Crystal Dynamics will release time-exclusive DLC for the Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider. Players will be able to download The Caves & Cliffs Multiplayer Map pack will become available to download March 19 for 400 Microsoft Points (or $4.99).
The map pack will include three new maps based on areas from the single player campaign of the game. The areas are Scavenger Caverns, Cliff Shantytown, and Burning Village. The DLC maps will be available across all four multiplayer modes (Team Deathmatch, Free For All, Rescue, and Cry for Help) in the game. No word yet on when the DLC will become available for the PlayStation 3 or PC, or how much DLC will become for the game.
Tomb Raider was released March 5 to positive reviews from both critics and fans. It is a reboot of the long-running series that debuted on the original PlayStation. However, several reviews, such as this one from Gamespot, point out the multiplayer component of the game is slightly lackluster.
"It feels great to land a headshot on another player with a bow from across a map, or to activate a snare trap and then see another player heedlessly walk into it. But for the most part, it's standard fare, with the sorts of unlockable weapon upgrades and perks that are now par for the course."
Microsoft has a history of obtaining exclusive deals with publishers so that the Xbox 360 will receive DLC before any other consoles. Two big examples of this is the Call of Duty series, as well as Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. Sony occasionally uses this strategy as well, notably with the Battlefield series.