As part of a three-day City charm offensive, Eidos CEO Mike McGarvey made the first comments about the future of industry-defining Tomb Raider series, in what arguably is the most interesting point to date in the evolution of the franchise.
"We are doing a lot of market research, in terms of the direction of the content and of the character, but the fundamental technology is already complete and the character is up and running in the environment, with new moves and a new control system", he stated. This is hugely interesting in itself, in that a new control system for the game, something that soured The Angel of Darkness’ chances of critical acceptance, has been seen for a long time as essential if Tomb Raider is to re-emerge as a dominant industry force.
McGarvey continued: "We are not in a position right now to articulate the creative direction of the franchise. It's still a little early. But we're certainly very excited about what we've seen so far."
As you may well know, development of Tomb Raider was treated to a lift ‘n’ shift job by Eidos, following one of the most unfortunate chapters ever witnessed in the history of the games industry, as Angel of Darkness suffering crippling development delays, throwing Eidos’ presence in the City into turmoil on more than one occasion.
The decision was made to move all development across to Crystal Dynamics in San Jose, apparently employing games luminary Warren Spector in some capacity or other.
Expect everything on the next Tomb Raider game as it emerges in the coming months.
"We are doing a lot of market research, in terms of the direction of the content and of the character, but the fundamental technology is already complete and the character is up and running in the environment, with new moves and a new control system", he stated. This is hugely interesting in itself, in that a new control system for the game, something that soured The Angel of Darkness’ chances of critical acceptance, has been seen for a long time as essential if Tomb Raider is to re-emerge as a dominant industry force.
McGarvey continued: "We are not in a position right now to articulate the creative direction of the franchise. It's still a little early. But we're certainly very excited about what we've seen so far."
As you may well know, development of Tomb Raider was treated to a lift ‘n’ shift job by Eidos, following one of the most unfortunate chapters ever witnessed in the history of the games industry, as Angel of Darkness suffering crippling development delays, throwing Eidos’ presence in the City into turmoil on more than one occasion.
The decision was made to move all development across to Crystal Dynamics in San Jose, apparently employing games luminary Warren Spector in some capacity or other.
Expect everything on the next Tomb Raider game as it emerges in the coming months.
Companies:
Crystal Dynamics Eidos
People: Mike McGarvey
Games: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
People: Mike McGarvey
Games: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
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Comments
Toast 5 Mar 2004 14:19
1/3
It's clear to me that the developers have lost the ball with the secrets of success for the original title.
Tbh its wasn't her boobs or gun fighting action. Its was about atmosphere and exploration backed up by a rousing soundtrack. Of course for some reason they felt it needed more action and this has been its ultimate downfall. If I want MGS I buy that instead.
Tbh its wasn't her boobs or gun fighting action. Its was about atmosphere and exploration backed up by a rousing soundtrack. Of course for some reason they felt it needed more action and this has been its ultimate downfall. If I want MGS I buy that instead.
config 5 Mar 2004 14:46
2/3
Toast wrote:
>Its was about atmosphere and exploration backed
>up by a rousing soundtrack.
I'm with you on the atmosphere AND the music.
The original TR had a very rousing soundtrack that worked perfectly to lend a sense of awe to some of the huge set pieces.
Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever recapture that atmosphere, as it was due largely to the fact that we'd never seen a game with levels that grand.
Angel of Darkness had some fabulous level design, on a visual, erm, level, but just didn't have a great story and gameplay element. Case in point, that ridiculous Red Ghost. I suspect its premature release was largely the root of its failings.
I do hope that Crystal Dynamics are up to the task. I don't think there's much to worry about technically, after all they did bring us the enjoyable and visually accomplished Soul Reaver titles.
The key to TR's future success is, and always has been, a great story with interesting and exciting levels and a bit of action to pep it up.
>Its was about atmosphere and exploration backed
>up by a rousing soundtrack.
I'm with you on the atmosphere AND the music.
The original TR had a very rousing soundtrack that worked perfectly to lend a sense of awe to some of the huge set pieces.
Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever recapture that atmosphere, as it was due largely to the fact that we'd never seen a game with levels that grand.
Angel of Darkness had some fabulous level design, on a visual, erm, level, but just didn't have a great story and gameplay element. Case in point, that ridiculous Red Ghost. I suspect its premature release was largely the root of its failings.
I do hope that Crystal Dynamics are up to the task. I don't think there's much to worry about technically, after all they did bring us the enjoyable and visually accomplished Soul Reaver titles.
The key to TR's future success is, and always has been, a great story with interesting and exciting levels and a bit of action to pep it up.
choi 5 Mar 2004 14:49
3/3
"Angel of Darkness suffering crippling development delays"
I read somewhere that AOD was released ahed of schedule - it was due for q4 2003 - and Eidos forced Cores hand to get it out in time for the financial year end.
I read somewhere that AOD was released ahed of schedule - it was due for q4 2003 - and Eidos forced Cores hand to get it out in time for the financial year end.
