FuturLab, Square Enix Collective and Crystal Dynamics have struck a seemingly unlikely partnership with the announcement of a free Tomb Raider Special Pack DLC for PowerWash Simulator. You’ll be able to give Croft Manor a thoroughly cleaning on 31st January.
That day is actually the exact same as the launch of PowerWash Simulator on PS5, PS4 and Nintendo Switch, with the game already available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, and a part of Xbox Game Pass.
It seems that Lara’s constant globe trotting in search of rare (and usually dangerous) artefacts has meant that Croft Manor is needing a bit of spring cleaning and upkeep to restore it to its former glory. Not only are the manor walls filthy, but Lara’s traipsed a whole load of muck into its many rooms and halls… and filled it with dusty old treasures as well.
Croft Manor went down in video game legend as the training area for the original PS1 Tomb Raider games, and has since been updated and revived on numerous occasions through the long-running series. Most recently it was featured in Rise of the Tomb Raider, where the Blood Ties and Lara’s Nightmare DLC had Lara searching for the final resting place of her parents within the manor’s grounds and battling zombies – there was even PSVR support for the Blood Ties mode.
This feels like an unusual partnership on the surface level, with PowerWash Simulator published by Square Enix Collective, the indie publishing label from Square Enix, who just last May decided to sell off its Western studios, including Crystal Dynamics, and their various IP to Embracer Group. Thankfully it seems that there’s little ill will, since they’re happy to strike up this crossover DLC.
“Creating the Tomb Raider Special Pack has been an honour and a fantastic experience” said Dan Chequer, Lead Designer at FuturLab. “We can’t wait for players to get up close and personal with Croft Manor and explore its many secrets!”
“What Tomb Raider fan hasn’t explored Croft Manor and thought ‘Winston could really use some help with these grounds! I would love to power wash this place!’?” asked Dallas Dickinson, Franchise General Manager for Tomb Raider at Crystal Dynamics. “Now, with the help of Square Enix Collective and FuturLab that’s not only possible, but immensely satisfying as well.”
PowerWash Simulator is a pretty chilled out, zen-like experience that came out last year. Originally started as a bit of a lockdown project by FuturLab, it quickly found an enthusiastic audience through Steam Early Access, before hitting Xbox Game Pass for the 1.0 release last summer.
In our PowerWash Simulator review, Steve said, “PowerWash Simulator is a rare example of a game that more than lives up to its expectations. If the calming loop of the gameplay gets you then you’ll easily find hours of your life disappearing along with the dirt and grime. Add in some interesting challenge modes and a story that caught me by surprise and you have a game that more than deserves your time.”
Source; press release
