Multiplayer designer wanted for new Tomb Raider?

A new Tomb Raider title is apparently in the pipeline according to a help-seeking ad put up by Crystal Dynamics. The company is seeking a designer to "lead multiplayer vision and design effort for one of the most prestigious franchises in the industry".

Some might think the ad is for a new Legacy of Kain, but I don't think so. This new job posting is most likely for the Tomb Raider title that was rumored to be in the works for some time now.

The listing mentions multiplayer maps, which hints at competitive online and not only cooperative campaign support.

I would definitely welcome a new Tomb Raider game, let's hope the next iteration in this long running legendary franchise is better than anything we've seen in the past.

Thanks Joystiq.

12/07/09 Ernice Gilbert

Square-Enix is working on first global game in Montreal says Wada

Square-Enix is serious about making a big push into the western markets, in fact the acquisition of Eidos earlier this year for over $121 million is a testament to the company's commitment.

Speaking at the Montreal Game Summit, Square-Enix president Yoichi Wada confirmed that the they have in development their "first global game" at Eidos Montreal alongside Deux Ex 3 and Thief 4.

The "first global game' is Square-Enix's first title since acquiring Eidos in April.

"[It] would be the first collaboration between Square-Enix and Montreal. We would like to be able to create a new title that is made by the group as one," Wada said.

Whatever it is, it's definitely something to pay close attention to. We'll do that for you.

Get more through here.

11/16/09 Ernice Gilbert

Director for Dante's Inferno thinks it's the greatest compliment to be called a God of War rip off?

Jonathan Knight is the writer, producer and director for EA's Dante's Inferno, (the guy's a genius) and in this month's Playstation: The Official Magazine he paused from his busy and "hellish" schedule to field a few questions. In the interview, they discussed a variety of different topics, however the interviewer for PTOM had to get one question off his chest from the onset:

PTOM: "We don't mean to insinuate anything, but do you really not mind when people say your game is a lot like God of War?" To which Jonathan responded:

"We never get sick of hearing it because it's the greatest compliment we can be paid. We hope to be worthy of that. Those guys are at the top of their game and there's no question God of War III is going to be spectacular. I'll be the first in Line to get it. I hope those comparisons are being made because of our combat system and is just as responsive ~ the control over the character is very immediate, it's very fast-paced, you can branch out of moves very easily, you feel very powerful and overall is a very fun game to play," he said.

Jonathan also spoke about the game's other influences, and the differences that make their game unique, he continues:

"We have other influences too, but I think what's different about our game is it's based on an incredible influential work of literature. Out of that flow really fresh gameplay ideas such as the Holy Cross weapon, the ability to absolve or punish the damned, and riding the giant demons. Hopefully, there's plenty of room for lots of other great games in the genre~we just want to be one of them."

There you have it, the guy don't mind his game being a God of War ripoff at all. And you can say it as much as you want, it's okay, actually it's a compliment. No really, Dante's Inferno is shaping up to be something very unique in terms of storyline, and as Jonathan said literature. When last did you play a full game in the dreadful abyss that's hell? I thought so.

10/01/09 Ernice Gilbert

Rumor Thirst: Square-Enix to lay off 200-300 workers

The Japanese gaming market has surely seen better days; with some of its own developers predicting dire conclusions. So it comes as no surprise that one of Japan's largest Publishers (Square-Enix), is rumored to be laying off 200-300 employees. If this is true, it could be a necessary move to reorganize after the recent acquisition of Eidos Interactive, which will be renamed Square-Enix Europe.

The Publishing giant has had a good year thus far, with Dragon Quest IX selling over 3.7 million copies on the Nintendo DS. They're also preparing to release another installment of their most dependable title, Final Fantasy, and on December 17th 2009, the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII will be available in Japan exclusively for the PS3. It's expected to fly off shelves like the fantasy it is, making a good year great for Square-Enix.

We the lowly Europeans and Americans will have to endure till spring 2010 before we can lay our hands on this gem. Some however, may not be so patient... Including me.

09/29/09 Ernice Gilbert