AU Shippin’ Out March 4-8: Tomb Raider, SimCity

This week, the iconic Lara Croft makes a return in Crystal Dynamics' action-adventure game Tomb Raider. The game explores Lara's origin story, and tells the tale of how she became the crafty, nimble adventurer at the centre of previous Tomb Raider titles.

The campaign runs between 12 and 15 hours, dependent on gamers' play style. The game is also the first entry in the long-running franchise to feature a multiplayer component, which will include various game modes. No plans for an online pass, downloadable content season pass, or demo have been announced.

Tomb Raider's main character--Lara Croft--is voiced by Camilla Luddington, whose previous credits include Californication and True Blood, among other shows.

The game was well-received in GameSpot's review, praising Lara's character development, well-executed combat, and rich setting. Tomb Raider is available on March 5 for the 360, PS3, and PC. Crystal Dynamics has also confirmed that the game will not be coming to Wii U.

Maxis' simulation game SimCity will also be hitting shelves this week. Exclusive to PC, the game is built on the new GlassBox game engine and will be fully 3D, a series first. Publisher Electronic Arts announced early last year that the game would carry an always-on internet requirement, with gamers required to remain online via Origin in order to play SimCity, regardless of whether they purchased the title through the digital delivery service.

Maxis addressed fan concerns regarding the always-on DRM, saying that "creating a connected experience has always been a goal" for the game. SimCity is due out for Mac and PC on March 5.

Other titles out this week include Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate.

March 5, 2013
Tomb Raider (360, PS3, PC)
Total War: Shogun 2 Gold Edition (PC)

March 7, 2013
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk (PS3)
Dollar Dash (360)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus (VITA)
SimCity (PC, Mac)
The Sims 3: University Life (PC, Mac)

March 8, 2013
Naruto Powerful Shippuden (3DS)
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 (360, PS3)

March 9, 2013
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate (3DS)