Crystal Dynamics
The logo for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, 2014)
Crystal Dynamics, a California-based Square Enix developer, announced Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition as part of the Spike VGX television special today. This new version is an expansive reworking of this year’s franchise reboot specifically designed for the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, with an all new Lara character model sporting realistic hair motion through TressFX technology.
“The new hardware let us finally express the original vision in all of its glory.” explained Crystal Dynamics executive producer Scot Amos, “This was a continued labor of love. We pulled the game apart and rebuilt it with painstaking detail to add enhanced visual storytelling but without changing the award winning tale. The end result is a cinematic living world. We can’t wait for fans and newcomers alike to experience this rebuilt epic adventure.”
Enhancements are coming across the board to the original Tomb Raider’s in-game object destructibility, enemies, and shaders. The Definitive Edition will employ subsurface scattering technology, which simulates light entering the surface of an object and scattering within the material before exiting at a different point on the same object. Crystal Dynamics are also recreating the game’s textures at 4 times the original resolution, and will run them at native 1080p.
All previous downloadable content will be made available with Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, along with digital versions of the Dark Horse tie-in comic, mini-art book from Brady Games, and the Final Hours behind the scene video documentary series. Those that pre-order will also gain access to a new, exclusive art book. This updated re-release will launch on Xbox One and Playstation 4 on January 28th, 2014 for the full retail price of $60.
