Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition improvements detailed

Square Enix has confirmed the existence of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, which will be released for Xbox One and PS4 on 28 January 2014 (and we presume 31 January 2014 in our region). The games are priced at $60 – which seems to be the standard launch price for AAA next-gen titles.

Square Enix says they have fully re-built the successful reboot/origin tale of Lara Croft for the next-gen consoles – it even runs in 1080p! (PC gamers need not apply since they’ve already enjoyed the definitive graphical version back in March 2013 – zing!).

The Definitive Edition also includes all of the original downloadable content, plus digital versions of the Dark Horse comic, Brady Games mini-art book, and the Final Hours developer videos. A special art book will be offered to pre-orders.

Improvements in the next-gen console version according to Square Enix:

Lara Croft presented in “unprecedented” high definition detail:
- An all new Lara model created to take advantage of the power of next-gen consoles;
- TRESS FX technology that delivers realistic hair simulation and motion with every strand being physically active; and
- Shader and lighting reworked to showcase the raw physicality of Lara’s journey through sweat, mud, and blood materials and effects.

The world has been dynamically brought to life using complex physical world simulation on trees, foliage, cloth, weather, lighting, and effects.
All texture resolutions have been created at 4x resolution for maximum resolution and detail.
In-game characters, enemies and destructability have been enhanced for added depth and realism.
Subsurface scattering technology implemented to capture the most physically accurate lighting simulation and deliver a great sense of believability.
Native 1080p gameplay gives outstanding visual fidelity and showcases the beauty of Yamatai in all its high definition glory.

“‘Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition’ is so named as it’s exactly what we’ve custom built for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 system consoles,” said Crystal Dynamics Executive Producer, Scot Amos. “The new hardware let us finally express the original vision in all of its glory. This was a continued labor of love. We pulled the game apart and rebuilt it with painstaking detail to add enhanced visual storytelling but without changing the award winning tale. The end result is a cinematic living world. We can’t wait for fans and newcomers alike to experience this rebuilt epic adventure.”