April 11, 2006 18:30 ET

Eidos Interactive Releases New Adventure With "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend"

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 11, 2006 -- Eidos, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today announced the launch of the much anticipated "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend," the seventh edition in the highly successful Tomb Raider game series. After a two year hiatus, the world's most famous female explorer makes her comeback in an all-new 3D adventure that sees Lara travelling the world and getting back to her tomb raiding roots. "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend" debuted in Europe Friday, and is available today in North America for Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PC.

Jungles, mountain ruins and ancient tombs

Built to challenge even the most accomplished armchair adventurer, "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend" is a 3D quest set in lifelike environments ranging from the lush landscapes of Bolivia to steamy African rainforests; exotic Peruvian jungles to the snow-capped Himalayan mountain ruins, and other ancient tombs filled with deadly traps. As the adventure unfolds, the player will learn more about Lara's mysterious past and see her come to terms with death, betrayal and her own insecurities.

Lara and the player will embark on the adventure together utilizing her legendary physical prowess and agility, made more realistic with a new fluid movement system and real world physics. In addition to her trademark dual pistols, Lara is now equipped with an arsenal of such state-of-the-art gadgetry as a magnetic grappling hook, frag grenades, binoculars, personal lighting device, communications equipment, and GPS tracking to help her solve physics based puzzles and improvise solutions to challenging obstacles.

Lara, the Legend

Lara is arguably the first, and certainly the most recognizable game crossover star. In the ten years since the world first met adventuress Lara Croft, she has become a pop culture icon extending well beyond her Tomb Raider video game franchise. In addition to being the face that sold more than 28 million game units sold to date, Lara Croft is a billion-dollar brand and the inspiration behind music videos, comic books, amusement park attractions and endorsements for products, ranging from hot pants to energy drinks.

She's been lauded in Entertainment Weekly's "It" issue of 100 most creative entertainment elite, Time Magazine's most influential figures of the 20th century and as the only virtual celebrity figure featured in Details' Sexiest Women of the Year. With two movie spin-offs, 200+ magazine covers and the title of U.K. Ambassador for Science and Technology, the digital diva was honored with a star at the Walk of Game in San Francisco, California.

"Lara has proven that she's a pop icon with staying power," said Matt Gorman, Senior Brand Manager at Eidos. "Her personality transcends the medium she debuted in -- gaming -- because she represents the feisty independent spirit that we embrace in American culture."

About "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend"

The game hits retail stores nationwide on April 11 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox™ 360 and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, and the PC. "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend" will be available on the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system later this year.

"Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend" is published by Eidos Interactive and presents Lara in the finest fidelity to date. A revamped control system provides intuitive and fluid character movement, while a compelling storyline and vast environments lure players into an unrivalled adventure experience. More details are available at www.tombraider.com.

About Eidos

Eidos Interactive Ltd is part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG) one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software. Following the acquisition of EIDOS Plc in May 2005, the Group has a valuable combined portfolio of intellectual property including: Lara Croft Tomb Raider, Hitman, Urban Chaos and Commandos.

"PSP" is a trademark and "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).

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Editor's Note: For hi-resolution photos or B-roll of Lara Croft taken from her new video game, please contact the representatives listed below.