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Square Enix’s Tomb Raider has become the biggest launch of 2013, storming to the top of the All Formats All Prices UK video game chart, reports Chart Track.
Tomb Raider recorded the biggest launch of the year so far, more than doubling the record previously held by SEGA’s Aliens: Colonial Marines. The game also sets a new launch record for the Tomb Raider franchise, moving ahead of 2006’s Tomb Raider: Legend – it’s worth noting that Tomb Raider is the first “event” launch, with previous entries hitting stores on a Friday.
The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Tomb Raider also set new week 1 records as the fastest-selling individual formats of any Tomb Raider game, a record previously held by Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness on PS2 back in week 27, 2003.
EA’s SimCity also makes a strong debut at No.2, and given the widespread server problems it must be assumed that digital sales have been substantial.
Namco Bandai continues to have a good 2013 with Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 charting at No.3, followed by The Sims 3: University Life new at No.4. FIFA 13 can’t live with the heat at the top and drop three places to No.5. Former No.1 Crysis 3 also drops significantly, down 55 per cent to No.6.
UKIE Games Charts, compiled by GfK Chart-Track, (All Prices) Week 10, 2013
1. TOMB RAIDER
2. SIMCITY
3. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 3
4. THE SIMS 3: UNIVERSITY LIFE
5. FIFA 13
6. CRYSIS 3
7. CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II
8. FAR CRY 3
9. METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE
10. THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM
11. ASSASSIN’S CREED III
12. NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED
13. SKYLANDERS GIANTS
14. HITMAN ABSOLUTION
15. ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES
16. LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES
17. HALO 4
18. GRAND THEFT AUTO IV
19. DEAD SPACE 3
20. FORZA HORIZON
Well done to Square Enix and Tomb Raider, which hit stores on the back of gamer hype, strong reviews and a big marketing spend – the perfect storm.
Tomb Raider’s appeal will be truly tested this week with the release of StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm, God of War: Ascension, and Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2. All three are capable of taking the No.1 spot, but my money is on Blizzard’s StarCraft 2 standalone expansion.
