the folks at Crystal Dynamics. Interested parties can explore the Tomb Raider Anniversary site to see screens, a trailer, info on the game or just to find out more about Ms. Croft herself. Since the last Tomb Raider turned out so well, there's a very good possibility this remake could be better than the original.

JoystiqTomb Raider Anniversary site online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lara croftLaraCrofttomb raidertomb raider anniversaryTombRaiderTombRaiderAnniversarySun, 25 Feb 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The top ten girls of PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/top-10-girls-of-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/top-10-girls-of-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/top-10-girls-of-psp/#commentsFiled under:

You've seen the top ten girls of Hooters. You've perused the top ten women of tennis. You may even have seen the top ten girls of gaming, but you haven't yet seen the top ten girls of PSP. Until now that is! The requirements are simple, to qualify she has to be a girl and has to be in a PSP game. But enough with the procrastinating, on with the ceremony!

Top ten after the jump ...

Continue reading The top ten girls of PSP

JoystiqThe top ten girls of PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bleachchristie monteiroChristieMonteirodarkstalkersdaxterEvagirlsgitaroo manGitarooManguilty gearGuiltyGearhottest girlsHottestGirlsi-nokirahlara croftLaraCroftlian xingLianXingmetal gear solidMetalGearSolidmorriganorihimesakurastreet fighter alpha 3StreetFighterAlpha3syphon filterSyphonFiltertaryntekkentomb raiderTombRaiderThu, 25 Jan 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sequels! Eidos announces more Tomb Raider, Hitman, Just Cause]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/sequels-eidos-announces-more-tomb-raider-hitman-just-cause/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/sequels-eidos-announces-more-tomb-raider-hitman-just-cause/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/sequels-eidos-announces-more-tomb-raider-hitman-just-cause/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

just causeRest easy, there will be more Tomb Raider, more Hitman, and another Just Cause. And just 'cause, Eidos has also confirmed that a new edition of its perennial footie sim Championship Manager will hit the pitch for (at least) one more go'round. Although development is currently underway for the follow-up foursome, release dates have yet to be issued.

The expected sequels will be joined by Kane & Lynch and Crossfire, new IPs (they still bother with those?), along with Battlestations: Midway, which is due out next month.

JoystiqSequels! Eidos announces more Tomb Raider, Hitman, Just Cause originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Avalanche-StudiosChampionship ManagerChampionshipManagerEidosHitmanJust CauseJust-CauseJust-Cause-2JustCausePS3Tomb RaiderTombRaiderXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The bottom of the barrel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/the-bottom-of-the-barrel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/the-bottom-of-the-barrel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/the-bottom-of-the-barrel/#commentsFiled under:

What's this -- a list? Cue the frothing fanboys! But this latest list of the top ten worst DS games, as decided by the folks at Pocket Gamer, is definitely filled with some of the poorest examples of DS gaming. We're not sure if they're really the ten worst ever, though. Let's call them the "Ten Worst Titles Masquerading as Games You Might Almost Want to Play." Well, except for Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. We actually did want to play that, but y'know, we need it to function.

Check out the full list after the jump.

Continue reading The bottom of the barrel

JoystiqThe bottom of the barrel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BurnoutDSGuilty GearGuiltyGearLegoNintendoStar WarsStarWarsTamagotchiTomb RaiderTombRaiderWed, 17 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/nintendo-holds-key-to-franchise-longevity-profitability/#commentsFiled under:

super marioAs noted earlier, a list published by UK newspaper The Independent reveals what many already assume; Nintendo's Mario is the best-selling franchise of all time. Coupled with the second best-selling franchise Pokémon (also a Nintendo property), the two series, which have sold a combined 348 million games worldwide, account for nearly 34% of the total sales of the top-twenty best-selling franchises; which include two additional Nintendo IPs ranked in the top ten, Donkey Kong and Zelda. So what's Nintendo's secret?

Cross-culture appeal, spin-offs (e.g., racers, sports titles, puzzlers), brand saturation (e.g., apparel, card games, TV shows), and E-ratings all appear part of a profitable formula built for the long haul.

Continue reading Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability

JoystiqNintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomCrash BandicootCrashBandicootDonkey KongDonkeyKongDragon QuestDragonQuestEAEidosElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsFinal FantasyFinalFantasyFranchiseGran TurismoGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoGranTurismoGTAJames BondJamesBondLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaLineageMarioMega ManMegaManMidwayMortal KombatMortalKombatNCsoftNintendoPokemonResident EvilResidentEvilRockstarSegaSonicSquare EnixSquareEnixStreet FighterStreetFighterThe SimsTheSimsTomb RaiderTombRaiderZeldaWed, 10 Jan 2007 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the rest: Ludwig's picks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Sam & Max Episode 1 : Culture Shock (PC)
I never thought I'd actually be grateful to LucasArts for assassinating their sequel to Sam & Max: Freelance Police. Now residing in the capable hands of Telltale Games, the series is setting the standard for episodic content and adventure gaming. Complete failure to laugh at Culture Shock's absolutely brilliant writing, memorable characters and off-the-wall puzzles indicates one of two things: either you're a robot, or you've recently discovered a dead kitten in your lap. (See also: My reviews of Culture Shock and Situation: Comedy.)

Continue reading Best of the rest: Ludwig's picks

JoystiqBest of the rest: Ludwig's picks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Final FantasyFinal Fantasy XIIFinalFantasyFinalFantasyXiiGame of the YearGameOfTheYearGhost ReconGhostReconGOTYLuminesMetal Gear SolidMetalGearSolidOkamiPCPS2PSPSonicSquare-EnixTomb RaiderTombRaiderXbox-360XenosagaMon, 01 Jan 2007 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Catfight: Adrienne Curry vs. Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/catfight-adrienne-curry-vs-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/catfight-adrienne-curry-vs-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/catfight-adrienne-curry-vs-lara-croft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Graphics card maker NVIDIA and pants tent maker Adrienne Curry (of America's Next Top Model fame) have teamed to create "the world's first real-time, virtual celebrity," according to an NVIDIA press release. Though the "world's first" claim is dubious (companies have been working on this sort of thing since before the days of Max Headroom), we like that Ms. Curry took a dig at Lara Croft via the release:

"The Digital Adrianne is so realistic, it's really trippy. Lara Croft, eat my shorts!"

Actually, that's a great idea, Adrienne. Make it happen, NVIDIA. Literally -- by this time next year, virtual Lara needs to wrestle off and eat virtual Adrienne's shorts. As a tech demonstration to prove Adrienne's polygonal superiority and stuff.

Click "continue" for some video of the virtual Curry.

Continue reading Catfight: Adrienne Curry vs. Lara Croft

JoystiqCatfight: Adrienne Curry vs. Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrienne curryamntmlara croftLaraCroftPCtomb raidervirtual avatarFri, 29 Dec 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's hottest game video: Tomb Raider trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/todays-hottest-game-video-tomb-raider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/todays-hottest-game-video-tomb-raider-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/25/todays-hottest-game-video-tomb-raider-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

She's said to be "drool"-worthy, but does that make a good game? Today's most-watched GameTrailers video shows the acrobatic Lara Croft in the trailer for the next Tomb Raider game. With the required low-angle shots of Lara -- from in-front and behind -- the video mixes cut-scene-renders with a little in-game footage at the end.

See the trailer after the break. Did it make you drool?

Continue reading Today's hottest game video: Tomb Raider trailer

JoystiqToday's hottest game video: Tomb Raider trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hottest videoHottestVideoLara CroftLaraCroftPS3Tomb RaiderTombRaiderXbox-360Mon, 25 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Lara Croft to make us drool, vows Eidos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/new-lara-croft-to-make-us-drool-vows-eidos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/new-lara-croft-to-make-us-drool-vows-eidos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/new-lara-croft-to-make-us-drool-vows-eidos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lara...Eidos exec Ian Livingstone OBE reminds us that the next Tomb Raider is still all about the curves and bounce of its star Lara Croft. "I've seen some of the in-game models and it's just like watching television; if you felt you were in love with Lara Croft previously, you ain't seen nothing yet. You'll be drooling when you see the new Lara as she appears in the next iteration," Livingstone promised Eurogamer TV. Aw c'mon! Just tell us ... are you gonna license the DOA Xtreme engine?

But seriously, Livingstone wasn't even trying to sell us on any other aspect of the game. Is drool-factor enough to keep this franchise from falling off again?

In related news, for those that prefer a slightly more real infatuation, Angelina looks to be donning the short-shorts again, as Livingstone confirmed Paramount has agreed to hire a scriptwriter for a third Tomb Raider movie.

JoystiqNew Lara Croft to make us drool, vows Eidos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lara CroftLaraCroftPS3Tomb RaiderTombRaiderXbox-360Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. buys 10% of SCi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/warner-bros-buys-10-of-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/warner-bros-buys-10-of-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/warner-bros-buys-10-of-sci/#commentsFiled under:

Warner Bros., a subsidiary of Time Warner (who owns our parent company, Weblogs Inc.) is moving its way back into the gaming development business. Not since the Atari days in the 1980s has Warner held any serious hold in the game development front. Now it would seem that there are changes afoot.

Warner Bros. purchased a 10% interest in SCi Entertainment, better known to the world as Eidos, for £44.5 million (roughly $87 million). The new deal will give SCi access to Warner's long list of IPs; the list includes Looney Tunes and Batman.

Apart from Batman and possible improved leverage with DC Comics (another Time Warner subsidiary), SCi may want to be careful about overusing the licenses (Harry Potter was, oddly, not mentioned). Looney Tunes, while widely recognized, rarely translates into a quality gaming experience. If SCi can come up with some original content, Warner Bros. can use them for movies, not just a one way benefit.

JoystiqWarner Bros. buys 10% of SCi originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoseidos entertainmentEidosEntertainmentLara CroftLaraCroftSCi EntertainmentSciEntertainmentTime WarnerTimeWarnerTomb RaiderTombRaiderWarner Bros.WarnerBros.Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[China holds audition for its own Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/china-holds-audition-for-its-own-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/china-holds-audition-for-its-own-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/01/china-holds-audition-for-its-own-lara-croft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

the next lara?With Tomb Raider: Legend on the verge of release in China, SINA, a big-time online Chinese media corporation, set out to find the nation's 'Lara Croft.' It appears that nine would-be adventurers were singled out for the awkwardly titled "Play Girl" contest.

The winners received a cash prize and will be featured in a "live action" photo bundled with the game.

JoystiqChina holds audition for its own Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaContestLara CroftLaraCroftTomb RaiderTombRaiderFri, 01 Dec 2006 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of November 13th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-13th/#commentsFiled under:

Big week for handheld gaming! As we creep closer to the end of the year, release dates are just more and more packed with must-have titles. If this keeps up, we may have to consider undertaking a life of crime in order to afford everything we want. What are you picking up this week, and how much ramen are you gonna munch to compensate?

DS releases:
  • Asphalt: Urban GT 2
  • Bionicle Heroes
  • Bomberman Land: Touch!
  • Brain Boost: Beta Wave
  • Brain Boost: Gamma Wave
  • Charlotte's Web
  • Digimon World DS
  • Eragon
  • Final Fantasy III
  • Gunpey
  • Happy Feet
  • Monster Bomber
  • Rayman Raving Rabbids
  • Spider-Man: Battle for New York
  • Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2
  • Tomb Raider: Legend
  • Totally Spies! 2: Undercover
  • Yoshi's Island 2

GBA releases:
  • Bionicle Heroes
  • Charlotte's Web
  • Eragon
  • F-24: Stealth Fighter
  • Happy Feet
  • March of the Penguins
  • Polarium Advanced
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis
  • Spider-Man: Battle for New York
  • Super Robot Taisen 2
  • Tomb Raider: Legend
  • Tonka on the Job
  • Totally Spies! 2: Undercover
  • Yggdra Union

And don't forget (like you were going to!) -- next week is the first of the global launch dates for the Wii! Then we'll really be awash in Nintendo goodness. As for this week's games, as ever, supplies are subject to manufacturer delivery.

[Big ups to whoever the games in the picture belong to!]

JoystiqDS releases for the week of November 13th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionicleeragonffiiiFinal Fantasy IIIFinalFantasyIiigamegunpeyNovember 13November 14November13November14releasesspider-mantomb raiderTombRaiderMon, 13 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner looks to grab 10% of SCI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/time-warner-looks-to-grab-10-of-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/time-warner-looks-to-grab-10-of-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/time-warner-looks-to-grab-10-of-sci/#commentsFiled under:

Media conglomerate Time Warner is looking to purchase a 10 percent stake in developer SCI Entertainment (Tomb Raider, Hitman). According to website The Business, Time Warner initially wanted to buy SCI, but that was lowered to 20% and then halved to 10% of stock.

A complete buyout of SCI may be in the plans for the future; Time Warner executives are "preoccupied with a share buyback and the restructuring of AOL," according to the article. (For sake of full disclosure, Time Warner owns AOL owns Weblogs Inc. owns Joystiq.)

SCI's Tomb Raider franchise was turned into a film franchise by Paramount Pictures, a rival of Time Warner's movie studio Warner Bros. Pictures. Will there be a conflict of interest should a third Tomb Raider movie materialize?

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqTime Warner looks to grab 10% of SCI originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>scitime warnerTimeWarnertomb raiderTombRaiderMon, 23 Oct 2006 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Raid tombs with Lara on the PS3!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/raid-tombs-with-lara-on-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/raid-tombs-with-lara-on-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/raid-tombs-with-lara-on-the-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Ever since the release of Tomb Raider Legends, Lara Croft has redeemed herself and kept the franchise alive. Since her last iteration was so well-received (selling nearly 3 million copies in a year), Eidos has decided to bring the voluptuous lady to the Playstation 3. Said Chief Executive Jane Cavanagh, "Our 2008 products will include new versions of Tomb Raider (including a PS3 version) and many of our other key franchises. We also plan new franchises, including completely new products from both Crystal Dynamics (developers of Tomb Raider) and Io Interactive (developers of Hitman and Kane & Lynch)." This begs the question, should Nariko (of Heavenly Sword) and Lara get into a Super Smash Sisters: Brawl contest, who do you think would win?

JoystiqRaid tombs with Lara on the PS3! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal DynamicsCrystalDynamicsEidosLara CroftLaraCroftPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTomb RaiderTombRaiderThu, 28 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Eidos' SCI's Ian Livingstone, Tomb Raider vixen Lara Croft is "the most famous character in gaming." Interviewer Paul Loughrey of GamesIndustry.biz then questions whether or not he means most famous ... other than Mario. Livingstone adamantly asserts that Mrs. Croft is indeed more popular than Nintendo's gaming icon.

"Well, Mario is still very much within the games niche, whereas Lara has gone beyond that thanks to two blockbuster films, for example. She's graced the covers of thousands of not just games journals, but lifestyle journals as well."

We'll admit, much to our chagrin, that Super Mario Bros. film was not the glorious re-imagining of Nintendo's flagship series, nor was it a box office smash (the total domestic gross was $20.9 million, which would be approximately $32.3 million today when adjusted for ticket price inflation). But Mario, we'd argue, is still more of a household name.

While there is no quantitative backing to either assertions, we'd like to point out that Livingstone's support is rather inefficient. In 1966, John Lennon exclaimed that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." And while we suspect those zany Brits did grace more magazine covers than the founder of Christianity, it's still a stretch to elevate a band over a world religion.

And though the Mario film sunk, his power was seen elsewhere in pop culture. Not to mention his games tend to do better, both financially and critically.

Continue reading Fuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario?

JoystiqFuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSlara croftLaraCroftmario brosMarioBrossuper marioSuperMariotomb raiderTombRaiderWiiWed, 16 Aug 2006 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[They're papercraft models, not dolls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/theyre-papercraft-models-not-dolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/theyre-papercraft-models-not-dolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/theyre-papercraft-models-not-dolls/#commentsFiled under:

Whether it is indicative of the versatility of paper or the dedication of video game fans is unclear, but the fact of the matter is that someone has gone to great lengths to capture Link's likeness in a detailed papercraft model. We find the little fellow to be a strange mix between endearing and creepy, likely the reason why we won't be downloading the accompanying instructions and attempting to fold our very own recyclable Hyrulian Hylian into existence.

Princess Zelda also makes an appearance on the clearly obsessive (yet helpful) website, if only to add a feminine touch to a gaming lineup otherwise dominated by manly Star Trek ships, Advance Wars tanks and sluggish Tomb Raider vehicles (Lara excluded). Site proprietor Ninjatoes certainly does a fine job at making plain 'ole paper more interesting, though it probably comes at the cost of being rubbish at most card games.

[Via Bits & Bytes & Pixels & Sprites]

See also:
Sonic papercraft
Make your own Quake Papercraft
Katamari Prince papercraft
Revolution controller made of paper
Game Boy Micro origami

JoystiqThey're papercraft models, not dolls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advance WarsAdvanceWarsHyruleLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaLinkPapercraftStar TrekStarTrekTomb RaiderTombRaiderZeldaMon, 31 Jul 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary labyrinth [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/the-tomb-raider-10th-anniversary-labyrinth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/the-tomb-raider-10th-anniversary-labyrinth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/the-tomb-raider-10th-anniversary-labyrinth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Curmudgeon Gamer gets curmudgeonly about the nebulous state of the Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary Edition PSP release. Don't know what we're talking about? Head on over and read the scandalous, hyperlink-encrusted tale of dual developers working clandestinely on separate versions of the same game, and the evil publisher who pulled the plug ... but on which one? After much compiling, Curmudgeon Gamer's jvm peels the gum from his shoes, removes his deerstalker cap, and lights up his trusty pipe, before breaking down the whole tawdry affair:

"For reasons unknown, Core and Crystal Dynamics were working independently on the same 10th anniversary game. Perhaps Core had been given a green light to try and after the SCi/Eidos merger, no one remembered that detail. Meanwhile, Crystal Dynamics successfully launched Tomb Raider: Legend and was considered by the management, especially in North America, to be the obvious team for the new game."

We've embedded the video for Core's version after the break. If anyone can track down the Crystal Dynamics video, we'll post that too and we can tear ourselves apart arguing over which one would have -- undoubtedly -- been the better game.

[Update: Curmudgeon Gamer has updated their analysis writing, "According to the SCi/Eidos press release verifying that Crystal Dynamics would produce the game, it will be published not just for the PlayStation Portable but also for Windows and the PlayStation 2. The current Tomb Raider: Legend engine supports all three of these. That changes my reading of the situation."]

Continue reading The Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary labyrinth [update 1]

JoystiqThe Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary labyrinth [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Core StudiosCoreStudiosCrystal DynamicsCrystalDynamicsEidosPSPTomb RaiderTomb Raider Anniversary EditionTomb-Raider-AnniversaryTombRaiderTombRaiderAnniversaryEditionMon, 31 Jul 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Screenshot roundup: Tomb Raider: Legend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/screenshot-roundup-tomb-raider-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/screenshot-roundup-tomb-raider-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/screenshot-roundup-tomb-raider-legend/#commentsFiled under: ,

These Tomb Raider: Legend screenshots certainly needed to be rounded up ... and immediately executed. They're not particularly impressive and the one on the right is notable for not featuring a tomb at all. Still, it's early goings for Lara's return-to-roots portable adventure, and if it's even half as good as the console outings, we'll be satisfied. We'd rather it be just as good, however, controlling well and featuring plenty of evil traps looking to mangle our beloved Lara's limbs. There's every possibility of that happening, but confidence isn't particularly prevalent when it looks like the touch screen seems to have been relegated to yet another glorified inventory menu.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqScreenshot roundup: Tomb Raider: Legend originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExplorationLara CroftLaraCroftPlatformerTomb RaiderTomb Raider LegendTombRaiderTombRaiderLegendMon, 10 Jul 2006 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Up to 7,000 PSOne-to-PSP titles by 2007, reports UK PSP Magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/up-to-7-000-psone-to-psp-titles-by-2007-reports-uk-psp-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/up-to-7-000-psone-to-psp-titles-by-2007-reports-uk-psp-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/28/up-to-7-000-psone-to-psp-titles-by-2007-reports-uk-psp-magazine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PlayStation emulation (PSP)
"Riiiiiidge Raaaaacer!" Kaz Hirai's famous declaration at Sony's E3 media breifing might not have garnered much applause, but, according to UK PSP Magazine, there are plenty of other emulated PlayStation titles (for the PSP) that will. These five AAA titles should be available when the emulation service launches:
  • Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Final Fantasy VIII
  • Silent Hill
  • Tomb Raider
In addition, UK PSP Magazine reports that up to 7,000 PlayStation titles will be available for download by the end of 2007. Say what?! 7,000! Yes folks, it's possible -- Wikipedia: "As of March 2005, there were 7,743 software titles available (this figure counts games released in multiple regions as separate titles)."

Forget PSOne, the PSP has officially become the first, truly portable PlayStation. We knew the thing would find its calling sooner or later...

JoystiqUp to 7,000 PSOne-to-PSP titles by 2007, reports UK PSP Magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CastlevaniaE3emulationFinal FantasyFinalFantasyKaz HiraiKazHiraiPlayStationPSOnePSPSilent HillSilentHillTomb RaiderTombRaiderWed, 28 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider remake for PSP canceled [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/tomb-raider-remake-for-psp-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/tomb-raider-remake-for-psp-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/tomb-raider-remake-for-psp-canceled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

PSP original Tomb Raider canceledAccording to an announcement on Core Design's web site, the PSP update of Lara Croft's first adventure has been scrapped. The official word:

"The video of Tomb Raider: 10th Anniversary Edition that appeared on certain sites was an unauthorised release of an internal presentation of a game that was being developed by Core Design until very recently. It was running on PSP and used a Core-developed engine. However, following a recent review this project has been officially cancelled by SCi."

Core's staff and assets were recently acquired by Rebellion Developments (AvP, Rogue Trooper), although SCi still maintains the Core brand name.

Update: Eurogamer is now reporting that the remake isn't canceled. Apparently, SCi has just issued a new statement saying the project is back on. PSP owners now have Lara's original adventure, as well as this month's Legend to look forward to.

JoystiqTomb Raider remake for PSP canceled [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jun 2006 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core designeidoslara croftpspsci entertainment groupsony psptomb raiderFri, 16 Jun 2006 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[360 dashboard update to be ready by morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/360-dashboard-update-to-be-ready-by-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/360-dashboard-update-to-be-ready-by-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/360-dashboard-update-to-be-ready-by-morning/#commentsFiled under: ,


The long awaited 360 dashboard update is finally coming, arriving by invite for most Stateside gamers sometime early tomorrow morning.

The update will actually begin to go out by 2:00 AM PT, but, according to Major Nelson, it "can take up to four hours for a user to be prompted to receive this update," so the invitation to download the small-in-size (but large-in-scope) update could arrive as late as 6:00 AM PT.

Patient gamers can look forward to 125 new features for their cream-colored Xboxes, including the ability to queue multiple Marketplace downloads, keep your place in DVDs, and even fast-forward to just the choicest parts of videos (like the one featuring the titular Tomb Raider above). Plan your evening and/or morning accordingly, folks.

See also:
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in; also via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Joystiq360 dashboard update to be ready by morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0200060012516X2:00 AM2:00Am3606:00 AM6:00Amchoicechoicestdashboarddashboard updateDashboardUpdatedownloadDVDDVDsfast-forwardfeaturefeaturesforwardfour hoursFourHoursinvitationinviteMajorMajor NelsonMajorNelsonMarketplaceMicrosoftpatientpatient gamersPatientGamersplanpromptPTqueueStatesideTomb RaiderTombRaiderupdatevideovideosXbox-360XboxesMon, 05 Jun 2006 23:27:00 EST<![CDATA[UK sales charts, April 30-May 6: FIFA scores again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/uk-sales-charts-april-30-may-6-fifa-scores-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/uk-sales-charts-april-30-may-6-fifa-scores-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/08/uk-sales-charts-april-30-may-6-fifa-scores-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

World Cup fever is running high in the UK still, with FIFA World Cup holding on to its top spot for a second week. Metroid Prime: Hunters rushes straight into the top ten in its first week at number 6, and Crazy Frog Racer finally vanishes from the top 40, leaving us with nothing but a terrible memory.

1. FIFA World Cup Germany 2006
2. Tomb Raider Legend
3. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
4. The Godfather
5. Animal Crossing: Wild World
6. Metroid Prime: Hunters
7. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
8. FIFA Street 2
9. Buzz! The Big Quiz
10. Championship Manager 2006

JoystiqUK sales charts, April 30-May 6: FIFA scores again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 May 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschartsfifa world cup 2006FifaWorldCup2006footballsalessoccerstatisticstomb raiderTombRaiderukuk chartsUkChartsMon, 08 May 2006 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider: Legend (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-legend-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-legend-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-legend-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There are moments in our gaming pasts that stand out with clarity from the mass of bygone levels, saves, high scores and kill counts. One of mine is a first date of epic proportions, one which launched a thousand clones and broke a million hearts. It was my first date with Lara.

Lady Croft and I have a lot in common. The novelty of playing as a girl who looks great and sounds normal grabbed me back in 1996 and hasn't let me go since.

A decade later, in Tomb Raider: Legend, Lara still looks the part; she hasn't put on a pound, though her poly count's up. As I put the disc in, her iconic face stares at me. This revamped Lara looks more human, more real, less like a creature from some stylised midnight fantasy. Her face is soft, her lips slightly curled in a welcoming smile -- her eyes measure me up. It's been a while.

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider: Legend (Xbox 360)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Tomb Raider: Legend (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsDSEidosEidos-Interactivelara croftLaraCroftMicrosoftNintendoPCPlatformerPS2reviewtomb raidertomb raider legendTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-LegendXboxXbox-360Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara's lovely ladies revisited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/laras-lovely-ladies-revisited/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/laras-lovely-ladies-revisited/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/laras-lovely-ladies-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lara Croft models
I was rummaging through the endless piles of gaming memorabilia that clutter my living space the other day, when I happened upon an old advertisement featuring the lovely Lara Weller, a.k.a. "Lara Croft." Weller donned the famous Tomb Raider duds from 1999-2000, during the promotion of Last Revelation, and is probably the closest physical approximation to gaming's most successful heroine of all time. She shares not only the same first name with her agile avatar, but also certain physical attributes and a passion for world travel.

Five other models have portrayed Lara Croft for Eidos (six, if you count Angelina). Karima Adebibe is the latest, and Jill de Jong gets props for her depiction of the Angel of Darkness. Visit Tomb Raider Chronicles and let us know your favorite.

JoystiqLara's lovely ladies revisited originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosGameCubejill de jongKarima Adebibelara croftlara wellerlucy clarksonnell mcandrewPCPS2rhona mitratomb raiderXboxXbox-360Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK sales charts, April 16-22: Tomb Raider still on top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/uk-sales-charts-april-16-22-tomb-raider-still-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/uk-sales-charts-april-16-22-tomb-raider-still-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/uk-sales-charts-april-16-22-tomb-raider-still-on-top/#commentsFiled under:

The sales figures are in, with last week's UK sales looking similar to the one before. Tomb Raider Legend is still number one, and Ice Age 2 is enjoying popularity both at the box office and in the games charts, though with 28,000 fewer sales. King Kong has dropped out of the top ten, with The Sims 2: Family Fun Pack jumping in to replace it, and the continued dominance of Crazy Frog Racer (29) over Guitar Hero (36) is depressing us.

The ten bestselling games in the UK for the week ending April 22:

1. Tomb Raider Legend
2. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
3. Animal Crossing: Wild World
4. Fifa Street 2
5. The Godfather
6. The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff
7. Football Manager 2006
8. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
9. Buzz! The Big Quiz
10. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

JoystiqUK sales charts, April 16-22: Tomb Raider still on top originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartslara croftLaraCrofttomb raiderTombRaiderukuk chartsUkChartsMon, 24 Apr 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft used to be a guy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/lara-croft-used-to-be-a-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/lara-croft-used-to-be-a-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/lara-croft-used-to-be-a-guy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an interesting Guardian GamesBlog interview with Toby Gard, the artist who designed the look of Lara Croft, there's one point in particular that sticks out. In response to the question "How many designs did you scrap before Lara?" he answered that his "initial design was a guy in some tombs." Although artists often set out several different designs before they choose which one to go for, this decision was probably the most important career decision Toby ever made. Can you imagine a world without Lara, the most succesful video game heroine of all time?

For all you cynical types -- the decision to "sex up" Lara wasn't made by Toby. In fact, he left Core over concerns that Lara's character was being reduced to cater to the lowest common denominator: although she was designed to look good, it was never supposed to be "about her boobs getting bigger."

JoystiqLara Croft used to be a guy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lara CroftLaraCroftToby GardTobyGardTomb RaiderTombRaiderTue, 18 Apr 2006 08:30:00 EST