Eidos reveals impressive E3 line-up

Eidos is dead in the water, waiting to fold and blah blah blah…today the UK-based publisher revealed the games it plans to show at this year’s E3, and in doing so has surely silenced its critics.

Criticised in the past for taking too many games under its wing, Eidos has revealed a limited and concise portfolio that includes one of the best-selling franchises in industry history in Tomb Raider.

The full list is as follows:

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness - PlayStation 2, PC
TimeSplitters 2 - PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin - Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC
Deus Ex 2: Invisible War - Xbox, PC
Legaia 2: Duel Saga - PlayStation 2
Praetorians - PC
Republic: The Revolution - PC
Beach Life - PC

Of these, Deus Ex and Tomb Raider, along with Beach Life, a totally new kind of game, stand out. Deus Ex is the follow-up to the multi-platform narrative-led smash hit that first delighted PC gamers back in 1998. A Metal Gear Solid approach to the new Tomb Raider title should ensure success, along with Beach Life, a game created by Ian Livingstone, Eidos’ CEO.

Eidos’ description of Beach Life goes like this: “Sun, sand and sex is what you can expect from the holiday simulation Beach Life. Based on a game concept by Ian Livingstone, the game is being developed by Deep Red and is due for release in August. Set in exotic holiday resorts around the world, players compete to create the most successful holiday experience. Build an Ibiza-like resort with hotels, bars, clubs, beach activities, and water sports, set the prices and watch all the self-indulgent holidaymakers have fun in the sun. As summer rolls on you will experience all the joys and the headaches of running a typical package holiday resort from romance and over indulgence to food poisoning and storms.”

“I firmly believe that Eidos’ E3 2002 lineup is our strongest ever,” said Rob Dyer, president of Eidos Interactive US. “Every title in the line-up reflects our vision and capacity to produce high-quality, technologically groundbreaking and exciting games.”

Also, we can reveal that the Ubi Soft take-over/buy-out storm that has raged over the past few days turns out to be a publishing deal between the two companies. Accordingly, Ubi Soft will publish and distribute several Eidos games over the next year.

Stay tuned for full coverage from the show.