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Tomb Raider creator designing mysterious new game at Crystal Dynamics

by Randy Nelson { Jun 18th 2009 at 5:10PM }

Toby Gard, creator of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft, is the lead designer at Crystal Dynamics. Well, actually, he has been since January 2009. But the transition from "game consultant" (on Tomb Raider: Legend) to "director of cinematics" to this new role went unnoticed until today, when a member of the unofficial Tomb Raider Forums noticed the change in Gard's LinkedIn profile.

Gard lists his current responsibility as "leading a design group for an unannounced project." Now, this could be pretty much anything; but it's probably the next Tomb Raider. The series is getting another reboot, Crystal Dynamics has been staffing up to develop a new game in "one of the most prestigious AAA franchises in the industry" and, well, who'd honestly be better suited? But, as of now, we must simply go with "unannounced project" (a.k.a. Tomb Raider).

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Crystal Dynamics hiring for an 'AAA' game

by JC Fletcher { Jun 16th 2009 at 9:40AM }

Current Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics hasn't had much good news to report, with much of its workforce laid off, and disappointing sales of Tomb Raider Underworld. However, a job listing posted on Gamasutra's job search site reveals that the company is still at work, bringing in at least one new hire for something big.

"Crystal Dynamics has a rare opening for a Senior Art Director on one of the most prestigious AAA franchises in the industry," the listing opens. The obvious, exciting conclusion to be inferred from the fact that Crystal Dynamics is working on a new big-budget franchise game: Gex is coming back. We suppose there's also the remote possibility that it could beTomb Raider.

[Via Develop]

Crystal Dynamics lays off another 25

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 10th 2009 at 12:30PM }

Eidos has confirmed that another 25 employees have been let go from Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. The publisher told Kotaku that the decision is a "reflection of the continued drive to focus resources at the studio."

This latest round of layoffs follows the confirmed forced departure of approximately 30 employees. At that time, the belief was that the firings had to do with Eidos' dissappointment with Tomb Raider Underworld's sales. This latest round likely has more to do with Square Enix's acquisition of Eidos and the publisher trying to figure out what to do with Crystal Dynamics, which currently has no announced titles.

Lara's Underworld adventure goes budget in the UK

by Richard Mitchell { May 22nd 2009 at 4:15PM }

According to Tomb Raider Chronicles, Eidos has announced that Tomb Raider Underworld has become part of the Xbox 360 Classics range as well as PS3 Platinum Hits in the UK. The upshot here is that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions should now be available for a mere £19.99. We've contacted Eidos to see if the new price applies to all PAL regions and if North America will see any budget love.

Considering Eidos was disappointed in the game's sales in North America and the game enjoyed relative success in the UK, we're not holding our breath.

Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route

by Ben Gilbert { May 11th 2009 at 11:00AM }

In Mumbai for the Golden Cursor Animation Awards, recently appointed Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone sat down with the folks at GamingIndians and spilled a full bag of beans. Unsurprisingly, he says the Square Enix acquisition was "a great deal in many ways" and that the various Eidos development studios would remain largely independent. "It's great news for the brand and for the people," he says.

And also, apparently, great for sequels, as Livingstone confirms work on the next Hitman game, a sequel to Kane & Lynch currently targeted for a September release date and -- big shock! -- a re-imagining of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series. "The next Tomb Raider, I think, will surprise a lot of people and reinvigorate the franchise," Livingstone notes, stressing the relevance of game characters in mainstream media these days. Incidentally, he more than intimates that Eidos Montreal is working on Thief 4, though now we know that to be a fact -- the "worst kept secret in the industry," in fact.

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

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Mar 18th 2009 at 9:05PM }

Acting as a cracked mirror, reflecting the obsession and ruthlessness that has come to envelop Lara Croft in her most recent adventures, the Doppelganger makes for an interesting choice of protagonist for Tomb Raider Underworld's second downloadable expansion. As Lara's shadow so curtly explains, she's an exact duplicate of Tomb Raider's lithe leading lady -- minus all the flaws.

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

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'Lara's Shadow' out today, new trailer heaps on the drama

by Randy Nelson { Mar 10th 2009 at 2:30PM }

Hot on the (high) heels of last week's developer documentary, Eidos has released the first "official" trailer for Tomb Raider: Underworld's second -- and, presumably, final -- 360-exclusive DLC expansion, "Lara's Shadow." The add-on mission is out today for 800

($10) and the rest of this post is one big spoiler, so turn back ye who do not wish things ... spoiled.

The footage -- dubbed the "final trailer," despite being the only trailer, but whatevs -- shows a whole lot of the main game (Lara's doppelganger blowing up Croft Manor, their battle in Helheim) along with plenty of talking before getting to the goods: the titular Shadow in action, slowing down time -- speeding up time! -- and kicking enemies. Lots of kicking. Well, and running up walls. Actually, just the one wall. So, will you be slapping down the points for this one, or are you all Lara'd out?

Look for our review of ~~Lara's~~ the doppelganger's adventures tomorrow.

'Lara's Shadow' exposed in new Underworld DLC footage

by Randy Nelson { Mar 5th 2009 at 9:50PM }

Wrongly thinking it could slip past us unnoticed, the first glimpse of Tomb Raider: Underworld's upcoming, Xbox 360-exclusive "Lara's Shadow" DLC on video has ventured ... out of the shadows. Narrated by members of the add-on episode's dev team, the footage features Lara Croft's doppelganger, a.k.a. the character you'll be playing as should you download the content in question.

She's stronger and faster than Lara, according to the devs, who've decided to focus more on hand-to-hand (and foot-to-face) combat for the Shadow's turn in the spotlight. The doppelganger has the ability to speed up and slow time, as well as amplify the power of any weapon she's carrying. The episode appears to be quite platforming-heavy; watch for snippets of Lara's look-alike running up walls and shimmying along ledges with inhuman speed. (Maybe because she's ... not human?)

Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Beneath the Ashes (DLC)

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Feb 24th 2009 at 6:50PM }

Sometimes, I worry about Lara Croft. Sure, the bloody vendetta against endangered animals and that egregious contempt for ancient pots were both neon-lit warning signs, but the writing on the walls has never been so clearly etched as on those found in her latest raid-worthy tomb. It's not the fact that she's willing to clamber, crawl and cartwheel through the decrepit crypt, her collapsed mansion as its gravestone, that makes me fret about her mental health. It's that she's willing to do it all in a camo bikini.

Unsurprisingly, the gaudy garment, no doubt picked up at a tacky souvenir shop on Normandy Beach, represents the more adolescent additions offered by Tomb Raider Underworld's first DLC episode, Beneath the Ashes. The rest of it -- a large, unexplored environment, a new enemy and some fresh puzzles -- should appeal to those who see beyond Lara's figure and appreciate a game of clockwork exploration and platforming.

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Tomb Raider 'Beneath the Ashes' DLC now on XBLM

by Richard Mitchell { Feb 24th 2009 at 2:15PM }

Archaeology buffs take note: New Tomb Raider: Underworld DLC is now available. Entitled 'Beneath the Ashes' the DLC has Lara Croft exploring yet more expansive caverns and crypts conveniently buried under Croft Manor. In addition to the new playable content, the DLC includes six new outfits for Ms. Croft and 125 achievement points to earn. Should you wish to explore 'Beaneath the Ashes,' the price of admission is 800

Trophies to be patched into Tomb Raider: Underworld

by Randy Nelson { Feb 16th 2009 at 6:00PM }

Lara Croft may be a treasure hunter, but she came up empty handed in her quest for Trophies in the PS3 version of Tomb Raider: Underworld. This is to be remedied by way of an upcoming patch, says an Eidos community manager.

According to a post on the game's official forums, Crystal Dynamics originally desired to have Trophy support included in the shipped game. "The guys at Crystal have been looking into this for a long time because they really wanted to include it," a community rep wrote. "The good news is that I can confirm that a patch for the PS3 version of Tomb Raider: Underworld is being worked on that will enable Trophy Support."

We've contacted Eidos for comment on the patch and an expected release date. We'll update as soon as we receive word.

[Via CVG]

Hey, you got Mirror's Edge in my Tomb Raider!

by David Hinkle { Feb 11th 2009 at 3:52PM }

Lara and Faith have a lot in common. Both are strong, female protagonists, and both find themselves relying heavily on their ability to effectively navigate the environment around them. Now, they have another thing in common: they've both been the subject of weird mods. Check out the video past the break, which shows what Lara's world would look like had it taken inspiration from Mirror's Edge.

[Thanks, M]

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Tomb Raider Underworld 'Beneath the Ashes' DLC delayed

by Alexander Sliwinski { Feb 9th 2009 at 1:57PM }

It appears Lady Croft will have to explore her basement at a later date, as Eidos has once again delayed Tomb Raider Underworld's DLC. StrategyInformer received word from the publisher that the hold up is being caused by an "unexpected technical issue." There is currently no new release date for the DLC.

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

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

Watch Lara explore her basement in 'Beneath the Ashes'

by Randy Nelson { Feb 3rd 2009 at 8:05PM }

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

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

Tomb Raider Underworld DLC episodes dated: Feb. 10 and Mar. 10

by Christopher Grant { Jan 22nd 2009 at 8:06PM }

Remember that retail listing for the Tomb Raider Underworld "Expansion Token Pack" with a January 21st ship date? Oh, you do ... we were sort of hoping you'd forgotten about all that. Oh, you've spent the last 24 hours staring at the Xbox 360 Marketplace? Well, this is awkward ...

Well, you can divert your attention until February 10 when "Beneath the Ashes" – the first of two Xbox 360-exclusive DLC episodes – brings six new costumes, 125 additional achievement points, and some "never-before-seen caverns and age old crypts" to Lara's latest. The second episode – "Lara's Shadow" – follows on March 10 and, we presume, will feature another 125 achievement points.

The press release curiously avoids any mention of price but – seeing as how the email in our inbox reminded us that "the codes to download this content will be available at GameStop" – we're going to assume that despite managing to botch the date, GameStop's got the $10 per episode asking price right. We've asked an Eidos rep just in case.

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