[GameRatty] tag: tomb

Lara gets the chills

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:21:18 +0000

Eidos has released yet another vignette from Tomb Raider: Underworld, making it the ninth in the series, meaning we get to join Lara once again as she makes her way through beautiful yet dangerous environments. The video above shows her getting herself all dirty again in a huge icy hall as she jumps, slides, shimmies and fights her way through mythical bad guys until she reaches.. dum dum dummmm.. we’ll just have to rush to the store to find that out.

Internal Blizzard Team Wont Be Making CGI For World of Warcraft Movie

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:00:33 +0000

With the news today that the “World of Warcraft” expansion “Wrath of the Lich King” sold 2.8 million copies within its first 24 hours of release, we can only wonder what’s next for Blizzard’s flagship franchise.

At the New York City launch event last week, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime did tell me to expect another expansion in about a year, and executive VP of product development Frank Pearce gave an update on the “World of Warcraft” movie currently in development.

“Legendary Pictures is currently trying to assign some names to write the screenplay and find someone to direct it, so it’s still really early in production,” Pearce said. “They want to make sure they get the right talent for those different parts, especially the screenwriting, because that’s the foundation for the movie.”

“It would be a huge undertaking and it’s not really something that we’re ready to do anytime soon.”

I also wondered if Blizzard considered making a full CGI movie in the vein of their games’ cinematics. “[The idea] has come up in discussions but it’s not something we’ve really considered because it takes so long to generate just the brief amount of footage that we create for the game,” Pearce explained. “That department’s focus is creating the footage for the games to tell the story; it would be a huge undertaking and it’s not really something that we’re ready to do anytime soon.”

He added, “It would be definitely be really cool. There’s no question about that, it’s just that the quantity of work that it would take is more than we’re willing to take on at this point. We’ve got a lot of work to do as it relates to ‘WoW’… we’ve got all this stuff in the pipe and that would just be one more thing on top of it, and that would be a huge thing on top of it.”

“Anything we take on… it’s really important that the overall experience is a high level of quality in line with what we do with our games.”

I asked Pearce what he thought of video game movies in general. He could only name the “Tomb Raider” movies as ones he’s found entertaining. “There’s been some that have been decent, and there’s been some that have been disappointing,” he said. It’s just a question of how much energy, time, blood, sweat and tears are invested in [the movie]. Anything we take on, whether it’s live-action or CG, pocketbook novels or trading card games, whatever it is, it’s really important that the overall experience is a high level of quality in line with what we do with our games.”

“Wrath of the Lich King” is now the fastest-selling PC game of all time. Do you the game’s sales would translate into a box-office hit? And would you like to see “World of Warcraft” come to the big screen in CGI, live-action or a combination of both?

Tomb Raider: Underworld

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:18:45 +0000

For Generations, stories have been told of the fearsome weapon of the Norse God Thor Legend holds that he who wields the hammer has the power to smash mountains into valleys and the strength to destroy even the Gods. For more than a thousand years it has existed only as a myth...Until Now.

In an ancient ruin on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea, Lara Croft uncovers proof of the Norse Underworld and the Mythical Hammer, as she attempts to unravel the secrets behind these myths. Lara's perilous journey leads her toward a forgotten power that, if unleashed, could lay waste to all civilization..(source:tombraider.com)

Tomb Raider: Underworld - the 8th game in the Tomb Raider series and the third game in the series to be developed by Crystal Dynamics. It will resume the adventure from where Tomb Raider: Legend left off and address elements of the plot left unexplained in Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary, which are Crystal Dynamics' previous games in the series.

In January 2008, it was said that Tomb Raider: Underworld will be released in the 4th quarter of 2008, as opposed to the 3rd quarter as was previously planned.In June 2008, it was announced that the game would be released in November 2008.

The first trailer for Tomb Raider: Underworld was released on 18 July 2008,confirming a North American release date of 18 November, and a European release date of 21 November.

Tomb Raider: Underworld Trailer:

National Geographic to Publish Sony's Afrika in the States

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:59:06 +0000

According to PS3 Fanboy, National Geographic will be publishing Sony’ PS3 exclusive Afrika in the U.S.

As you may recall, earlier this week it was announced that National Geographic was getting into the gaming business, and even released a schedule of upcoming games. One of the games listed to launch this month is National Geographic: Africa–which you will forgive me for not putting two and two together because: a) the spelling change in the word Afrika, and b) the addition of National Geographic to the title.

So I guess this means that the U.S. will be getting this game after all, although I cannot for the life of me–no matter how pretty it is–expect it to be much of a hit here in the States. Unless you can watch a pride of lions wreak havoc upon a herd of poor, unsuspecting wildebeests and the end result being nothing short of bloody carnage, most 13-year old males will not be interested.

(Thanks VG247)

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Related Articles at Gaming Today:

PSN Europe Nov. 20 update: LocoRoco 2 free demo, LocoRoco Sackboys, more

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:38:17 +0000

Man, for a PlayStation Store update that doesn't include a PS3 demo, this one is quite a show stopper. This week's PSN update for Europe brings huge packs for various PS3 games: NFS Undercover bundles, Rock Band and Guitar Hero tracks, LittleBigPlanet's LocoRoco Sackboy costumes. Speaking of blobs, the LocoRoco 2 demo for the PSP also goes live!

PS3 Store

Video

Tomb Raider - BENEATH THE SURFACE 4, FREE
INFANTRY STRATEGY VIDEO BRIEFING, FREE
TOM CLANCY S ENDWAR LAUNCH TRAILER, FREE
BioShock Challenge Rooms Trailer, FREE
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Behind the Scenes Ep 1, FREE
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Behind the Scenes Ep 2, FREE
Pain: David Hasselhoff Trailer, FREE
Linger in Shadows Soundtrack, FREE
NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM TRAILER, FREE

Packs

Bioshock

BioShock PS3 Challenge Rooms, 6.29/ 7.99

Rock Band

CALIFORNIA BER ALLES, 0.99/ 1.49
CLOSER, 0.99/ 1.49
FOREVER, 0.99/ 1.49
GONE, 0.59/ 0.79
HOLIDAY IN CAMBODIA, 0.99/ 1.49
MICA, 0.99/ 1.49
POLICE TRUCK, 0.99/ 1.49
SWAMPED, 0.99/ 1.49
THAT S HOW I ESCAPED MY CERTAIN FATE, 0.99/ 1.49
THAT S WHEN I REACH FOR MY REVOLVER, 0.99/ 1.49
CENTURY MEDIA GIRLS OF METAL PACK 01, 2.99/ 3.99
Dead Kennedys Pack 01, 2.99/ 3.99
MISSION OF BURMA PACK 01, 2.99/ 3.99

Guitar Hero World Tour

THE RACONTEURS TRACK PACK, 3.99/ 5.99
HOLD UP BY THE RACONTEURS, 1.49/ 1.99
CONSOLER OF THE LONELY BY THE RACONTEURS, 1.49/ 1.99
SALUTE YOUR SOLUTION BY THE RACONTEURS, 1.49/ 1.99

LittleBigPlanet

Sack in the Box, FREE
LocoRoco Costume Kit, 2.39/ 2.99

Need for Speed UnderCover

AFTERMARKET BODY KIT PACKAGE, 1.49/ 1.99
AFTERMARKET HOODS, SPOILERS & EXHAUST PACKAGE, 1.49/ 1.99
AFTERMARKET WHEELS PACKAGE, 1.49/ 1.99
COLLECTOR S EDITION UPGRADE, 6.99/ 9.99
EXOTIC CAR BUNDLE, 3.99/ 5.99
MUSCLE CAR BUNDLE, 3.49/ 4.99
PAINT & VINYLS PACKAGE, 1.49/ 1.99
TUNER CAR BUNDLE, 3.49/ 4.99
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE BUNDLE, 6.99/ 9.99
ULTIMATE VISUAL BUNDLE, 3.49/ 4.99
PRO HANDLING BUNDLE, 1.99/ 2.99
PRO POWER BUNDLE, 2.99/ 3.99
RACE HANDLING BUNDLE, 1.99/ 2.99
RACE POWER BUNDLE, 1.99/ 2.99
STREET HANDLING BUNDLE, 1.49/ 1.99
STREET POWER BUNDLE, 1.99/ 2.99

Themes

Saints Row 2 Movember Theme, FREE
TRU - Black&White Theme, FREE
TRU- Front of Box Theme, FREE

PSP content available to download via PS3 Store

Game

Sim City 2000, 4.99/ 7.99
LocoRoco 2 Demo, FREE

PSP Store

Game

Sim City 2000, 4.99/ 7.99
LocoRoco 2 Demo, FREE

The must-do list for Tomb Raider: Underworld

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:39:35 +0000

Crystal Dynamics’ Eric Lindstrom, the creative director of Tomb Raidier: Underworld, has put together a list of the must-do events in Lara’s latest adventure. These go beyond the typical running, jumping and shooting that you’ll be doing. You may even get to check out some hidden bits/locations that you might have missed the first time around. Developers take years crafting new games…the least we can do is take an extra 15 minutes to check out some recommended happenings.

Article here

Tomb Raider retrospective

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:13:31 +0000

Does anyone remember the Tomb Raider games on the Game Boy Color? Those games were absolutely fantastic! Great puzzle platformers that had superb frame-by-frame animation. I was really sad to see only two of those titles come out…but I am hoping the latest DS Tomb Raider will fill that niche. It looks like the same type of game, albeit with better graphics.

If Underworld is going to be your first Tomb Raider game, no need to worry. The series retrospective below should get you prepared for your first spelunking expedition.

Article here

Tomb Raider: Underworld gets OK reviews

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:47:58 +0000

Whoops. The Tomb Raider: Underworld review embargo’s up, and the first spread won’t be the scores Eidos was hoping for. Not bad, like, but not the promised beast. Everything so far: IGN - 7.4 PSM 3 (via CVG) - 8.3 1UP - B Eurogamer - 7 Videogamer - 8 Game’s out on Friday for PS3 and 360.

Crystal Dynamics Must-Do List For Tomb Raider: Underworld Gamers

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:00:34 +0000

Everyone’s favorite acrobatic archaeologist is back this week with the release of “Tomb Raider: Underworld.”

And while you may be familiar with Ms. Croft’s past titles, Crystal Dynamics’ Eric Lindstrom, the creative director of the game, gave us some new things to try when adventuring in “Underworld.”

Check out his “must-do” list for when you’re traversing Thailand, Mexico, the Mediterranean and other exotic locales with Lara…

Crystal Dynamics’ Must-Do List For
“Tomb Raider: Underworld”
(Multiple Platforms, November 2008)

1. Run over panthers on the motorcycle to catch some air and quick kills.

2. Sticky grenades are fun! Stick a bat and watch it fly around, or stick a mercenary and watch him try to swipe it off.

3. Stick a grenade on an enemy, and then your next pistol shot hits and detonates the grenade.

4.Wait until bats get close and then kill them with roundhouse kicks.

5. Press jump and roll in different sequences to trigger lots of gymnastics, even when on balance beams.

6. Climb to the highest point over the Kraken and you can execute a huge grapple swing across the entire ruin.

7. Lure mercenaries into open ground before hitting them with Thor’s hammer to knock them a hundred yards or more.

8. Swan dive from the top of Valgrind on Jan Mayan Island. It’s fatal, but a fun way to go!

Industry analysts weigh in on 2008's Holiday misses

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:58:44 +0000

Want to know what games coming out this holiday are already destined for less-than-stellar sales (at least in the opinions of three analysts)? Well, according to predictions made by Michael Pachter, Ed Barton and Jesse Divinch, the underperformers are looking like Midnight Club: Los Angeles, Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe, Need For Speed Undercover, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows and Animal Crossing: City Folk, to name a few.

"But wait a minute!" you're saying. " I think (fill in the blank) is gonna be great!" Calm down, none of these guys are saying that these games suck -- only that they aren't positioned well for great performance because of their time of release or other key factors. Here's an excerpt from Pachter's predictions:

"I'd say that the worst positioned are Midnight Club: Los Angeles (coming out in front of Need for Speed Undercover), Shaun White Snowboarding (the Wii version will do well, but is constrained by Wii Fit boards; the PS3 and 360 versions are not positioned well), Tomb Raider Underworld (a great franchise, but flying under the radar this holiday), and (waits for the slams from Gamasutra readers...) Animal Crossing: City Folk.

The last is a great franchise, but the Wii audience is dominated by the mass-market audience, and Animal Crossing is somewhat more hardcore than most Nintendo titles. I think that the game will do very well, but will likely be disappointing, relative to expectations."

Check out the full feature over at Gamasutra.