New Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Screenshots and Art

Crystal Dynamics released new images from Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light today (their first download-only title). This big, pretty piece of key art by Michael Komarck (seen to the right) captures a particularly intense moment. Two screenshots, in the gallery below, also show off some of what you’ll be doing in the spin-off. I can’t help but think that the static camera is going to be a very good thing, since so many people have complained about the series’ camera in the past. We also got a description of the game from Crystal Dynamics: “When Lara Croft finds the long lost Temple of Light in the mountains of Central America, she unwittingly frees an evil spirit determined to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Alongside Totec, a Mayan tribesman, you must hunt down the Mirror of Smoke in what will be a new and incredible adventure.” Fun times,

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“Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light” to be Released via Digital Download in 2010

Crystal Dynamics decided that today would be as good a day as any to announce Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, which will be released via digital download in 2010. This comes after a few days of speculation from people who heard rumors of a new Tomb Raider title. Except this…well, it isn’t technically a Tomb Raider, is it? Sure, it’s got our lady Lara, but the series’ titular phrase isn’t anywhere to be found in this name. The game will be demoed strictly “behind closed doors” at this year’s Game Developers Conference, which starts in five days. The main questions I’ve been asking myself about this are, “Is it going to be a tiny because it’s a digital release?” and “Is it a reboot?” Crystal Dynamics was kind enough to give me some insight on the second question. Well, that, and a little more information, as well. Seems

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2010 Guinness Book of World Records: Gamer’s Edition Features a Raider and a Collector

The 2010 Gamer’s Edition of the Guinness Book of World Records features two notable females: Lara Croft (and her various real life stand-ins) and Lisa Courtney of Hertfordshire, England. My dear Lara got an unprecedented six records all in one go: “Most Successful Video Game Heroine,” “Most Recognizable Female Character in a Video Game,” and “Most Detailed Video Game Character” while Tomb Raider set new records as “Highest Grossing Computer Game Spin Off”, “Most Successful Live-Action Transfer” and “Most Official Real Life Stand-Ins in a Video Game.” Lara’s fame reached record heights a few years ago, undoubtably contributing to her recognition and success: She was the virtual spokesmodel for cars, appeared on the front cover of a magazine, and even featured prominently during U2′s PopMart tour. Not to mention the fact that the character, as played by Angelina Jolie, has two movies under her belt. As far as that last

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Crystal Dynamics lays of 25

Kotaku has confirmed with Eidos that 25 workers have been laid off at California-based developer, Crystal Dynamics. “We can confirm that Crystal Dynamics has made a reduction of approximately 25 people at the San Francisco studio,” a company representative told news site Kotaku. “This decision is a reflection of the continued drive to focus resources at the studio. We would like to thank all of the employees affected by this difficult decision for their hard work during their time at Crystal and we wish them all the best in the future.” The studio started to have problems when Tomb Raider Underworld sold under expectations. Because of that, no new titles had been assigned to Crystal Dynamics.

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New Tomb Raider movie to go back to the beginning

The next Tomb Raider movie will not be continuing the story from where it left off. The new movie will be an “origins” film focusing on a younger version of Lara Croft. Producer Dan Lin confirmed the project during the premier of Terminator: Salvation. “We’re rebooting Lara Croft. Really excited – it’s a great origin story that we’re going to tell. A very character-oriented I would say more realistic than the past Lara Croft movies,” he told About.com. “I would say it’s like Terminator – character-driven action. I think for me the Lara Croft games and movies have gone a little too action-oriented. I wanted to have action, but with character.” While a lead actress has yet to be announced, my bet is Megan Fox will play Angelina Jolie’s replacement. [source via TombRaiderFanBoy]

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