Joystiq

GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

As part of CD Projekt Red's summer conference today, it was revealed that Retro City Rampage will be available on Good Old Games. Retro City Rampage, slated to arrive later this year, hearkens back to the 8-bit days of yore to deliver a parody of modern day open-world games, and it has generally been a topic of gleeful discussion among Joystiq staff.

In addition to Retro City Rampage, GOG.com has also acquired the first three games of the Tomb Raider series and Sid Meier's Colonization. Notably, the Tomb Raider collection has actually been "remastered for Windows." The Tomb Raider collection is $10, while Colonization is available for $6. On June 19, indie game Tiny and Big will also come to GOG, for $10 ($9 for pre-orders). Finally, GOG.com is hosting a special pre-order program for the upcoming indie adventure title, Resonance. Those who pre-order will receive a 10 percent discount and access to a 4 hour playable preview of the game prior to its June 19 launch.

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GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lady Shotgun Games: new studio from Tomb Raider devs, working on iOS game

Mike Schramm — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST

Lady Shotgun Games is a brand new studio being put together by two developers who formerly worked with Eidos on the Tomb Raider franchise, and a number of other studios including Sony and Sega. Anna Marsh and Sarah van Rompaey have decided to leave the big studios and try to go indie. Along with a team of freelancers, they are hoping to make a splash with "a great game for mobile on a realistic budget."

The name of the company might suggest that it's a girl power thing, but though many of the company's workers are female, Marsh tells Gamasutra it's more of a developer power thing. The goal is to create a studio with a remote staff to support "the idea that this could really work with a group of experienced freelance developers who all knew how to manage their own time, work as a remote team and take responsibility for their own work."

The studio's first title will be a universal iOS app, with a chance for other platforms later, and Marsh teases that it's a casual title with "a tongue-in-cheek narrative" and "depth in the right places." The game will be revealed later on this summer, and you can see some early concepts over on the official blog.

Lady Shotgun Games: new studio from Tomb Raider devs, working on iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST

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.

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God 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.

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Today's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:45:00 EST

You've probably heard of a few of the games discounted in today's installment of the Steam holiday sale. You know, Machinarium? Dungeon Defenders? Assassin's Creed 1, 2, Brotherhood and Revelations? A bunch of Tomb Raiders? Dead Spaces? You ... you have heard of those, right?

Continue reading Today's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more

Today's Steam holiday sale discounts Dead Space 2, Tomb Raider, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Tomb Raider film to focus on Lara Croft's beginnings

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:40:00 EST

If Hollywood's already keen on dragging you through another origin story with Spider-Man (who?), it can't surprise anyone by proposing a narrative backtrack for the lesser known Lara Croft. The new Tomb Raider film, vaguely positioned for 2013, will return to the posh explorer's formative years, though it might not fall in lockstep with next year's game, which also strips away the Croft cruft to focus on a harsh tale of survival.

Producer Graham King tells ComingSoon.net that the new movie is "something very different" from the ... commercially acceptable Angelina Jolie outings. "Listen, the box office, they weren't disasters but I find it interesting that the story that we're telling is really the story before she became Lara Croft," he says, "so it is a character piece."

And when she does become Lara Croft, we hope it's accompanied by a scene in which she repeatedly, explicitly imparts the correct pronunciation to the audience. Look, it's easy. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Laura Craft: Haberdasher.

New Tomb Raider film to focus on Lara Croft's beginnings originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomb Raider celebrates 15th anniversary with Steam sale this weekend

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST

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.

Tomb 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.

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Lara Croft gets primitive in new Tomb Raider trailer

Mike Schramm — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:30:00 EST

Square Enix has released this teaser trailer for the new Tomb Raider reboot on YouTube (after showing it on Spike earlier tonight), and boy is it purty. As promised by the game's reveal back in December of last year, the fully CGI trailer features a younger, (dare we say) more naive Lara Croft, given some slightly more savage and primitive tools by the end than we've ever seen before.

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

Continue reading Lara Croft gets primitive in new Tomb Raider trailer

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

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Don't smash this Amazon deal on Tomb Raider Trilogy

Justin McElroy — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

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?

Don'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.

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LucasArts hires back Tomb Raider franchise head Tim Longo

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:10:00 EST

Gamasutra reports that LucasArts has hired Tim Longo, formerly Tomb Raider creative and franchise director at Crystal Dynamics. Longo worked with LucasArts in the past on several Star Wars titles, notably the Starfighter series, Jar Jar's Revenge and Republic Commando. Longo has signed on in order to work on an unannounced project for LucasArts though, given his pedigree (not to mention LucasArts' corporate mandate) a new Star Wars title seems likely.

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

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Tomb Raider film franchise rebooted, first movie coming 2013

JC Fletcher — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST

The Tomb Raider game series is undergoing a reboot, so why not reboot the movie series as well? Eight years after the last cinematic adventure for Lara Croft, producer Graham King and his GK Films have purchased the franchise rights. The GK blog reports that the first new Tomb Raider movie is being prepared for a 2013 release.

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

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

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'The Tomb Raider Trilogy' hits PS3 in March

JC Fletcher — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:45:00 EST

Eidos has opened its vault of classic Tomb Raider games for a new PS3 collection -- it has raided the tomb, if you prefer. The "Tomb Raider Trilogy" seen on retail websites last month has been described on the PlayStation Blog as a PS3-exclusive compilation of Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider games. It's due on March 22 at the seemingly standard PS3 trilogy collection price of $39.99.

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

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

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

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Tomb Raider details emerge, features open world and brutal deaths

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Survival is the name of the game for Lara Croft's next virtual excursion -- well, the name of the game is actually Tomb Raider, but, you know -- and a few details from the January issue of Game Informer (which already found its way onto the info-hungry internets) have revealed exactly how said survival story will unfold.

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

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

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

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Tomb Raider revealed by Square Enix in Game Informer

Justin McElroy — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:53:00 EST

As we theorized last month, the January issue of Game Informer will, indeed, be showing off the latest iteration in the Tomb Raider series called, simply, Tomb Raider. Details are scarce, but we know it features Lara's first adventure in which she must struggle to stay alive (hence "A Survivor is Born," the tag line used to tease the release). You can see the rough-looking Lara after the break.

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

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

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

Continue reading Tomb Raider revealed by Square Enix in Game Informer

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

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Square Enix files trademark for 'A Survivor is Born'

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

The precarious, towering pile of evidence that Square Enix is planning a big reveal for a new installment in the Tomb Raider franchise just got a little bit taller -- Tomb Raider BIZ, a fansite for the crypt-plundering series, recently uncovered a trademark filed by the UK office of Square Enix, reserving the phrase "A Survivor is Born" for use with "computer game software" and "video game software" and "potpourri." Aha! We made that last one up. Just making sure you're paying attention.

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

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

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Connect the dots: Possible Tomb Raider reveal in two weeks

Christopher Grant — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:25:00 EST

Let's connect the dots, shall we?

The current, November issue of Game Informer features the above two-page tease for its December issue stating, simply, "A survivor is born." An accompanying website at asurvivorisborn.com (and asurvivorisborn2012.com) mirrors the tease, though it's not clear who owns the domains.
A NeoGAF poster pointed out that, at one point, the Google Analytics account number 6150945-XX matched that of kaneandlynch.com, minininjas.com and deusex.com -- all Eidos / Square Enix titles. If correct, it appears the current asurvivorisborn.com account number of 19668291-1 was changed after being spotted.
The image of a crashed ocean liner recalls the leaked concept art and fact sheet spotted last year (the fact sheet description is still readable at Shacknews): "When a sudden storm destroys her research vessel, a young and inexperienced Lara Croft finds herself stranded on a mysterious and remote island hidden off the shores of Japan."
The "survivor is born" tagline recalls the origin story description in the fact sheet: "This new Tomb Raider concept reboots the franchise by exploring the origin of Lara Croft's transformation into a hardened adventurer as you unravel the story behind the island's mysterious past."
In a 346-page thread (!) on tombraiderforums.com concerning the potential of a December 6 reveal, forum admin Justin J. Farr wrote, cryptically, "I know something you lot don't." That could be the meaning of his middle initial "J" or it could be the identity of Game Informer's next cover ...

It's not quite a smoking gun, but it's certainly possible that next month's GI reveal will be the Tomb Raider reboot we know Crystal Dynamics - specifically the "pillar team" - has been working on alongside its excellent downloadable installment, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. After the progress the team made on the Legends, Anniversary and Underworld trilogy, all eyes are on Crystal D to keep it up with its first Tomb Raider game under the new Square Enix masthead.

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

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PC Gamer: New Tomb Raider to be open world, feature young Lara

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

PC 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.

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First Lara Croft DLC pack free for 30 days on Xbox 360

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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

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

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

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Lara Croft still likes all kinds of guns

Mike Schramm — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST

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.

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Lara 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.

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

Christopher Grant — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:15:00 EST

At Square Enix's pre-E3 event yesterday, we got a chance to talk with Karl Stewart, global brand director for Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. We asked him about the reorganization inside the developer (which lead directly to the development of the already impressive Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light), its new approach to managing the Tomb Raider brand and how its new focus is affecting the way other Eidos studios work. We also got a taste of just how outside-the-box its new "experimental team" can go.

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

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

This was after the release of Underworld?

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

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

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

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Hands-on: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Christopher Grant — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:50:00 EST

Perhaps you've been glossing over any stories with the words "Lara Croft" in the headline, sure that it couldn't possibly have anything to offer you. You and Lara had your thing ... but that was years ago. You're older now. You've moved on.

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

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

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

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

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

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Lara gets by with a little help from her friend in Guardian of Light trailer

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

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

Lara 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.

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Square Enix: Lara Croft brand for digital, Tomb Raider for retail

Justin McElroy — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST

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.

Square 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.

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Lara Croft statue is worth every penny

Justin McElroy — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST

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.

Lara 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.

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Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Microsoft has unfurled some of its plans for Xbox Live downloadable content for April, including new additions to Games on Demand and Deals of the Week, as well as the April 14th release of Final Fight: Double Impact.

On top of that, look for a half-priced The Maw on the week of April 12 and two add-ons for Mega Man 10 this week: Bass and Special Stage 1. Head past the break for the full list.

Gallery: Final Fight: Double Impact

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crystal Dynamics GM lays out downloadable games strategy

JC Fletcher — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

The downloadable Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light isn't just an odd one-off from Crystal Dynamics, it's the first effort in a new strategy from the developer. General manager Darrell Gallagher told Gamasutra that Crystal Dynamics is using Guardian of Light, and future digitally-distributed titles, as a way to bridge larger-scale console installments.

Gallagher said that it's a plan that Crystal Dynamics intends to continue with -- and one that other publishers will also pick up. The use of a smaller, downloadable game as a promotional device or stopgap release for a console game has been catching on even before Guardian of Light was announced, mostly with Capcom, whose Dark Void Zero and Bionic Commando Rearmed were released to warmer receptions than either of their disc-based counterparts.

Gallagher told Gamasutra that because downloadable games have shorter development cycles, they can be used to bring people into a franchise or keep it popular while the next major installment is still in development.

Crystal Dynamics GM lays out downloadable games strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:41:00 EST

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

Impressions: 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.

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Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light launching this summer for $15

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST

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

Lara 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.

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'Guardian of Light' a co-op Tomb Raider action game

Mike Schramm — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST

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.

'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.

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Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to be an 'original digital experience'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:51:00 EST

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.

Lara 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.

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Crystal Dynamics staffed for two projects, talks life post-Square Enix

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:45:00 EST

"Essentially it's a partnership," Crystal Dynamics studio head Darrell Gallagher says about working with new owner Square Enix. "We're working really together with our parent company to make sure we're achieving our collective goals." Gallagher told Gamasutra that the new ownership leads to opportunities for sharing of history and technology.

What is the new Square Enix-helmed Crystal doing now? It has the staff for two projects, including an in-house brand manager and public relations staff. Neither of those two potential projects are named, though Tomb Raider -- the franchise that the developer specifically focused its studio structure on last year -- did come up in the discussion. "What I can say is Tomb Raider, as a franchise, is absolutely part of the Crystal fabric," Gallagher said. "It's a key franchise and awesome to be part of... we're excited about what we've been exploring, and we're excited to share it with the fans at some point."

Crystal Dynamics staffed for two projects, talks life post-Square Enix originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK road to be named after Lara Croft thanks to internet

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

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.

UK 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.

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Fancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST

The Art of Tomb Raider is looking like a must-have hard-edged coffee table book for any fan of the series and its curvy protagonist. Published by Dreams and Visions Press, the 568-page book actually comes in two volumes, with the first covering "every significant piece of Tomb Raider art" through Angel of Darkness, and the second featuring Legend to Underworld.

The set is priced at $110 and only 2,000 copies of the book are being printed. It appears that pre-orders are still being accepted and the books should ship in late February. Guess we can put this right next to our The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: The 11½ Anniversary Edition book.

[Via Big Download]

Fancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eidos 'life president' Ian Livingstone to keynote NLGD's Festival of Games in June

Mike Schramm — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST

Now that we've lost both Gygax and Arneson, we have to learn as much as we can from the still-living legends of gaming. One of these is Ian Livingstone -- he co-founded the great Games Workshop back in the day with John Peake and Steve Jackson. Currently, he's serving as the "life president" of Eidos, and lambasting the mass media for their portrayal of games (because if there's one thing a living legend should do, it's tell the kids these days that they're doing it wrong). And now De Nederlandse Gamedagen (NLGD, for short) has announced that Livingstone will be speaking at its annual Festival of Games in Holland this coming June. He'll be talking about his career and how he's integrated Eidos with Square Enix over the last year or so.

Just do us a favor if you do end up going to see the show: Start your Q&A question off with, "Mr. Livingstone, I presume?"

Eidos 'life president' Ian Livingstone to keynote NLGD's Festival of Games in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomb Raider studio seeking multiplayer devs for 'AAA title development'

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST

For the last few years, Crystal Dynamics has been pumping out nothing but Tomb Raider games. Normally we wouldn't lead a job listing post with such information, but when Crystal Dynamics says it's looking for developers who are "able to effectively create and lead the multiplayer vision and design effort," it gets us thinking that we could be tomb raiding with (against?) other actual human beings!

Considering this year's layoffs, we're not convinced that the developer could be working on another "AAA title" in addition to the Tomb Raider franchise. Given the leaked images of a "reboot" and assurance from Eidos "Life President" Ian Livingstone that Lara's next installment will "reinvigorate the franchise," we're pretty confident that Crystal Dynamics is hard at work on whatever the next game in the TR series will be. For now though, we have a job listing and plenty of educated guesses.

[Via CinemaBlend]

Tomb Raider studio seeking multiplayer devs for 'AAA title development' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lara Croft may have road named in her honor

Justin McElroy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST

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]

Lara 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.

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The many artistic portrayals of Lara Croft

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

[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]

The 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.

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Peter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST

After discussing his vision for Fable's future, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux recently reiterated his mantra of inclusive gaming innovation to attendees of BAFTA's Annual Video Games Lecture. Citing their ability to challenge "the foundation stones of conventional wisdom," he revealed five titles (documented by That VideoGame Blog) that he considers to be among the most revolutionary within the last two decades.

Molyneux praised Tomb Raider for subverting gaming's tough-guy protagonist and named Mario 64 as the genuine precursor to 3D titles like Grand Theft Auto 3. Dune 2 got a nod for its encouragement of more thoughtful tactics, while Bungie's first Halo earned mention for halfway introducing the now-ubiquitous regenerative health system and curtailed weapon swapping.

And the fifth title? World of Warcraft, which managed to lure Molyneux to level 40 with promise of a steed. You see? He's human, just like the rest of us.

Peter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After Tomb Raider, Toby Gard crafts consultancy business

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST

Tomb Raider designer Toby Gard has told Gamesindustry.biz that his departure from Crystal Dynamics came at the right time -- and after realizing that no single man could control Lara Croft. "I think it's just something you have to learn to realise that there's no one person really in charge of what goes on with a character and they have a life of their own in the hands of the team," he said, noting that his passion for "rather expansive" games had not been extinguished quite yet.

While Gard scouts for a team to assemble his next planned project, he hopes to make it big in the consultancy business, something he feels will only grow more crucial in a big games industry. "The way I see it is there's a lot of companies scaling up and down so much, letting everybody go at the end of projects, and then having their core teams do pre-production and all this kind of stuff and it's not really working out the way it should be," he explained. "It seems like the industry wants to move to a more Hollywood model by bringing in experts for shorter periods of time and then leveraging their outsourcing, but also building small teams for projects."

His desire to provide a guiding hand (or a stern word) in a less embedded position likely comes from experience on his last title, Tomb Raider Underworld, which prompted several high-profile layoffs after release.

After Tomb Raider, Toby Gard crafts consultancy business originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toby Gard off again with Lara, Crystal Dynamics

Justin McElroy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Toby 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]

Toby 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.

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Former Tomb Raider director discusses highs and lows of Underworld

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST

Meant to conclude the trilogy that began with the franchise's crucial and critically well-received reboot, Tomb Raider: Underworld ended not only Lara Croft's search for her mystically misplaced mother, but Eric Lindstrom's stint as creative director at Crystal Dynamics. He's spoken out on some elements of Underworld's development before -- particularly with regards to its two DLC expansions -- but a postmortem published on Gamasutra features a complete account of his work on the game.

While Lindstrom points out many of the game's successes in terms of design and play mechanics, he admits that several unforeseen factors took a significant bite out of time that was initially set aside for polishing. Getting a shared technology base in place proved unexpectedly difficult, and "acts of god" seemed to target the team, tragically taking the life of the lead level designer during the first half of production.

Eidos may have expressed disappointment in Underworld's sales, but the now Square Enix-owned publisher is rumored to be at work on a new direction for the franchise, overseen by original Tomb Raider designer Toby Gard.

Former Tomb Raider director discusses highs and lows of Underworld originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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