I’ve forgotten how many times I’ve played the recent Tomb Raider games, Legend and Anniversary. After getting completely disillusioned with the franchise, thanks to Angel of Darkness, I was more than satisfied with Crystal Dynamics’ take on Lady Lara Croft’s adventures even though the puzzle elements left a big huge gap in Legend, (not so bad with Anniversary). And for those that were eagerly awaiting Eidos’ announcement at E2 2007 about the next game in the series in vain, there’s hope yet.

Talking to SPOnG.com, Eidos’ Ian Livingstone talked about how the next game in the series was already “Well in development” and said that the third Tomb Raider movie adaptation hasn’t yet been given the green signal yet, while gushing all over Angelina Jolie. Considering the cliffhanger with which Legend ended, and the seemingly obvious ties to the Atlantean storyline in Anniversary, the next game is something I just can’t wait for. On the other hand, if you don’t have any other console except a Wii, enjoy the first look at the Wii edition of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, which, according to senior producer Morgan Gray “adds more tomb raider to Tomb Raider”. Xbox 360 owners can expect to see Tomb Raider: Anniversary as Downloadable Content on Xbox Live sometime next month, whereas PSP, PS2 and PC owners can rush out right now and pick up their copies at stores, if you haven’t already done so.

Eidos’ Ian Livingstone On The Future of Tomb Raider [SPOnG.com]
Tomb Raider: Anniversay (Wii) - Preview Video

Now if this isn’t news, what is? David Jaffe of God of War for the PS2 and Calling All Cars (one of the more popular titles available on the Playstation network for download) and Scott Campbell, former chief director at Incognito Entertainment (who also collaborated with the former on Calling All Cars, along with co-developing the Twisted Metal Games and being involved with the tactical air and land warfare PS3 game, Warhawk) have formed the new Eat, Sleep, Play Studios and signed a multi-year deal with Sony Computer Entertainment of America’s (SCEA) Santa Monica branch to develop games under their banner.

Yesterday’s announcement, which was officially confirmed as of today, has given insight in to the first big project which is confirmed for a 2008 release. In the meantime, Eat, Sleep and Play will release Twisted Metal: Head On for the Playstation 2 in winter of this year. The release will contain brand-spanking new levels from the never before released Twisted Metal: Black Part II. The best part though, is that the core members of Incognito will still remain with their original branch to continue development on Warhawk, so that leaves two massive titles for Sony to look forward to for its platform in the future. With the support of two of the most iconic developers in the gaming industry today, Sony appears to be on the up side. Stay tuned for details on Eat, Sleep, Play’s first PS3 title.

Source: Gamasutra

Crime never pays! But crime does give you a chance to Katamari with your accompanying law-breaking inmates, if you so happen to be living in the UK.

The Labour government has today revealed that 120 PlayStation 2 consoles have been installed in prisons for young offenders, an installation process that has cost the country £15,000. Those who commit crimes in our ‘glorious’ nation can now look forward to getting in a few free rounds of Devil May Cry instead of actually being, you know, punished for their crimes.

The implications of this are so vast; it’s almost downright intergalactic and depressing at the same time. Whereas its not uncommon to recall a good number of fuming politicians and parents and how they see it fit to ban violent games forever, these very same people are now having their money taken (no doubt unknowingly) in order to fund these kind of activities. Huh, so why was Manhunt 2 banned again?

I mean hey, if you’re going to at least discipline those wrongdoing frogurts – have them play nothing but Vampire Rain. They won’t last a week, tops.

Source: Destructoid

So you think you’re great with that Guitar Hero controller, huh? Be prepared to take your skills to a whole new level with the upcoming Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, available for the PS2, the PS3, the Xbox 360 and the Wii sometime later this year, we hope.

In a recent press release announcing their E3 lineup, Activision has confirmed that GH3 will feature legendary guitar hero Slash, from the erstwhile Guns N’ Roses, will be providing an original track for the game will appear as a boss battle character, allowing self-made GH freaks to shred against the master shredder. Also announced was the news that the GNR anthem “Welcome to the jungle” will be included for the game’s awesome soundtrack, which already boasts of an impressive collection by legends such as The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kiss, Alice Cooper and Heart. So what are you waiting for, get cracking already and start practicing your skills on GH1 and GH2. That is, at least until Rock Band steals you away.

Click below for the full list~

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Thankfully, humor still has a tendency to spread to those even remotely disturbed by video gaming mockery. Just look at the guys who made this Amaterasu (from Okami, silly!) get-up for their precious pup! Extra props for not even bothering to cleanup afterwards, god just look at that mess.

Source: Joystiq

It seems things have moved even further than any one could have predicted in this console war. With the release of the next-gen PS3 and the Nintendo Wii, the age of the current generation seems to meeting its end with only a few games being planned for the PS2 console.

However, the shocking announcement made by Playstation inventor and Chairman/Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertaiment Inc., Ken Kutaragi, to step down (in his words, “graduate”) from his current status within the huge conglomerate wasn’t the only thing causing news. As if it couldn’t have come at a weirder time, the prodigal creator has also announced that he already has plans for working on the PS4 in the near future. To quote Kutaragi:

“As a matter of course, I have the vision of Playstation 4, 5 and 6, which will merge into the network.”

One can detect the obvious satire present in this statement taken from his exclusive interview with EE Times. Kutaragi also talks about the new-found freedom he’s gained to be able to communicate his thoughts on the PS3 in Europe, but as of now, he will emphasise more on independent projects (this won’t affect the obviously harmonious relationship he shares with Sony) and working to integrate better use of the Cell processor for network gaming. Replacing Kutaragi will be Kazuo Hirai who was already president and CEO of Sont Computer Entertainment America before recieving his higher orders.

Stay tuned for more news on the now free-as-a-bird inventor’s activities.

(Source: Gamasutra)