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Next-gen Tomb Raider framerate differs, Microsoft defends Xbox One
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition has gone digging in the not-so-ancient ruins of next-gen gaming consoles and come back with a shiny debate over framerate differences. While the PlayStation 4 version of the game has been confirmed to run at 60 frames per second, the Xbox One version's framerate is, as of writing, unconfirmed. A Square Enix rep weighed in on the issue to VideoGamer.com, stating that, "Delivering the core Tomb Raider gameplay at native 1080p and running at 30fps was always our primary goal given the type of experience Tomb Raider is and the exploration we want players to do. Anything beyond 30fps for this version is gravy." Microsoft Senior Director of Product Management Albert Penello told Gamertag Radio that the differences between the two versions were minor, and defended the Xbox One version by reminding listeners that we've only just begun the new generation of consoles. "Everybody wants to focus on, you know, there's a framerate thing going on in Tomb Raider, there is a resolution thing going on and okay, there's a lot of reasons why that could be true, but we're weeks in. We just shipped, it's a long generation."
Watch Hitman: Absolution's first level on 'Purist' difficulty
Agent 47 is aided by several systems in Hitman: Absolution, including a handy radar, health meters, and a limited "Instinct" feature that highlights crucial information in the environment. But in the game's most difficult setting, dubbed "Purist," these elements have been turned off.Want to see what Purists will have to contend with when Hitman: Absolution launches on November 20? Watch Joystiq infiltrate the first level (mind the spoiler-filled cutscenes!) and see how we do without the game's help.
Eidos taps Nixxes once again for PC port of Deus Ex: Human Revolution
In a recent interview with Shacknews, Deus Ex: Human Revolution director Jean-François Dugas explained that the PC port of the game was being developed in a "partnership" with Netherlands-based developer Nixxes Software BV. Dugas explained that the partnership was born out of a lack of manpower, adding, "It was more of a logistic problem more than anything else and having enough people to make sure it's all on the same level, all the time." The studio is familiar with helping Eidos achieve its multiplatform goals, having developed ports for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Tomb Raider Underworld, and Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days. Of course, the team also brought Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver to the Dreamcast, making our faith in its cross-platform development abilities absolutely iron-clad.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary now on Xbox Live Marketplace
Lara Croft's superb re-quel, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, has finally clambered onto the Xbox Live Marketplace after being unearthed in June and delayed from an initial September release. If you missed it on the PlayStation 2, the PSP, the PC or even the Xbox 360 (in ancient disc format), now's your chance to relive the iconic grave robber's best adventure in the form of two downloadable chunks. The catch, of course, is that it functions as Tomb Raider: Legend DLC and will require you to have that disc handy. Each half of the game will set you back roughly 1.5GB in bandwidth and 1,200 MS Points ($15) -- in combination, that puts it on par with the PS2 version and $10 beneath the disc-based Xbox 360 version. If this still isn't the opportune moment to explore Lara's treasure-laden crevices, you still have the hands-on Wii version to try out (it's out in the UK too this December).
Retailers list 360's Tomb Raider Anniversary for Oct. 23 release
If numerous online retailers are to be believed, the Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary is set to arrive in the US next week on October 23rd. "But wait," you rudely interject, "wasn't there another version for that console?" Indeed, you quite clearly recall that Eidos announced its intention to digitally distribute Lara Croft assets -- that would be the game split into five separate episodes -- on the Xbox Live marketplace. The online chunks, functioning as add-ons to Tomb Raider: Legend, would amount to 2400 MS Points ($30) in total, a good $10 cheaper than the price retailers are currently appending to the standalone disc. As the online episodes were initially scheduled for release in September, it inescapably follows that they've been delayed. The question is, "Until when?" While Eidos assures us that they're still in the pipeline, it's "still confirming dates for both versions and will release information on this asap." We'll keep you informed if and when we receive this mysterious asap containing the information.
Joystiq hands-on: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii)
Some things are obvious about Lara Croft. But Crystal Dynamics's Morgan Gray wants you to focus on Lara's more subtle assets, like her intelligence. The late-coming Wii version of Tomb Raider Anniversary focuses on Lara's actual career: babe, er, 'archaeologist'. There's "over three hours" of Wii-specific content promised, and the majority of it comes in the form of motion-sensitive mini-games. There's Lara with a pick axe unearthing clues; Lara digging for buried treasures; and Lara taking charcoal rubbings for her journal. All use the Wiimote's pointer, mimicking what you'd normally find in a DS game (think: psuedo-archeology game Spectrobes). It's gimmicky, yes -- but there are times where the physicality adds an appreciable amount of depth to the experience. In one segment of the game, we had to uncover symbols, hidden away under some dust. With those symbols in mind, we had to draw them in sand to unlock a door. Drawing with the Wiimote added a whole new layer to what was originally a very simple puzzle. Thankfully, the system is forgiving enough to recognize even the shakiest of gestures. Not only has Lara's "intelligence" been expanded upon for Wii, combat has received a major overhaul as well. For the first time in the franchise, players will aim and shoot freely while moving. Players will have to use the pointer to manually aim at the various enemies on the screen while performing Lara's signature dodges. It can be awkward at first, but Crystal Dynamics is so confident in their battle system that they won't give players the option to switch to more traditional controls. "All or nothing," as we were told by Gray. To ease away potential frustrations, there is an overly generous hit detection system that requires only a marginal amount of accuracy. Harder difficulties, we're told, will require a much steadier shot. %Gallery-8119%
See how Tomb Raider Anniversary uses Wiimote
When imagining ways for the Wiimote to be incorporated into the Wii release of Tomb Raider Anniversary, you probably let your evil imagination wander to some ... unfortunate situations, and we want you to know that we're personally very disappointed in you. Lara Croft uses the Wiimote for science, mister, and don't you forget it. As you can see in the video, the Wii is incorporated into all sorts of archeological pursuits, from column turning to dust brushing and, lest you begin to flashback to 9th grade history class, shooting bears. Only about 25 percent of the activities shown here look tacked on or contrived, which, all things considered, is fairly impressive. [Via CVG]
The B[ack]log: Happy Anniversary, Miss Croft
Jacqueline Natla is quite obviously the villain in Tomb Raider: Anniversary. In the 1996 original, the only initial clues to her evil nature resided in a somewhat condescending tone of voice and a far too serious haircut. The opening moments of the Crystal Dynamics remake, however, show a more conniving woman with flowing blond hair, almost alien facial features and suspiciously long fingers. Still a bit of a condescending hag, though. "My company has recently turned its focus on the study of ancient artifacts, and I am lead to believe that with the right incentive, you are just the woman to find them for me," she says, addressing one of gaming's most iconic characters, Lara Croft. "I'm afraid you've been mistaken," comes the decorous reply. "I only play for sport." Ah, but Natla's done her research. "Which is precisely why I've come to you Miss Croft. This is a game you've played before..." Though trusting the words of a noticeably vile video game character is generally not advised, they're true in this case. Tomb Raider: Anniversary is indeed a game you've played before, at least if you had the good sense to play Tomb Raider at some point in your fulfilling life (replace "fulfilling" with "miserable" if you haven't). The reworked puzzles, contemporized controls and modern presentation may set Anniversary apart from the groundbreaking effort by Core Design, but beneath those layers lies the same game with the same ideals. Either Tomb Raider was nearly eleven years ahead of its time, or the games we play just haven't changed all that much.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary episodes hitting Xbox 360 in September
Eidos UK has officially announced Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Xbox 360, confirming almost all of the theories originating from the ESRB listing we unearthed earlier this month. We say "almost," because one of said theories had the game being distributed via antiquated catapult. That's clearly and unfortunately not the case, as Anniversary will initially arrive on the Xbox 360 as a set of four downloadable episodes incorporated into Tomb Raider: Legend. The publisher notes that this marks the first occasion of a full game being serialized on the Xbox Live Marketplace. As suggested in the earlier article, the episodes should be split across the various locales Lara Croft explores and inevitably desecrates in the Crystal Dynamics remake of the 1996 original. Lady Croft's manor will be offered as a free download, while the complete set of episodes will cost 2400 MS Points -- $30 and on par with the cost of the already released PC and PS2 versions. Eidos promises to release Episode 1 and Episode 2 in September, with the final two episodes following "shortly afterwards." Those bemoaning the fact that they've since traded in Tomb Raider: Legend (understandable!) or never bothered to pick it up (unacceptable!) can wait for a retail version of Anniversary to be released on Xbox 360 "later in the year."
ESRB: Tomb Raider Anniversary bound for 360, possibly as DLC
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board is probably due for a shiny PETA trophy by now. The organization's online ratings database has let many a cat out of cruel prison bags, with today marking the release of gaming's most agile feline. The website currently lists not one, but five separate entries for an Xbox 360 version of Lara Croft's latest romp, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. More interestingly, each entry specifies a locale featured within the Crystal Dynamics remake. Peru, Lost City, Greece, Egypt and Croft Manor are all listed and rated, leading us to conclude that Anniversary could very well be making its way to Microsoft's system as downloadable content. Whether it would be offered as downloadable content for Tomb Raider: Legend (which utilizes the same graphics engine as Anniversary) or as episodic titles on the Xbox Live Marketplace is a matter of pure speculation. Certainly, a cost of $5 per level would compare well to the $30 PS2 and PC versions released yesterday.
New games this week: Tomb Raider Anniversary edition
It's weird isn't it? It's like seeing an old flame that you heard got fat so you forget about them, only to find out that they're apparently hot again. Also we're not sure if we're talking about a Tomb Raider game being the top release or the fact that it's on PS2.The whole week is weird like that. Let's get to it. PlayStation 2: Tomb Raider Anniversary %Gallery-3623%
Tomb Raider and Anniversary comparison video
Next week sees the release of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, where Lady Croft goes to the salon and fixes her roots. The video above shows the transformation of the original Tomb Raider into Anniversary. Tomb Raider: Legend (now playable for free on GameTap) reawakened the joy for many in Tomb Raider and reinvigorated the franchise. We're hoping that Anniversary is a fitting tribute to the original but, and this was part of the design behind Anniversary, puts some modern concepts into the gameplay for gamers who are just joining the series post Legend. We're definitely looking forward to E3 and seeing how far along the Tomb Raider: Legend sequel is. Although not half as painful of a cliffhanger as Halo 2, the ending to Legend (which came about 8 hours too early) was excellent and we were ready to put down the cash for the sequel right there. If Anniversary continues the solid gameplay trend of the new Lara Croft, the future looks bright again for the series.
Croft's Anniversary gains Steam
Lara's throwing her big Anniversary bash and it looks like every conceivable outlet who can sell or run the game is invited to the party. We've got typical retail, GameTap and now Steam is in there too. Everyone into the pool on June 5 for Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Just make sure you take a buddy, because you might drown from all the people crowded in there. We can't help but wonder if this is the nature of things to come. This is the first explicit moment of a trifecta release. Retail, digital distribution (Steam) and subscription service distribution (GameTap). That's just for PC. The PS2 and PSP editions come in their standard box at retail format. We still find it strange that the game still hasn't been announced for the Xbox 360. If it gets announced for XBLA, that's it, we'll have officially entered a new era of game distribution. [Via Press Release]
Wii to celebrate Tomb Raider: Anniversary
In news that is sure to set tongues wagging and arms waggling, IGN reports that Lara Croft will soon raid a more modern tomb -- your Wii's game shelf. In a press release issued by an international Eidos branch, Tomb Raider: Anniversary is stated as being in development for Nintendo's popular console. Previously, the remake was only slated for release on the PC (including GameTap), PlayStation 2 and PSP. With Eidos holding out on costly PS3 releases until 2008 and with no Xbox 360 version of Anniversary in sight, it seems the Wii is benefiting for once by being lumped in a similar technological bracket as the PS2. It makes for a quick and financially sensible port, it's only challenge being the tacking on implementation of unique motion controls. We're hoping for an ice-cold virtual hand to poke Lara into position for those tricky jumps. No Anniversa-Wii date has been set, but other platforms begin festivities on June 5th.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary, day and date on GameTap and more
Referred to as May Day on their design blog, Turner's buffet-esque gaming service, GameTap, has some huge announcements today. The headliner of which is a real doozy. Through a deal with Eidos, the upcoming Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be made available on the service come launch day, June 5th, and at no extra cost to subscribers. The title will also be available to non-subscribers via their upcoming digital distribution store as well. GameTap has been offering brand-new, original titles at no extra cost for a while now (see: Sam & Max, Myst Online), but to take this trend and run with a third party is huge. Closing out May Day is May 31st where GameTap will crack open its doors a bit with a new free-to-play portal. Not regulated to chump titles, the new service will launch with games such as Metal Slug, Bust-a-Move and Tomb Raider: Legend. This will be made possible with their new three-tiers of membership and a handy-dandy chart to explain these tiers (two of which are free, by the way) has been made available after the break. In other GameTap news, both the press release and blog have mentioned the Metal Slug and King of Fighters series coming to the service. Nice.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary set for June 5th (don't forget!)
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.
