Eidos announces Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary, a new installment in the Lara Croft series due next year based on the original Tomb Raider. This time around there is no discussion of reapportioning Lara's proportions, and her claims to fame are not even on display in the one new screenshot from the project. Here's word:

San Francisco, Calif. – October 30, 2006 – Eidos Interactive Ltd., one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today confirms the title of the next Tomb Raider game will be Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Set for release in North America on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Windows PC, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a tribute to Lara Croft and the phenomenal impact she has had on pop-culture and gaming.

Inspired by the first Tomb Raider videogame, originally released in 1996, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a totally new 2006 adventure for Lara, faithfully preserving the elements which made the original Tomb Raider such a classic, selling over 7 million copies worldwide. Using an enhanced ‘Tomb Raider Legend’ game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara’s adventure and pursuit of a mystical artefact known only as the Scion right up to today’s technology standards and will offer gamers a completely new gameplay experience.

“Lara Croft is more than just a video game character – she is a digital-celebrity and icon for the video game industry, as well as a strong, powerful character that people of all ages connect with,” said Director of Marketing Matt Gorman, Eidos. “We are re-telling an incredible story using today’s technology, we’ve taken all of the key moments from the original game and put them into the context of a brand new Tomb Raider adventure.”

The puzzles are now more in depth and incorporate environmental interaction and physics driven solutions. The level design and flow of gameplay are inspired by the original videogame making Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary a brand new experience in gaming, while still invoking the nostalgia of the first adventure in Tomb Raiding.

“We’ve captured the essence of what made the original game so special and with today’s technology, created a game that pushes the boundaries of the current gaming consoles. Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a special celebration of Lara’s reign as videogaming’s leading lady,” said Ian Livingstone, Eidos Interactive.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is currently in development by Crystal Dynamics and will be available in spring 2007.