A closer look at Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

By Ryan Fleming Published April 24, 2023

On Tuesday, January 28, Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider reboot from 2013 will return, this time on the next-gen systems. We’ll be discussing the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition next week in more detail, but for now here’s a closer look at the game itself in its new 1080p glory.

Crystal Dynamics has stated that the game is more than just an HD gloss. The developer rebuilt this game from the ground up to run more smoothly on the next-gen consoles. The game on current-gen was one of the best of 2013. If you are still on the fence, the next-gen version should be enough to push you over.

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Ryan Fleming

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

Gaming

A new Tomb Raider game is in development on Unreal Engine 5

Crystal Dynamics confirmed that it is working on a new Tomb Raider game that will use Unreal Engine 5, a game engine now available to all developers.
At the end of Epic Games' The State of Unreal 2022 presentation, which marked the wide release of Unreal Engine 5 to all developers, Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider franchise general manager Dallas Dickinson confirmed the new project. No gameplay or in-engine development footage was shown, but Dickinson voiced his enthusiasm for using Unreal Engine 5 to create the project.
"This new engine translates into next-level storytelling in gameplay experiences, and that's why we are thrilled to announce today that we have just started development of our next Tomb Raider game, powered by Unreal Engine 5," he said. "Our goal is to push the envelope of fidelity and to deliver the high-quality cinematic action-adventure experience that fans deserve from both Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider franchise."
https://twitter.com/tombraider/status/1511368712279904258
There are no new story or gameplay details. However, Crystal Dynamics has previously voiced its intention to connect the most recent trilogy and the classic titles with new Tomb Raider media. Outside of Tomb Raider, Crystal Dynamics is currently working on post-launch support for Marvel's Avengers and is assisting The Initiative in developing the next Perfect Dark game, which also uses Unreal Engine 5. Eidos Montreal, not Crystal Dynamics, actually developed Shadow of the Tomb Raider, so this marks the studio's return to the series.
The new Tomb Raider is one of several brand-new games that will use Unreal Engine 5, as many studios like Crystal Dynamics and The Witcher's CD Projekt Red have committed to using the game engine for their next titles. The new engine features notable improvements over Unreal Engine 4, namely its Lumen global illumination system and Nanite technology, allowing for increased geometric detail and fidelity.
It sounds like this new Tomb Raider is early in development, so it will likely be a while before we hear more about it. Hopefully, it's an awesome showcase of Unreal Engine 5's power when it launches, presumably only on current-gen platforms.

Gaming

Marvel’s Avengers War for Wakanda DLC looks to the real world for inspiration

Black Panther holds an enemy in War for Wakanda.

Marvel’s Avengers first year didn’t quite go as expected. The live service game seemed like it would be an easy hit, putting players in control of Earth’s mightiest multiplayer party. The game suffered at launch, however, as a laundry list of bugs threw those plans into disarray. The developers at Crystal Dynamics were forced to delay DLC, new characters, and even the game’s next-gen upgrade just to get it under control. The unforgiving gaming world was quick to dogpile on it, putting it on the path of failed games like Anthem.

That’s why the game’s new War for Wakanda update, which launches on August 17, is so crucial. While this is the game’s third piece of free DLC, it’s easily the most high-profile one yet (no disrespect to Hawkeye and Kate Bishop). With a culturally hot character like Black Panther attached, it’s likely that new and old players will flock to the game to see if it’s managed to clean up its act and make a No Man’s Sky-sized recovery. That’s a lot of pressure for one update.

Gaming

Tomb Raider, Life is Strange will headline Square Enix’s first digital showcase

Square Enix will hold its first digital showcase event, called Square Enix Presents, on March 18. The presentation will reveal a new Life is Strange game, as well as news on the Tomb Raider franchise.

The digital show will broadcast on Square Enix's Twitch and YouTube channels at 10 a.m. PT on Thursday, March 18, and run for 40-minutes. Square Enix calls this the "first show" in a series that will continue throughout the year.

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