Eidos’s UK PR firm Barrington Harvey, is apparently asking British sites to not post scores for Tomb Raider: Underworld that are lower than 8/10 until Monday.
According to VG247, a Barrington Harvey rep on the phone this afternoon said “That’s right. We’re trying to manage the review scores at the request of Eidos… we’re trying to get the Metacritic rating to be high, and the brand manager in the US that’s handling all of Tomb Raider has asked that we just manage the scores before the game is out, really, just to ensure that we don’t put people off buying the game, basically.”
Thankfully, respectful sites have given Barrington Harvey the finger. Eurogamer’s 7/10 score, the review of which is now live, has apparently caused “problems” over at the PR firm. The Official Xbox 360 Magazine has also posted a 7.0 score. This, in our opinion, is ridiculous, and we now won’t be reviewing the game at all out of general principle.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
That is cynical and dishonourable and to me suggests that Eidos know they have launched a turkey of a game.
I was thinking of buying this but now I won’t be and I hope it bombs.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Well when I heard that the DLC was going to be xbox360 only I canceled my pre-order, after reading one or two reviews, this might get picked up when the price halves.
It’s a shame I’m a huge fan of the series. Never mind, too many other great games vying for my time.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Another pathetic attempt of trying to make good PR but it has just gone terribly, terribly wrong
November 21st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Genius,
what will they come up with next. And what can they offer a site not to post a review? I mean really, grow up.
You guys should still review it and tell us what you think, chances are not that much, but I would still like to know and trust you guys.
colossalblue Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I would second that, despite this shameful behaviour there are people who would be interested what you think of the game nofi.
3shirts Says:
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 am
I third it (can you do that?)
I agree with your moral standpoint so respect your decision if you do choose not to review it but I have found your opinions to be very similar to my own so would value them on this game.
Diver68 Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 am
If you can third it, then I’ll forth it!
I was soooo close to buying this game yesterday too! I also am a big fan on the Tomb Raider series… This news has really put a sickening feeling in mi tummy!
November 21st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
This is pathetic.
November 21st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Just do one concentrating on the aesthetic qualities of Ms Croft.
November 21st, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Yeah, its pathetic.
But I do love a good Tomb Raider romp so when the price falls a bit, I’ll pick it up
November 21st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
EidoSux!
They aint doing themselves any favors wotsoever!
Fortunately the latest Tomb Raider is good, as i got my copy yesterday and been playing since.
Eidos are just shooting themselves in the face point-blank, it’s sad but true.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
What ever happened to the good ole PS1 type Tomb Raiders?
colossalblue Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Sony will probably put them on the store as downloads soon and charge us £4. I say go to cash converters you can probably get it for 50p by now.
mcphatty Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
If you have a PSP Tomb Raider Anniversary is excellent, its not the original more like a remake but similar puzzles etc. Have a look at some reviews, I’m umming and arring but will probably get it
SNAKE1992 Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I have Tomb Raider Anniversary for the PSP apart from the odd frame rate and graphical glitch I’d say it was on par with the PS2 version and I can’t complain when I got it for squids from Morrisons
November 21st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Can you see up her skirt?? if so, its a 9 from me…er… (do i get a free complimentary copy Mr Eidos please, i’ve scored it above 8 )
3shirts Says:
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 am
When has she ever worn a skirt?
lol
seedaripper1973 Says:
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
when she comes round my gaff, she usually wears a mini (slag)
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 am
well I have always been a big tomb raider fan, but the latest official australian PS mag only gave it something like 5 out of 10!
Not sure what to think now, and whether to get it or not…..they are also releasing an ultimate fan pack here as well
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:58 am
Only way I would buy this Tomb Raider game would be if the current Tomb Raider model Alison Carroll came to my house and did some Tomb Raider moves for me in a private show.
That is the only way I can see Eidos making it up to me now…
November 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 am
Surely they must have realized this would do nothing but hurt the game. PR stupidity at its highest.
Also, respect to Eurogamer for not giving in to this turd.
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
that’s a shame. that just about adds more credibility to the idea of eidos paying people to give kane and lynch good reviews, eh?
and as others have said, it’s a shame - because underworld is a really good game so far. a bit more anniversary than legend, which is a good thing in my opinion.
colossalblue Says:
November 22nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Your opinion is right and your avatar is brilliant. Welcome!
SNAKE1992 Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 11:29 am
That avatar is full of WIN!
November 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
What a shot in the foot this is. The irony is the game itself is bloody good!
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Think i’ll wait for Drakes second outing. This just shows how much is at stake now! Review it then reccomend a boycott and a mass email complaint sesh to Eidos.
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 am
They do get worse everytime though. To be honest, I’ve haven’t properly ejoyed a Tomb Raider game since the 1, 2 and 3 era. But I Loved Uncharted, it had a nice fresh feel to it