Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary launching next year

Eidos Interactive has confirmed the next title of the Tomb Raider game series as "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary," created as a tribute to Lara Croft and the continued impact she's had on pop culture and gaming.

Inspired by the first Tomb Raider videogame, originally released in 1996, "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary" is an all new 2006 adventure for Lara, yet faithfully preserving the key ingredients of the original classic that reportedly sold over 7 million copies world-wide.

The new game will have Lara chase all over after the mystical 'Scion' artifact, besides focusing on more in-depth puzzles as also realistic game physics.

Talking about the game, Kathryn Clements, senior brand manager, Eidos, said:

 "Over the years, we have had literally thousands of requests to re-make the original Tomb Raider for today s gamer, we have gone a step further, as we have taken the original story and made a completely new version for 'Tomb Raider: Anniversary'. We are re-telling an incredible story, using today s technology. We have taken all of the key moments from the original game, and put them into the context of a brand new Tomb Raider adventure."

Ian Livingstone, Eidos, added: "We have captured the essence of what made the original game so special, and with today's technology, created a game that pushes the boundaries of the current gaming consoles. 'Tomb Raider: Anniversary' is a special celebration of Lara s reign as video gaming's leading lady."

Meanwhile, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is currently in development by Crystal Dynamics, and will be available in 2007 for the PlayStation2, PlayStation Portable (PSP), and Windows PC.