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CRYSTAL DYNAMICS ANNOUNCES NEW LARA CROFT ADVENTURE
LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – March 4th  2010 – Crystal Dynamics®, a part of Square Enix Europe, today announced Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light™, a new game developed by Crystal Dynamics, which will be released via digital download in 2010.

“This is a really exciting project for Crystal Dynamics, we have created something completely new and very different to what people might be expecting,” said Darrell Gallagher, General Manager of Crystal Dynamics. “Lara Croft is such an iconic character in videogames, with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light we have created what we believe is a truly original digital experience.”

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will be shown strictly “behind closed doors” at this year’s Game Developers Conference beginning on March 9th.

Crystal Dynamics is an award-winning studio located in San Francisco. Founded in 1992, the studio has created and developed key game franchises such as: Legacy of Kain®, Pandemonium®, Gex® and most recently the Tomb Raider® series.

For more information visit www.laracroftandtheguardianoflight.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook – @Crystaldynamics – Facebook.com/LaraCroft

New Concept Art Can Be found Via our Gallery on the Home Page Under Guardian of the Light.

Derby inner ring road to be named Lara Croft Way

A new £36.2m Derby road is to be named after computer game and movie character Lara Croft following a public vote.

The star of the Tomb Raider franchise was originally devised by a computer game manufacturer based in the city.

More than 27,000 people took part in the vote to name the Osmaston Road to Burton Road stretch of the new route, with 89% opting for the winner.

A separate stretch of road will be called Mercian Way as a tribute to local soldiers.

Created in Derby

Other options for the road’s name were legendary Derby County footballer Steve Bloomer, the astronomer John Flamsteed and the engineer George Sorocold.

Other roads in the city have been named after notable people connected with the county. There is a Sir Frank Whittle Way, Brian Clough Way, Nightingale Road (after Florence) and a Joseph Wright Terrace, named after the artist.

Councillor Lucy Care, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: “The vote really captured the imagination of people from across the world and, despite my lack of gaming knowledge, I accept that a majority of 89% for Lara Croft is too overwhelming to ignore.

“She was created in Derby and deserves to stand alongside some of the more traditional icons of the city.

“The vote for Mercian Way is also testimony to the passionate local support shown for the servicemen and women serving right now so I’m pleased that there will be a lasting legacy to honour them in what will be the biggest change to Derby’s inner road network in 30 years.”

The Tomb Raider games were created by Core Design, which was based in Derby, and featured the treasure-hunting British archaeologist Lara Croft.

The games became best-sellers and were later made into movies featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara.

Source: BBC News

Tomb Raider is record breaker

Pixel princess Lara Croft has clocked up six world records.

The all-action archaeologist and star of the Tomb Raider series beat her rivals Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog for the highest number of entries in the Guinness World Records 2010 Gamer’s Edition, including most successful video game heroine.

Croft also scooped awards for the most recognisable female in a video game; most detailed game character; most real-life stand-ins; highest grossing game spin-off and most successful live-action transfer.

Actress Angelina Jolie is best-known as the face of the English heroine, but Croft has also been officially portrayed by five other models including Nell McAndrew, Rhona Mitra and currently by UK gymnast Alison Carroll – giving her the record for the most real-life stand-ins.

Gung-ho Croft – famous for her skin-tight khaki shorts, low-cut vest top and ponytail – became an unlikely sex symbol when she first appeared on the PlayStation in 1996.

With 32,816 rendered polygons forming her figure in Tomb Raider: Underworld, she is the most detailed video game character ever created.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider already ranks as the highest-grossing video-game movie but together with its sequel, The Cradle of Life, the franchise has grossed in excess of £216 million, making it the most successful live-action transfer of all time.

Guinness World Records’ gaming editor Gaz Deaves said: “Lara Croft epitomises all that’s great about video gaming and we’re delighted to acknowledge her success by awarding her with six new official record entries including making her the most-famous and most-successful female video game character in the world.”

Source : The Press Association