Release Date: March 5, 2013 (Pre-order Now)
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Video games long portrayed females as weak and vulnerable, needing a leading man to save them from the clutches of evil and peril. Along came Tomb Raider on the original PlayStation, and that stigma has forever been shattered by Lara Croft. Beautiful, bold, and fearless, she became a sex symbol, transcending her video game roots and solidifying a status as a pop-culture icon.
But as her sexy image saturated the market, the performance of her games suffered. It was time to reinvent the Lara Croft brand and allow her to be recognized for more than just her breasts. It was time people learned of the human side of Lara Croft—a side that showed her struggles, her pains, her origins—transforming her into a character that demands respect.
Soft and shaken, the seemingly helpless Lara stares in the face of danger, overcomes challenges, and grows into a strong, powerful, and capable character, without ever being the unstoppable force she once was. She shows emotion—her body visibly aches in pain from her wounds—but she continues on despite the great adversity she faces.
Lara has little choice. Her ship, The Endurance, split in two by a storm at sea, leaving her and her shipmates stranded on an island in the Dragon’s Triangle. There, unbeknownst to Lara, an evil awaits that will eventually will try her spirit and fortitude. From these tribulations, a survivor is born.
Tomb Raider was announced in December of 2010 by GameInformer magazine ahead of their January 2011 issue #213 cover feature. The game, the reboot of the franchise and Lara Croft, and the teams developing the game were fully revealed via the ten-page write-up, and instantly had fans of the series on the edge of their seats waiting for more information.
Fans got another taste of Tomb Raider only days before the annual E3 expo in Los Angeles began in the form of a cinematic trailer.
It wasn't just the trailer that impressed. Tomb Raider earned a place in GameRevolution's Best of E3 Awards. Our Tomb Raider E3 preview said that the game "looked simply gorgeous, and so did Lara" and that you could clearly see "the appearance of fear and pain written all over her face." During E3 2011, publisher Square Enix announced that the game would be released during Fall 2012.
That release date wasn't in the cards, though, as come May 2012, Square Enix delayed the game into 2013. Despite the somber news, Tomb Raider went into E3 2012 with head high, ready to show new content and bring back the buzz for the game. GR said that Tomb Raider "had nothing to do with the Lara Croft I thought I knew" allowing gamers the unique opportunity to transform Lara "from a weak, naïve little girl into a real raider." Again, it took home GameRevolution's Best of E3 award for the second year in a row—the only game to ever do so.
At the same time, Square Enix took advantage of all eyes being on Tomb Raider and revealed the final set release date of March 5th, 2013.
The trailer released to promote the game around E3 featured an assumed "rape scene" that sparked much controversy at the time. However, Crystal Dynamics kept the scene, reiterating that its inclusion was vital to Lara's development as a character. Bryan Horton, Senior Art Designer for Tomb Raider had this to say about the decision: "We believe every decision we have made so far in the game is justified by the story we are trying to tell, so no changes have been made." You can view the trailer below.
Tomb Raider was also listed as one of GameRevolution's Most Anticipated Games of 2013 earlier this year. Our review is forthcoming.
Since Lara Croft is such an iconic character, getting Lara's look and design just right was paramount for Crystal Dynamics. English born actress Camilla Luddington was chosen for the role, best known for playing Kate Middleton in the 2011 made for TV movie, William & Kate. Luddington had this to say about portraying Lara Croft in Tomb Raider: "It's an honour… People love Lara and there is such a huge fan base that you don't want to disappoint. You hope people can embrace the change and re-imagining of her and at the end of the day just have fun playing the game."
Actress Camilla Luddington
The next task for the development teams was to create the beautiful but deadly locale of an isolated tropical island where the game would take place. Early concept art can be seen below.
Take a look at the Tomb Raider Collector's Edition, which comes with the following:
- Play Arts -KAI- Lara Croft figurine – The figure comes with an alternate set of three hands, bow and arrow, shotgun, handgun, and an ice axe.
- Double-sided island map and poster – Discover Key Landmarks from the mysterious island of Yamatai, where Lara Croft and her fellow castaways were marooned afther the Endurance shipwreck, in this 15"x19" poster.
- Lithographic print – An exclusive 5"x7" Lara Croft heavy-stock lithograph print with matte frame designed by Crystal Dynamic's Brian Horton, senior art director, and Brenoch Adams, concept artist.
- Experience Shields – Three iron-on badges based on the game's experience icons: "Animal Instincts," the "Climbing Axe," and "Fire Arrow."
- TOMB RAIDER Original Soundtrack "Survivalist Cut" – A collection of 10 tracks with over 60 of music from the game.
- Weapons Pack Downloadable Content – includes a variety of weapons to help Lara survive against the island's inhabitants.
You can also view Tomb Raider screenshots here, and Tomb Raider trailer and videos here.
The Hype: No Demo Or Season Pass Coming For Tomb Raider
Sure, you won't get the try the game ahead of time, but at least they're not hiding the multiplayer behind an online pass.
The Reaction
The Hype: Tomb Raider Multiplayer Modes Revealed
Yeah, we don't particularly like the inclusion of multiplayer either, but try to have an open mind, okay?
The Reaction
The Hype: Tomb Raider Art Director Comments On Maturity Of The Industry
We've made some steps forward in embracing female leads in video games, but we still have a ways to go.
The Reaction
The Hype: Tomb Raider Campaign To Last 12-15 Hours
Lara Croft will have regenerating health but for some reason can't swim. I find that slightly odd.
The Reaction
The Hype: Tomb Raider Collector's Edition Is Fresh Off The Boat
Because the boat crashes in the beginning of the game? Get it? You don't get it….
The Reaction
The Hype: Tomb Raider Box Art Revealed, Lara's Seen Better Days
Elegant simplicity is what I look for in video game box art, and Square Enix has managed to get it just right with Tomb Raider's cover.
The Reaction
The Hype: Square Enix Pushing Tomb Raider To Be "Best Game Of The Generation"
Them's fightin' words.
The Reaction
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