Tomb Raider on the Zodiac

Tapwave's intriguing Zodiac handheld has bolstered its increasingly credible games line up today with the announcement of Tomb Raider Zodiac, an exclusive handheld incarnation of the Tomb Raider franchise.[br]Set for debut in spring 2005, placing it well ahead of the next console version of the Tomb Raider franchise currently under development at Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider Zodiac will apparently use a custom 3D game engine to take advantage of the Zodiac's ARM9 processor, ATI graphics accelerator and hi-res handheld display. [br][br]Ms Croft's newest incarnation also boasts a brand new character model, the usual set of lavish locations (which are yet to be confirmed) and should involve the usual winning mix of action and athletic puzzle solving.[br][br]Eidos are promising one of "Lara's greatest adventures yet", a consummation devoutly to be wished after the debacle which was Angel of Darkness.[br][br]"We have been very impressed by the Zodiac and Tapwave's understanding of what makes a good Tomb Raider game," said Simon Protheroe, Eidos' director of new media and online technologies. "Tomb Raider for the Zodiac will be a valuable new addition to the franchise." [br][br]"Like the Zodiac, Tomb Raider is truly multimedia," adds Byron Connell, founder and SVP Marketing, Tapwave. "Tomb Raider began life as a game, and evolved into two movies, a couple of original soundtracks and several books - four formats, among many, the Zodiac handles with style. We're delighted to be working with Eidos on a Zodiac version of Tomb Raider, and we're confident it will be the best handheld incarnation to date."