Tomb Raider is an action-adventure video game. Published by Square Enix, Tomb Raider is the fifth title developed by Crystal Dynamics in the Tomb Raider franchise. As the first entry in a new Tomb Raider continuity, the game is a reboot that emphasises the reconstructed origins of the culturally influential lead character Lara Croft. Tomb Raider was released on 5 March 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows
After the release of Tomb Raider: Underworld in 2008, Crystal Dynamics began development of Tomb Raider soon after. Rather than a sequel, the team decided to completely reboot the series, establishing the origins of Lara Croft for the second time, following Tomb Raider: Legend. Tomb Raider is set on Yamatai, an island from which Lara Croft must save her friends and escape, while being hunted down by a malevolent cult. Gameplay elements focus more on survival, although exploration is used within the game when exploring the island and various optional tombs. It is also the first game in the series to have multiplayer and the first game to be published by Square Enix, after the latter's acquisition of Eidos Interactive in 2009. Camilla Luddington was announced to voice and perform as Lara Croft in 2010, replacing Keeley Hawes.
After a delayed release from late 2012 to March 2013, the game received much anticipation and hype. Tomb Raider received much acclaim from critics, who praised the graphics, the gameplay, Camilla Luddington's performance as Lara and Lara's characterization and development with many critics agreeing that the game is a solid and much needed reboot of the franchise. Much criticism went to the addition of the multiplayer which many felt was unnecessary. Tomb Raider went on to sell one million copies in forty-eight hours of its release, and has sold 3.4 million copies worldwide so far.
Tomb Raider was released as scheduled on 5 March 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. However, it was released early in Australia, being available on 1 March 2013. On 25 April 2013, Tomb Raider was released in Japan.
Pre-order incentives
In North America, GameStop offered the in-game Challenge Tomb as a pre-order. Best Buy orders got the Tomb Raider: The Beginnings, a 48-page hardcover graphic novel, written by the game's lead writer Rhianna Pratchett, and telling the story of "how the ill-fated voyage of the Endurance came to be". These orders also came with the Aviatrix Skin as well as the Shanty Town multiplayer map. Walmart orders received a free digital download of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, access to a real-life scavenger hunt, the Shanty Town multiplayer map and an exclusive Guerrilla Skin outfit. Pre-orders from Microsoft Store also received 1600 Microsoft Points for Xbox Live.
Exclusive to Amazon, pre-order customers received access to the Tomb Raider: The Final Hours Edition, including with a 32-page art book, an in-game Hunter Skin for Lara, and a digital copy of Geoff Keighley's The Final Hours of Tomb Raider for the Kindle Fire. Customers also received the Shanty Town multiplayer map and an access code to a real-life scavenger hunt. Customers who pre-purchased from Steam also received a free copy of Lara Croft and the Guardian of the Light, a Challenge Tomb entitled Tomb of the Lost Adventurer and the Shanty Town multiplayer map. Steam also offered three exclusive bonus Team Fortress 2 items.
In the United Kingdom, ShopTo.net offered a digitised graphic novel, entitled Tomb Raider: The Beginnings, along with pre-orders. Pre-orders from Amazon.co.uk received the Shanty Town multiplayer map.
The scavenger hunt consists of a website where users can create a login and proceed to complete a total of 24 challenges. Challenges include trivia questions about the game, or scavenger hunt tasks that require the user to upload image files. Challenges were rolled out over the course of 12 weeks (1 trivia and 1 scavenger per week) prior to the release of the game. As challenges are completed, the user earns DLC content up to a total of 5 items. Additionally, users are given entries into a sweepstakes. Shortly before the release of the game, codes were provided that are then entered into the scavenger hunt website, and depending on how many DLC items were earned, a set of DLC codes are emailed to the user. These codes can be redeemed through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network depending on system of choice. In-game items unlocked include animal instinct, agility, pistol burst, pistol silencer and headshot reticle.
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