Tomb Raider downloadable for Xbox 360?

  • By Polybren, GameSpot
  • Posted Jun 6, 2007 1:34 pm PT

Source: The online database of the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The official story: As of press time, Eidos Representatives had not returned GameSpot's request for comment. What we heard: Last year, Tomb Raider: Legend breathed fresh life into the moribund franchise, thanks in large part to...

Source: The online database of the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

The official story: As of press time, Eidos Representatives had not returned GameSpot's request for comment.

What we heard: Last year, Tomb Raider: Legend breathed fresh life into the moribund franchise, thanks in large part to the high-profile Xbox 360 edition of the game, which was second in US sales only to the PlayStation 2 edition, according to the industry-tracking NPD Group. So when Tomb Raider: Anniversary was announced for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC, and (eventually) the Wii, one couldn't help but wonder why Ms. Croft was not interested in a return engagement with Microsoft's console.

That actually turns out not to be the case, judging by the latest update to the ESRB database, which has the rating board giving Tomb Raider Anniversary a rating... five different times. According to the site, Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Croft Manor, Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Egypt, Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Greece, Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Lost City, and Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Peru have all been rated T for Teen due to violence and mild suggestive themes.

Those locations happen to coincide with the levels of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, suggesting that what is essentially the same game will be split up and released on the Xbox 360 over Xbox Live Marketplace in five different chunks. While there's no telling when these games will be released, it would seem likely that Eidos would stagger their launches, in effect creating an episodic action game. Similarly up in the air is how much they might cost.

It's worth noting that not everything that gets rated sees the light of day. For example, Q Entertainment obtained a rating for "Lumines Live! Artist Pack: Madonna 'Sorry'" on the Xbox 360, but the offering has yet to surface on the Marketplace.

Even so, getting a game rated takes time and money. It's unlikely that Eidos would have Tomb Raider: Anniversary rated for the Xbox 360--five different times, no less--if the publisher didn't have very specific plans for it.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus.

143 Comments

  • betamon

    Posted Jun 24, 2007 3:03 am PT

    I never really thought it a possibility that anyone would or could do this with Xbox LIVE Arcade. This is a full-featured retail game, and the idea of releasing it in episodes is really exciting for some reason. I really am impressed with Arcade and seeing it used like this is great.

  • Steel_Rain777

    Posted Jun 22, 2007 11:31 pm PT

    I dont see why they cant just release a hard copy of the game. Cause its $30 everywhere for its respective platforms, Ps2 and Pc. Knowing Greedy Microsoft they prolly charge us 800 MS points ($10) for each download, which is just retarded. I wouldn't be surprised if it happened, these are the same clowns that charge you to watch shows that are 7 years old you can probably catch on youtube . Also charging for downloads and extra content that is free for other consoles is just a sad attempt for Microsoft to make a quick buck,,,, Micro-transactions are a killer and should be stopped already,

  • 2nahelper

    Posted Jun 9, 2007 1:12 pm PT

    I'd hope they'd be priced at 400 points max. It seems like they'd do a buy 4 get 1 free to make it compatable with the other console prices. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance had a cheaper pricing if you bought both downloadable content packs together, do this could work here as well.

  • devilscry

    Posted Jun 9, 2007 8:47 am PT

    well, if you don't have a PS2 then yay for you. least you get to play it aswell. But i hope they don't try to rob you blind it would seem. Its only $19.99 for the PS2, so roughly about $25 after taxes sounds about fair right? If they charge more then $5 dollar a DL you're being ripped. Door could swing the other way too and have the total fees in chapters being overall less then the PS2, which would sound like a nice way to steal some PS2 Thunder but....come on....M$ charge less for something?

  • YukoAsho

    Posted Jun 8, 2007 9:57 am PT

    derek has a great point. Broadband is innaccessable to large portions of rural America, and this move really cuts off potential sales of the 360 version of Tomb Raider Anniversary. Not only that, but why wouldn't people wait for the rumored Tomb Raider Legend Gold (which is supposed to come with Anniversary)? If Eidos is doing this independantly, than they're making a huge mistake.

  • Pablo620

    Posted Jun 8, 2007 6:52 am PT

    That sucks for people with 13 GB hard drives let alone for those with no hard drive. MS says, "GO Buy the other console version we have...heck, buy all 3 versions we arent stopping you"

  • MedevilDragon

    Posted Jun 8, 2007 5:54 am PT

    Edios are soo lazy, Why can't they just bring it out on a disc? Download content takes up space on my HDD (which is already full), F*** that, I'll just get a preowned PS2 version.

  • Triple_H90

    Posted Jun 8, 2007 5:35 am PT

    hi_im_derek: Sorry, but this just seems kind of dumb to me. I have Live, but what about the people without, they can't get the game.
    An purchasing seperate levels is just really REALLY stupid.

    Well, if you didn't know, anybody can get access to the Marketplace because it's free. Anybody can get Xbox Live Silver membership for free. The only problem is to the people that don't have a HDD.

    There are some people that ask why episodic? The answer is because some people don't have enough HDD space and maybe want just one part. EASY TO UNDERSTAND.

  • Gamer46

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 10:18 pm PT

    I'll just buy the Wii version. This is good news for 360 owners who want to play the game on 360 though.

  • hi_im_derek

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 7:48 pm PT

    Also, what will the size be, might be too big for some people's hardrives.

  • hi_im_derek

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 7:45 pm PT

    Sorry, but this just seems kind of dumb to me. I have Live, but what about the people without, they can't get the game.
    An purchasing seperate levels is just really REALLY stupid.

  • christopherneal

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 6:10 pm PT

    Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice! You can't forget about the "360 Crew", baby.

  • duhNeighbour

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 3:05 pm PT

    The PS2, PSP, & PC versions are released at budget price (US$20-30), will it be the same price?

  • Ironman3087

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:42 pm PT

    this sounds good. does this mean new achievements?...for the same game

  • petejams

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:34 pm PT

    chapters? why not release the entire game as a download... oh wait, I know...MS has become an expert in milking their customer base, 800 here, 800 there...they won't notice it add up....shhhhhhhh

  • DJ_Lae

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 1:53 pm PT

    So while the other consoles will see a version that's half-price in a year, the 360 will be stuck with five (presumably) 800 point portions for eternity? Awesome.

  • LivingDeadNinja

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 1:06 pm PT

    If it's released in 5 packs at 400points each it will be alright. 4 X 400pts is the same as the retail price of the PS2 edition (here in canada anyway), so we'd pay a fifth more for the 360 edition, which is logical and ok.
    But i strongly fear they will try to charge at least 500pts for each packs...

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 12:04 pm PT

    I am very much looking forward to having it on an Xbox 360. I've already fallen for it on PlayStation 2.

  • YukoAsho

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 11:31 am PT

    Sorry, but having the full version at once is better than this nonsense.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 8:49 am PT

    Sure, the idea is great, but in the end will it cost gamers more for the game because they have to pay in chunks? Plus the cost of the MS points, because it likely will not come out to an even dollar amount.

  • buzzguy

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 8:36 am PT

    That sounds pretty cool! Let's just hope they are cheap, 'cuz I ain't paying more than the disc-based version in the end.

  • gafferoo

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 7:37 am PT

    When will this franchise die?

  • LanceJr

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 5:49 am PT

    A day after I buy the Ps2 version and started playing it. Damn it !
    Oh well, achievments be damned I like my Ps2 version

  • maxmax1234

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 5:40 am PT

    i have viva pinata

  • thekey

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 4:54 am PT

    I'll be getting this one for sure. I got 120 GIGs!

  • Makhdoom82

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 3:51 am PT

    Well is that a big news ..... I don't think so ... even if it is getting released then arright ... it's nothing special .... hurray or whatever !!!

  • dQuarters

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 3:48 am PT

    Seems silly to me. Although I'd like to have this game for 360, I don't get why they wouldn't just release it on disc and expand THAT via downloads. I bet the pricing is off, too. Meh! My PS2 could use a workout anyway.

  • StevenJWeir

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:34 am PT

    Bet they will charge about $60 or £40 for every single one on there. More expensive than buying it in a store, plus the price will never change, it will always be equvilent to a full price title. Stupid Idea if you ask me, it should be available to everyone not just live users.

  • gandalf_storm

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:33 am PT

    sounds good but probably pointless if youve already brought the game on the PS2 or PC. Also if the total price of all episodes adds up to more then the cost of a regular 360 then its a ripoff.

  • NeoNavarro

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:09 am PT

    I haven't played a Tomb Raider game since Legends was released. Hopefully they will port some of the over to 360 for a resonable price. You hear the Microsoft for a RESONABLE PRICE!

  • BarronOBeefdip

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 2:08 am PT

    How much space will these probably take up?

  • Irve

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 1:57 am PT

    GREAT NEWS !!! .. now everyone can see it come out on market place and wait till they can buy the disk for less money .... unless they are very generous and release it at 400 points a pop i'll wait for the £30 in a box on a disk version thank !

  • imautobot

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 1:17 am PT

    Oh please video game Gods let this be TRUE!

  • MadMinstrel

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 12:32 am PT

    I'd love to get this game for my 360, but I'm sure as hell not going to download it. Especially in parts. No deal, Eidos.

  • DrKill09

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 11:42 pm PT

    My hard drive is too full. No way I'd be able to fit that. Just release it on DVD. Either a stand alone, or as an add on for Legends.

  • AceCometh

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 9:53 pm PT

    Breaking it up into episodes is an attractive deal. I'm all for it!

  • Kravyn81

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 9:50 pm PT

    If there are five "chapters" then they should charge $6 a piece which would equal to paying for it in a store since it retails on PS2 for $30.

  • Dreski83

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 8:49 pm PT

    another personal favorite game on a system that I own and enjoy very much, yea... that doesn't seem like a half bad way to go. As for breaking the game down into smaller downloads and charging whatever price comes to mind, I get the feeling Microsoft is gonna have a field day with an approach like that

  • ColoradoKindBud

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 8:32 pm PT

    Been playing the PS2 version on my PS3 all afternoon, it's brilliant. But if they really release it in 5 "chunks" over Live, that will be kind of stupid IMO. Either release it all at once or put it on disc & let 360 owners get at it that way.

  • ralphikari

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 8:19 pm PT

    I have nothing against digital distribution of videos and games but MS had better drop the price of the 120G hard drive to $99-$129 now.

  • Heil68

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 8:14 pm PT

    It's great for the PC, will have to see the price/size for the 360.

  • SilentHillX

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 8:14 pm PT

    As a Tomb Raider fan since day one back in the day on the good ol Playstation, I was very very excited to see Crystal Dynamics (love their LOK series) get their hands on Tomb Raider (Core was drowning the franchise) and put out Legend. Bought Legend day one on 360 and was very impressed and had a total blast playing it.

    While I would prefer the game come out on a hard copy disc like the others, Im very happy to see it coming out for 360 in any shape or form. I was almost (but probably not) inspired to re-connect my obsolete PS2, and go buy it. Tomb Raider!!!

  • turb06

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:58 pm PT

    would much prefer to get a case and disc with my game purchases. DLC takes away from the collective enjoyment of gaming.

  • okassar

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:48 pm PT

    Yes!a Tob Raider downloadable for 360 would be the best downloadable game since Castlevania,can't wait.

  • thestickman

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:32 pm PT

    Pretty cool. I think its pretty cool that they're releasing these as episodic on the 360.

  • dslsd

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:19 pm PT

    wow

  • psfreak03

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:14 pm PT

    Sweet. I was kinda sad when I found out TR:A wouldn't be on 360. Oh, the memories I have with the original.

  • ElectrolightSH

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 7:08 pm PT

    I bet they are going to over charge for it and rip off their consumers any way they can, which seems to be the current business practice for the video game industry.

  • Enigma2K99

    Posted Jun 6, 2007 6:30 pm PT

    Folks, deadmeat3171 had the only important question... the price of each download... and if the price is fair, what difference does it make how you get the game? The next best question should be... is it worth the money....

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