Kotaku: Lara Croft

Lara Croft Does Gymnastics at MTV, Or Why I Want to Work for a Cable Network

Brian Crecente — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 MST

What do you do when you're offered a chance to interview the model who portrays Lara Croft in real life? Well if you're MTV's always ingenious Stephen Totilo you have her come in and act out a scene from a faux iteration of Tomb Raider, one that features the MTV newsroom as level and a stapler as prize.

Best part? Watching Totilo trying to follow in her footsteps. Thanks goodness he doesn't have the same outfit.

Watch Lara Croft Model Flip Through Our Office [video]

Don't Ask Lara Croft Model Archaeology Questions

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 MST

Lara Croft is an archaeologist. Lara Croft model Alison Carroll is not. She's a model, she knows about model things, not old things. So when Danish paper Ekstra Bladet tried to probe Carroll on Lara Croft's archaeological expertise, Eidos shutdown that pop quiz damn quick. If you like awkward, uncomfortable situations, this clip is for you. (We've already watched it several times.) Why Eidos doen't just trawl university archaeology departments looking for hotties to represent Lara, we will never know.

Lara Croft [Ekstra Bladet via VG247]

How Angelina Jolie Explains Game Violence To Her Kids

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:30:18 MST

For a celebrity whose past is filled with questionable choices — nearly making out with her own brother on camera, having "Billy Bob" tattooed on her arm, making two Tomb Raider movies — Angelina Jolie has taken a shocking turn for the normal. The UN goodwill ambassador has a decent head on her shoulders, at least in terms of talking to her kids about violence and video games.

Jolie tells Harper’s Bazaar “My kids play video games. I let them play with toy soldiers. We don’t take war and violence lightly, but we don’t hide it from anybody."

How does the big screen Lara Croft explain all that fictional violence to Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and eventually Knox and Vivienne? “We say, ‘Mommy and daddy have movies where we play these characters, but there’s real death and violence in the world.’” Talking to your kids, eh? Helping to define the difference between reality and fantasy is an interesting concept that might just be crazy enough to work.

Reader and tipster Jason says "I thought that this is quite an interesting read considering that Ms. Jolie frequently travels to war torn nations for the UN and [has] seen what war does to people. That and how she makes an effort to talk to her kids about real world violence. It's very much a different perspective about gaming in the media that people [should] definitely hear more of in my own opinion."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves, so we didn't even try. Thanks, Jason.

Jolie says she’s ‘just a punk kid with tattoos’ [MSNBC]

WWE Halloween Event Produces More Believable Lara Croft

Mike Fahey — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:40:00 MDT

Thank goodness for MTV's Stephen Totilo's love of pro wrestling. Without it, we never would have heard about how Lara Croft triumphed over countless female wrestlers during this past weekend's WWE Cyber Sunday pay-per-view event. Mickie James represented gamers everywhere with her dark take on the Tomb Raider star, taking top honors in the competition, which featured the entire inventory of the slutty section of your local holiday costume store.

Just when you thought things couldn't get any better than this, a fight broke out.

As you can see, James got really into character, carrying Marilyn Monroe to safety while the battle raged on. While perhaps not the most accurate Lara Croft costume out there, I could certainly see her taking on wild panthers much more readily than Angelina Jolie.

WWE Diva Halloween Costume Contest [WWE via MTV Multiplayer]

Tomb Raider: Underworld Demo On Xbox Live

Mike Fahey — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:20:00 MDT

Lara Croft is returning to the tomb raiding business in Eidos' upcoming Tomb Raider Underworld, and Xbox 360 owners now have a chance to get their hands on Lara's latest incarnation in convenient playable demo form. For the mere price of 1.3GB of bandwidth and hard disk space, you can get your chance to take Lara places she's never been before, and then come back to this post and tell us how badly they've managed to mess things up this time around.

No no, I'm sure she's fine, and this is the best Tomb Raider game since the original. They wouldn't be releasing it if it weren't, now would they?

Demo: Tomb Raider: Underworld Playable [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

Let's Boring Talk To Lara Croft Model Lady

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:00:00 MDT

There's no NSFW high kicks in this video interview with Lara Croft model Alison Carroll, just sitting and talking. Lots and lots of talking. Sitting, too. Over seven minutes of sitting and talking. At least she's wearing fingerless gloves — otherwise, we would've glazed over.

Shiny Interview: Tech Digest meets Alison Carroll aka Lara Croft 2008/9 [Tech Digest]

First Creepy Stalker Pics Of New Lara Croft

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:30:00 MDT

The new Lara's certainly generated a lot of attention of late. So is it surprising to see people taking pervy, creepy photos of her through their hotel room's spyhole? Nope. Not in the least. And why would it be? Sure, the act captured - of her entering her hotel room - is totally innocent, but who knows what she got up to when that door closed? You don't.

I don't.

TOMB RAIDER GIRL IN LATE NIGHT HOTEL CORRIDOR SPYCAM SHOCK [UK:R]

Let's Look At Lara Croft Over The Years

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:00:00 MDT

Here's a collage, a Croft collage if you will, of Lara over the years. Through all the changes and evolution over the years, one thing has remained constant — two, actually. That's right, dual holsters. Hit the jump for a look at all as they got bigger and bigger.

As game site Go Nintendo points out, the DS and GBA Crofts are among the missing titles.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider I to Underworld [Aeropause via Go Nintendo]

Lara Croft Model SPEAKS!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 MDT

We've already gotten to know new Lara Croft model Alison Carroll very close and too personal, but now we get to learn about her again! The receptionist turned Tomb Raider has these insights to offer about Lara Croft:

It's an amazing opportunity. Lara is strong, athletic, confident and independent so it's a huge responsibility to take on her role... Lara Croft is an iconic gaming character. She just goes from strength to strength... She's got everything that a woman aspires to be like and everything that a man would like to meet.

So there you go. Alison Carroll on her new role as Lara Croft. Just check out how she handles those guns in front of random London shops.

New Lara Croft squares up for fight [BBC]

Tomb Raider's Underworld

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:20:00 MDT

You've met the new Lara Croft! You've even seen her doing high kicks! Now see what happens when Eidos' PR cameramen, in their search for the ultimate high kick, ask for one high kick too many. Poor Alison Carroll. She signed up for the money and the fame, not the...exposure (oh, and yes, this is probably NSFW).

TOMB RAIDER MODEL'S "CROTCH SHOT" SHAME [UK: Resistance]

Meet The New Lara Croft

Mike Fahey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:20:00 MDT

With Tomb Raider: Underworld on the horizon, it's time to roll-over that lease into a newer model for series heroine Lara Croft. Meet 23-year-old Alison Carroll, a professional display gymnast from the Croydon area of London, England, who has performed in front of Prince Charles himself. Miss Carroll beat out hundreds of applicants for the role of Lara Croft, the new position allowing her to quit her day job as a receptionist. She's now undergoing a rigorous daily training schedule to make sure she is ready to pose next to red-faced fans, far too nervous to notice what seems to be a scar on her left knee or the well-placed mole, not that I was paying attention.

If you have any doubts as to Miss Carroll's athletic prowess, hit the jump for an action shot that proves once and for all that she could completely kick your head off while standing right next to you. Borderline NSFW.

Pictured: The new Lara Croft is unveiled as a former gymnast ... from Croydon! [Mail Online]

Tomb Raider: Underworld Trailer, and Release Date

Owen Good — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 MDT

You know, when some of us decide we're starting all over and the place needs a new look, we take some cheap furniture or knicknacks to the dump or have a yard sale. Lara Croft packs her home with explosives and goes for the extreme makeover. Speaking of, she looks completely different, like a Bratz biker, almost. Where are the trademark shorts?

Looooong trailer for the subject matter (and being entirely a pre-render.) But it's out Nov. 8, on PC, the next-gens, PS2 and DS. And I suppose then, or before, we'll get the story of why she went and blew up her own manor.

Tomb Raider: Underworld E3 Exclusive Trailer [Gametrailers]

This Is How You Make A Lara Croft Action Figure

Mike Fahey — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:20:00 MDT

There have been plenty of action figures based off of Tomb Raider starlet Lara Croft over the years, but nothing quite like this baby right here. Standing at a whopping 17 inches tall, this Tonner Doll Company creation skirts the fine line between action figure and tiny actual woman, a skirting I doubt many fans will mind much at all. Lara features rooted hair, a variety of outfits, and 14 points of articulation, along with grenades and her signature dual automatic pistols in case her new owners get fresh.

The first 100 Tomb Raider: Legend inspired figures are going on sale today at the Wizard World Chicago show, with the remainder now available for preorder via Tonner Direct at the relatively reasonable price of $124.95, shipping in the third week of July. As an action figure junkie, I am currently surveying my apartment for things to sell. Anyone need a couple cats?

Lara Croft Figure Preorder [Tonner Direct]

Tomb Raider Underworld Gets Web Site, Release Date

Owen Good — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Eidos yesterday launched an official Tomb Raider: Underworld Web site and sent out a couple more screenshots, including the one above. More importantly, it confirmed the game is due out in November for the 360, PS2, PS3, DS, Wii and PC. Screenshots and other discussion follow the jump.

A description of the game from the official Tomb Raider site:

"For generations, stories have been told of the fearsome weapon of Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Legend holds that Thor’s hammer had the power to smash mountains into valleys and to destroy even the gods. For more than a thousand years it has existed only as a myth ... until now.

In an ancient ruin on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea, Lara Croft uncovers proof of the Norse underworld and the mythical hammer. As she attempts to unravel the secrets behind these myths, Lara’s perilous journey leads her toward a forgotten power that, if unleashed, could lay waste to all civilization."

Well, I know that Kotaku intern Adam Barenblat had a harrowing run-in with a Norse mythology course at the University of Colorado this past semester. So that probably ruins this game for him. And if we're dealing with the Norse underworld, I sure as hel hope it doesn't involve this sailing vessel. That's just gross.

Here are the screens at the largest size I could grab 'em. Also, on the official site, you can grab an mp3 of the new game's official theme. Not sure how new that is, but it's pretty swrrt, wish more would do that.

Tomb Raider: Underworld Confirmed for November [GamePro, thanks Mig]

Former Lara Croft, Fitness Guru

Leigh Alexander — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:20:00 MDT

Nell McAndrew is apparently launching her own "lifestyle companion" mobile fitness application in the UK, used to create workout routines from a database and develop a meal plan. Who's Nell McAndrew? 1998's model for Lara Croft, of course.

McAndrew seems to have left her Lara days behind her, though, as the announcement makes no mention of her role as one of the first Tomb Raider models. Shame, because I'd love someone to promise me I can look like Lara Croft. I mean, Nell McAndrew is pretty and all, but come on! Lara Croft!

Anyway, for those who might've been wondering what McAndrew has been up to lately, full announce after the jump.

GET FIT AND FEEL FABULOUS WITH NELL MCANDREW'S BODY FITNESSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AMA announce the launch of Nell McAndrew's Body Fitness- a truly unique mobile lifestyle companion. This advanced application helps the user detox their lifestyle and encourages them to look at a healthier outlook by guiding them through a simple agenda and fitness plan. Initially the user is asked to complete The Fitness Plan quiz to determine what type of workout and nutrition choices will work best for them and their lifestyle. It then works with them to devise an effective workout routine from a vast exercise database, containing a wealth of different options including aerobics and cardio as well as vital warming up and cooling down techniques. The Agenda works alongside the exercises by helping the user plan their meals with handy options such as a one month diet plan and a calendar to chart progress and increase productivity. Throughout the application the user is offered detox advice and tips from Nell McAndrew. Nell McAndrew started her career modelling and is a well regarded celebrity health and fitness figure through her string of successful fitness workout releases, high-profile charity associations and modelling. She famously launched Cancer Research UK Race for Life 2008 flanked by thousands of other women in London's Regent's Park whose training outfits were painted on their bodies. Nell comments:"Environmental factors and busy hectic lifestyles mean some people haven't the time to assess how they could be leading a healthier life. Your mobile goes with you everywhere- so by using this simple application, you can have me in your pocket or bag, encouraging you to get fit and feel fantastic whilst on the go. There's no excuse now!" "We strive to deliver not only unique and interesting content to the user, but also subjects which can have a positive effect on people's demanding lives. We developed Nell McAndrew's Body Fitness to be a mobile lifestyle companion, to enhance the user's fitness and to teach them how to lead a more positive and healthier life," says Christian Guillemot, CEO of AMA. Nell McAndrew's Body Fitness is available in the UK from this month.

12" Lara Croft Figure Is Surprisingly Tasteful

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:20:00 MDT

I think Lara Croft, I think 90's platforming, dinosaurs and leaps of faith. You may, however, think of something else. Well, two things. If so, don't be too disappointed when you see this new, premium 12" figure from Sideshow, depicting Ms. Croft as not only well-prepared, but well-dressed. She's packing ten weapons/accessories, 30+ points of articulation and three pairs of interchangeable hands, and will be available Q4 for around USD$80. Nice boots.

Get Your Hands on Lara Croft For (Almost) Free

torif — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:30:21 MST

Lara Croft is ten years old today (doesn't that make you feel dirty?), and to celebrate, Eidos is letting you play Tomb Raider Anniversary for free.

Of course, nothing in life is truly free, is it? You can access the game through TrialPay, an alternative payment service, but only after you sign up to try or buy an offer from one of their blue-chip advertisers. To sign up for your free subscription to Tomb Raider Anniversary, go to the TrialPay sign-up page.

See? Lara's a classy broad. She wouldn't be givin' it away for nothin'! Her momma raised her better than that!

EIDOS PARTNERS WITH TRIALPAY TO GIVE PLAYERS THOUSANDS OF WAYS TO GET TOMB RAIDER ANNIVERSARY FOR FREE
Mountain View, Calif. - February 15, 2008 - Lara Croft celebrates her
birthday this Valentine's Day and to commemorate the event, Eidos is
inviting players to enjoy Tomb Raider Anniversary for free. Eidos, a
world-leader in entertainment software, and TrialPay, the leader in
alternative payments, have partnered to make it even easier for customers
all over the world to play Tomb Raider.

Using TrialPay, players get a free subscription to Tomb Raider Anniversary
by trying or buying an offer from blue-chip advertisers. With TrialPay
everyone wins!

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate Lara Croft's 10th anniversary
than by letting loyal players get the new Tomb Raider Anniversary game for
free," said Dave Clark, vice president of new business development for
Eidos. "Through our partnership with TrialPay, more players will be able to
enjoy the Tomb Raider series, and these players get a great deal which
fosters the brand loyalty that has made Lara Croft the first lady of gaming
for a decade."

Tomb Raider Anniversary commemorates this occasion by offering a
revisualization of a gaming classic using advanced rendering technology to
bring the original Tomb Raider Game to life for today's audience. And
through this partnership with TrialPay, anyone can get the game for free by
completing one offer from the brand of his or her choice.

"TrialPay lets millions of Tomb Raider fans get the Anniversary game for
free by trying or buying an offer from their preferred brands," said Alex
Rampell, TrialPay's CEO. "We are extremely proud to partner with Eidos for
Lara Croft's 10th anniversary."

Eidos has promoted this free method for getting Tomb Raider Anniversary
through e-mail and online merchandising campaigns and will continue adding
more touchpoints in the next few months.

To get Tomb Raider Anniversary for free through TrialPay:
http://www.trialpay.com/stores/eidos/laracroft?tid=9ahB9aF

For more information on TrialPay: www.trialpay.com

About Eidos
Based in Wimbledon, South London, Eidos Interactive Ltd, part of SCi
Entertainment Group Plc (SEG), is one of the world's leading developers of
entertainment software. Eidos consists of publishing operations across
Europe and the US and several development studios including Crystal
Dynamics, IO Interactive and Pivotal Games as well as a valuable stake in
other studios.

About TrialPay
TrialPay unites advertisers, merchants and shoppers to create the first
payment platform that benefits all parties. Using TrialPay, merchants turn
lost and indecisive shoppers into paying customers by giving away their
product for free when a shopper completes an offer from blue-chip
advertisers like American Express, Gap, FTD, eBay and thousands more.
Advertisers pay a bounty that equals or exceeds the merchant's regular price
to create a profitable transaction out of a stalled or abandoned cart.
TrialPay ensures that every shopper finds an offer that compels him or her
to purchase by pairing premium brands with the added value of a free
product. With TrialPay everyone wins: shoppers get a free product,
advertisers acquire new customers and merchants earn significant revenue
from lost or unlikely customers.

TrialPay works with over 2,500 premium merchants, including McAfee, The Wall
Street Journal, Skype and other industry leaders in software, games,
publishing, online services and retail. TrialPay currently has more than 4.5
million registered users and adds 15,000 new users every day.

Lara Croft Needlepoint

Mark Wilson — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:40:14 MST

The work of Becky Schaefer has recently resurfaced on the blogosphere (hate that word, btw) so now seemed like as good as a time as any to introduce you to her art if you hadn't encountered it previously. These Lara Croft cross-stitchings (Schaefer's 2003 graduate arts degree project) subvert the traditional by introducing a modern, digital (female) icon into a classic (traditionally female) analog activity. The result? It's a bit jarring and induces introspection. What do you think of it?

Game Heroine Invades Bucolic Needlepoint Landscapes; Wreaks Aesthetic Havoc [via shinyshiny]

Tomb Raider Underworld Coming Next?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:40:59 MST

Have you seen the movie Underworld? OK, great. Now take that movie and relate it in absolutely no way to Tomb Raider Underworld, the rumored next TR sequel since the trademark was discovered. Said to revolve around the Mayan calendar, or more specifically, the five unnamed days at the end of the year known only as "Wayeb'." During this time, the realm of the living and dead was said to blur, leading us to only one, inevitable plotline in the game: giant ghost/zombie jubblies.

Tomb Raider Underworld [via gamelife]

Tomb Raider Anniversary Hits Xbox Live

Mike Fahey — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:30:50 MST

Lara Croft's updated first adventure has been in stores since late last month for the Xbox 360, and many of you chose not to pick it up, either not giving a damn or just plain laziness. Good news for the latter group! Now Tomb Raider Anniversary is available for download via Xbox Live in two, 1200 point downloads. Unless my math is off, and it generally is, that comes out to around $30 for the game, $10 off the retail price. The downside? If you've not upgraded to a large 360 hard drive, the 3GB of space this baby takes up is a huge chunk of hard disk real estate, if you're so inclined, the game is listed under Tomb Raider: Legend in the new games section of the download service. An excellent way to cope with post Thanksgiving lethargy...or just general American lethargy for that matter. We yanks love our sitting on our asses.

Lee Takes On Lara, Re\Visioned Takes On Activision

Mike Fahey — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:40:06 MST

The final episode of the first season of GameTap's Re\Visioned animation series is upon us, featuring comic book legend Jim Lee's take on Lara Croft in "A Complicated Woman." Over the past season some of the top names in comics and animation have taken turns with Lara, as voiced by Minnie Driver, producing some truly amazing animation. With the success of this first season, GameTap is also announcing season two of Re\Visioned, which will be taking on games from the golden age of Activision. Comic book greats Mark Waid, John Ostrander, and Paul Jenkins will be taking on games like Pitfall, Kaboom, and Pressure Cooker. You can catch Jim Lee's "A Complicated Woman" over at GameTap's Tomb Raider site. For a special look at a still from next season's Pitfall episode, which features Pitfall Harry on a therapy talk show, hit the jump.

GAMETAP LAUNCHES RE\VISIONED: TOMB RAIDER JIM LEE FINALE
Announces Season Two will explore the worlds of Activision

GameTap launched today "A Complicated Woman," the final episode in the premiere season of its new animation series "Re\Visioned" which features story and art from legendary comic book illustrator Jim Lee of Wildstorm/DC Comics.

Launched in late August, the first season of "Re\Visioned" features ten episodes focusing on the legendary Tomb Raider franchise and the adventures of popular video game heroine Lara Croft. Academy Award-nominated actress Minnie Driver provides her unique voice for leading lady Lara Croft, while Jim Lee, Warren Ellis, Peter Chung, Brian Pulido, Gail Simone, Michael Stackpole, Ivan Reis, Cully Hamner, Christos N. Gage, Louie Del Carmen, David Alvarez, and Six Point Harness, have provided their 'Re\Visioned' view of the famous video game heroine.

GameTap has also announced that the second season of "Re\Visioned" will feature six animated episodes that spotlight games from the golden age of Activision. For the new season that launches in December, GameTap has partnered with The Hero Initiative to develop episodes that will feature the work of top industry writers, including Mark Waid (Flash, Kingdom Come, Legion of Superheroes), John Ostrander (X-Men, Punisher, Star Wars Republic) and Paul Jenkins (Spectacular Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, Civil War: Front Line).

The Hero Initiative is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping comic book creators in need. "We're thrilled that GameTap is continuing to support comic book creators with this second season of the 'Re\Visioned' series, especially since so many creators are video game fans," said Jim McLauchlin, President of Hero.

Episodes in Season Two will revolve around the worlds and characters featured in Activision's most iconic titles such as Pitfall, Kaboom and Pressure Cooker.

"Re\Visioned" is exclusive to GameTap and visitors can watch the finale and previous episodes from the first season absolutely free. For more information and to see the latest episode of Re\Visioned: Tomb Raider, visit www.gametap.com/tombraider.

Mobile's Lara Croft?

Mike Fahey — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:00:06 MDT

"Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Phoenix Shadowalker", begins the press release from Glu Mobile, announcing it's new mobile game available later this month, Shadowalker, or Shadowwalker going by the press release heading. Mistaking us for gentlemen was your first mistake. Assuming that some sultry model in a leather jacket and a mini-skirt holding a sword was going to ruin our on-again, off-again romance with Lara Croft was the second. We are gamers, Glu Mobile, and we have hot women with swords falling all over us all the time. We can't walk down the street without a walking hottie arsenal falling in step behind us. It's just how we roll. We've come to terms. Besides, mobile gaming already has a Lara Croft. Her name is Lara Croft. May we introduce you?

Shadowwalker Struts Her Stuff
Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Phoenix Shadowalker - the new videogame heroine ready to out-sauce Lara Croft as the number one pixellated female icon.

As the eponymous star of the new mobile phone title released this month, hack and slash your way through over 20 levels of classic platform gameplay, in a spooky shadowy world in need of rescuing from hordes of invading ghouls.

Developed and published by Glu, a leading publisher of mobile games, Shadowalker will be available across all games-enabled mobile phones. It boasts graphics and gameplay that matches the best handheld videogames, offering a rich game experience for experienced and casual gamers alike.

Big Differences Between Uncharted and Tomb Raider

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:00:04 MDT

Lara Croft is a treasure hunter. Uncharted's Nathan Drake is a treasure hunter. Let the comparisons begin! What does developer Naughty Dog think of those comparisons? Company co-president Evan Wells dishes:

I completely understand them, just because this is a genre which is not that widely used in videogames for whatever reason — people tend to focus more on science fiction. This more realistic, treasure hunting, pulp action adventure genre really hasn't been tried by that many. So I think just by the very fact that both Nathan Drake and Lara Croft are treasure hunters, there will be comparisons. But beyond that, they diverge pretty rapidly. From a character standpoint, Nathan Drake is an everyman who struggles to get by, who you can see on his face that he's stressed out as he's flinching from bullets ricocheting off the cover he's hiding behind, while Lara is the more stone-faced acrobat, perfect landing every time. And then the game play, obviously we were very focused on third person cover-based play, while theirs is more auto-aiming and a little more heavy on the puzzle-solving.

Plus, Lara Croft has big boobs. Nathan Drake doesn't. Don't forget that!!
Naughty Dog on Uncharted [Gamespot]

Tomb Raider Anniversary 360 Plans Fleshed Out

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:40:41 MDT

After a somewhat confusing reveal of Eidos' plans for Tomb Raider Anniversary on the Xbox 360, it appears that the remake of Lara Croft's original adventure has been nailed down. What was originally scheduled first as an Xbox Live Arcade release, one that requires ownership of Tomb Raider Legend, will come first as a standard retail release. Eidos will release Tomb Raider Anniversary for the 360 next week, October 23 in the U.S. and October 26th in Europe.

A pair of downloadable releases, still with the same Tomb Raider Legend requirement, will follow in November. Got it?

Lara Croft Hands-On Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:40:29 MDT

At Games Convention's press-only day, I got some hands-on impressions with Eidos' latest Lara Croft, Karima Adebibe, the eighth proper sequel in the Lara Croft franchise. In short, she smells like a coconut, might be a little too tanned and ultimately melanoma-ridden before she turns 25, and is doubly intimidating dual-wielding an English accent and model good-looks. The only downside to being in proximity of the current-gen Lara is how the DNA-driven bad art on the left just don't hold up in a side-by-side comparison.

Final score: A-

Writer Simone Talks Pre-Teen Raider

Brian Crecente — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:00:46 MDT

I'm sorta digging GameTap's Re\Visioned series. The idea is that they choose a iconic video game and hand the character over to ten teams of artists and writers to reimagine different elements of the icon. The ten-part Tomb Raider Re\Visioned animated series includes a number of interesting takes on the most famous video game heroine, including a humorous story of her untold young adulthood and more serious takes on her adventures, but by far the most interesting is Gail Simone's "Pre-Teen Raider" a look at Lara Croft as a young boisterous and sticky-fingered private school student.

The look of the young Croft and the short's script are both the product of Gaile Simone, who worked with Six Point Harness to put the six minute video together.

Simone, perhaps most known for her work on Birds of Prey and Wonder Woman, said she was approached by the GameTap folks because they were looking for someone with comic book experience. It was an added bonus that Simone also happens to be a big fan of the Tomb Raider video games.

"The very first Tomb Raider that came out, I played all of the way through," she said. "The last one, Legends, I played all the way through too. It was the first game I've played all the way through in a long time."

Simone, a feminist writer known for her talented comedy-action stories, said she was drawn to Croft because she wasn't the typical heroine.

"She's an adventurer, educated, classy, strong doesn't need to be rescued by someone else," she said. "She goes all over the world."

GameTap "asked me to pitch them a few concepts and (Pre Teen Raider) was my favorite," she said. "I thought it would be fun to explore what she would be like as a kid. I thought it would be a blast to show her that way."

And the end result it, an animated short that Simone describes as having a "lot of velocity. I'm excited about the visual look of it. It's very fun, it moves very fast, the jokes are funny."

Instead of trying to go back to the creative minds who initially gave life to Croft, Simone said she looked to the adult Croft for insight into what she would be like as a child.

"I just thought about how her character is as an adult," she said. "In order to grow up and have that personality what ideas she would have as a pre-teen."

I asked Simone if she was bothered by the seeming duality of Lara Croft's popularity. On the one hand she is popular because she is a representation of a smart, strong feminine hero, but on the other she is worshiped as a bombshell.

"I'm used to working with that," she said. "I write a lot of female strong feminine heroines. I'm not distributed by a female character being beautiful. I get disturbed by a bunch of video games that all look the same and all have the same focus."

While Pre-Teen Raider was a one off created for GameTap, Simone said it would make sense to turn into into a regular animated show.

"I think it would be fun."

Tome Raider

Lara Croft Raids Women's Only Beach With Sexy Results

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:40:44 MDT

Lara Croft (as portrayed by Karima Adebibe) took a break from promoting Tomb Raider: Anniversary to head to the beach—to promote Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This isn't any old regular beach, this is a beach for women only. Reminds me of a film series I enjoyed in college titled Where The Boys Aren't, but with safe for workiness.

Anyway, Adebibe stood next to some less-dressed ladies in Riccione, an "exclusive resort" in Rimini, Italy for a series of photo ops that will see Earth's horniest experience a renewed interest in the PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 and PSP game.

Further information you're not going to care about include that the beach's celebratory opening was held in conjunction with Miss Muretto, a beauty contest for "younger girls" and that the dude-free location has been dubbed Pink Beach.

What you probably will care about? Bonus pic after the jump!

Lara Croft! Hero of the ladies only beach! Michael McWhertor

Circuit City Sale

fdemarco — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 09:00:00 MDT

Circuit City is never really a place I think about going for games, but they do seem to have a lot of sales on them. This week they are running a special with all games $19.99 sold two for $30. They also seem to have Wii's in stock although by the time you read this they will most likely all be gone. Also available is Mario kart DS and New Super Mario Brothers for $26.25 each. As an added and rather humorous bonus. If you purchase a copy of Tomb Raider Anniversary, you get a free TR beach towel. Now you can finally fulfill your fantasy of getting on top of Lara Croft without resorting to dressing up that blow up doll in your closet. Flynn De Marco

[via GoNintendo]

Tomb Raider Anniversary (PS2)

Mark Wilson — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:30:11 MDT

Who can forget the first time they played Tomb Raider? Sure, we'd all seen 3D graphics before, but this game marks the industry's first attempt at serious, 3DD. If you beat the game, in many circles they'd consider you just "half a virgin". Oh, and the gameplay was revolutionary yada, yada, yada.

That's why we're so excited about $29.99 Tomb Raider: Anniversary for PS2, PC and PSP. Not only has the famous original title gotten a pretty makeover, but mechanics have been refined and...why don't you just hit the jump for our Frankenreview and hear more from people who've actually played the game?

Spong
As in Legend, Lara has a grappling device, this time it's a mechanical one, not the high-tech magnetic one she had last time. This is meant to be 1996 after all! However, Lara can now use her grappling hook to perform wall runs, which are great fun and a nice change to the normal jump-based navigation that we are all used to.

Computer And Videogames
While each level is bigger and more complex than those from original, you never feel lost or disorientated. The re-designed levels and puzzles have all been well thought out and implemented perfectly to suit Lara's smooth new moves.

Eurogamer
Although you can generally win out by diving around randomly and taking advantage of the generous lock-on, it's more fun...by performing the slo-mo 'adrenaline dodge'. It's not the usual lazy bullet time crap, but a genuinely tense, exciting way of capping a determined enemy just as they're about to pounce. Just as Lara dives out of the way, two reticules slowly move over the target, and once they're together you can loose off a deadly shot...

IGN
Plenty of times you'll be faced with a seemingly easy leap from a ledge to a landing, but the camera — which is almost always in too tight — will restrict you from being able to take in the whole scene. Most of the time it's just a nuisance, but sometimes it's going to be the motivator behind Lara's grisly demise. But, hey, that's Tomb Raider, right? Crystal Dynamics has done an excellent job at staying true to the original game — for better or worse.

Pro-G
If you imagine the 1996 game as a student film, this PS2 and PC modernisation is a big budget spectacular...Whereas the 32-Bit classic struggled to convey the size...Anniversary has no such problem...so large you'll wonder where to start....

Some reviewers can be SO distasteful. Still, Tomb Raider: Anniversary looks like another reason to dust off the PS2 (unless you have a decent PC because that version is nothing but better). Mark Wilson

Tomb Raider vs. Tomb Raider: Anniversary

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 31 May 2007 19:20:40 MDT

To say that I'm somewhat excited for Tomb Raider: Anniversary would be an understatement and an insult to your ability to read my posts over the past few weeks. While I'm not some dyed in the wool uber fan, I've got a soft spot for the original, so a chance to revisit the game with tolerable graphics is just my speed. Anyway, GameTrailers put together this spiffy clip comparing the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 versions showing just how far we've come graphically (even with a last-gen visual handicap) since the original. Lever switching and wolf slaughtering never looked so good. Michael McWhertor

GameTap's Latex Lara Clip (And Other Stuff)

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 31 May 2007 16:40:18 MDT

The folks at GameTap wanted to remind us that they've been working on a look back at the ten-year old Tomb Raider franchise, regularly releasing segments of the documentary online. Most importantly, they have video fo the multi-Lara Croft photoshoot that I posted yesterday. The full featurette featuring the five latex-clad Laras is scheduled to go live on June 5th, but you can get a sneak preview at the official GameTap site. It's an impressive show of models preening and posing in PVC and four inch heels and, at two minutes, plenty of time to get the job done. Michael McWhertor

10 Years of Tomb Raider [GameTap]

A Gathering Of Laras

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:20:12 MDT

After the release of the first Tomb Raider, it became clear that the anticipation surrounding each sequel was generally focused on which new real-life model could better squeeze herself into the official pair of Lara Croft short shorts. Always looking to outdo the previous Lara's ability to fill out the tight vinyl top, we've generally been more impressed with the successive twenty-something ladies than with the videogames themselves.

For the upcoming release of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Eidos has dug up most of the previous flesh and blood Lara Croft models, decked them out in slimming black vinyl and flattering lighting, then paid them to stand side-by-side for your gawking pleasure. IGN's got the exclusive pics of the Lara reunion, with one Lara, the semi-successful Rhona Mitra noticeably absent.

Even though we're one Lara short, it's nothing short of airbrushed perfection! Michael McWhertor

Lara Croft Reunion [IGN]

Tomb Raider Anniversary Gets Steamy

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:20:22 MDT

Eidos, a publisher well-represented on the Steam platform, is bringing Tomb Raider Anniversary to Valve's digital distribution service with pre-orders (and pre-loads) kicking off today. Like its more traditional paper and plastic sister releases, the download of the eleventh anniversary of Lara's original PC, PlayStation and Saturn outing will cost $29.95 USD and be available to play on June 5 in North and South America. According to Valve, other unspecified regions will get the game a few days earlier on June 1.

I'll hold off for the PS2 version, as I'm sadly well below the "recommended" PC specs for the game. Imagine that, owning a PC that can't handle Tomb Raider. Truly at rock bottom. Michael McWhertor

EIDOS TO DISTRIBUTE LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER: ANNIVERSARY ON STEAM

New installment in legendary game series available for pre-order

May 29, 2007 — Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, will release Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary on Steam, a leading digital distribution platform for PC games, on June 1 throughout most of the world and on June 5 in North and South America. Pre-orders start on May 29. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary joins a growing catalog of new and best-selling PC titles from Eidos available on Steam.

Inspired by the first Tomb Raider videogame, originally released in 1996, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a totally new 2007 adventure for Lara, faithfully preserving the elements which made the original Tomb Raider such a classic, selling over 7 million copies worldwide. The Tomb Raider series is still one of the best selling videogame franchises of all time with over 30 million copies sold and two major feature films released, starring Angelina Jolie.

Using an enhanced 'Tomb Raider Legend' game engine, the graphics, technology, physics and engine bring Lara's adventure and pursuit of a mystical artefact known only as the Scion right up to today's technology standards and will offer gamers a completely new gameplay experience.

Customers who purchase Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary via Steam benefit from fast downloads straight to their desktop with automatic updates and access to a massive gaming community. For more information, please visit: www.steamgames.com.

About Eidos Interactive Ltd
Eidos Interactive Ltd is part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG) one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software. Eidos consists of publishing operations across Europe and the US and several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Beautiful Game Studios, Eidos Studios Hungary, Eidos Sweden and Pivotal Games. The Group has a valuable combined portfolio of intellectual property including: Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex, Battlestations Midway, and Just Cause.

Tomb Raider Anniversary Gets Wii Port

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:40:18 MDT

Eidos is making one more stop on the Tomb Raider Anniversary cash-in tour, giving Wii owners a chance to relive Lara Croft's original PC and PlayStation adventure. The game is built on the Tomb Raider Legends engine, quite pretty I might add, and promises its share of Wii-remote and nunchuk specific controls.

Tomb Raider Anniversary will ship on the Wii well after the PC, PSP and PlayStation 2 editions which are scheduled for release next month. IGN has additional details in the form of an interview with Eidos' own Bill Gardner. Michael McWhertor

Eidos Talks Wii Lara Croft [IGN]

Tomb Raider Anniversary Brings Lara Back In June

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:20:37 MDT

To celebrate the momentous ten-year... wait, eleven-year anniversary of Lara Croft's PlayStation and PC debut, Eidos has gone back to the beginning. As you're probably well aware by now, Tomb Raider Anniversary is the remade, remixed revisit of the original Tomb Raider with updated graphics and gameplay.

It's been a bit delayed, obviously, but word from Eidos is that we can finally expect Lara's reimagined raids of Egypt, Peru, Greece and Atlantis to ship on June 5th for the PC and PS2. A PSP version is expected, but still not firmly dated.

Anyone else out there, desperately in need of some indigenous wildlife killing, picking this up? Michael McWhertor

Tomb Raider Anniversary [Eidos]

Larger Than Life-Size Lara Croft Statue

fdemarco — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 08:00:29 MST

Not to be outdone by the life-sized Link statue, here comes a 6'6" amazonian Lara Croft statue. The figure is currently on eBay where it has already received two bids and at the time of this article, the price was at a rather cheap $610 with a $200 shipping fee.

Seller, gmcrzy101, explains that this was a promotional statue for Tomb Raider: Legends and is made from fiberglass which brings her in at a petite 60 lbs. He apparently knows "someone in the game industry" who gave it to him and assures us that she is absolutely authentic and "NOT ONE OF THE FAKES THAT ARE OUT THERE!!!!!!" (The all caps and exclamation points are his) Damn, fake Lara Croft statues. I'll never fall into that trap again!

Ms. Croft is currently residing in Las Vegas, and if you live near by, she will allow you to come and pick her up and save the shipping fee. What you do with her from there is your business... Flynn De Marco

Lifesize Lara Croft Tomb Raider Statue [eBay]

Saturday Morning Fun: The Master Chief Dress Up Doll

fdemarco — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 09:00:28 MST

Ah, this hearkens back to the days when my game closet only had board games and Colorforms ruled the day. I always loved Colorforms and you could safely play with them without being considered too girly. They were really just the boy version of paper dolls, but shhhhh, don't tell anyone.

Believe it or not, there is a whole website devoted to these virtual Coloforms/paper dolls. It seems several artists have created these "dress up dolls" of various characters and genres and they even have a small collection of video game subjects. Master Chief, of course, is there along with Sora, Sonic's friend Amy and a terribly rendered Lara Croft. There are also scenes that you can make that cover Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy 7 and 9 and even a video arcade.

After you complete you masterpiece, you can get a link code to send to your friends so everyone can enjoy your creation. So let's see what you guys can come up with and paste those links into the comments. And despite what tipster Juan seems to think, this is not "gay". Really... I swear. Flynn De Marco

Character Dollz:
Master Chief
Sora
Amy
Lara Croft
[Cartoon Doll Emporium]

Clips: Tomb Raider Anniversary Trailer

fdemarco — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 10:00:08 MST

Crystal Dynamics and Eidos are teaming together again for a new Tomb Raider. This time it's to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hit or miss franchise and we now get to see some footage from the upcoming Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Lara has undergone yet another transformation for the new game, looking smoother and more realistic than she did in Tomb Raider: Legend.

The game itself is a sort of redux of the original using a lot of the same environment and enemies albeit with a new and improved graphical look. Lara herself has even reverted back to her old blue t-shirt look. The trailer looks pretty amazing, let's just hope the game lives up to it. Flynn De Marco

The Chinese Lara Croft Hunt

Mike Fahey — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:40:44 MST

With Tomb Raider: Legend soon being released in China, Sina.com, the massive Chinese-language entertainment news site, decided to search for the Chinese Lara Croft. Apparently Karima Adebibe wasn't good enough for them. The contest is featured on a section of their site called, oddly enough, PlayGirl, which is now one of my Firefox bookmarks. The winner receives a cash prize and a photo extra included in the game.

Unfortunately I do not speak Chinese, and the only person I know who does is a woman who would be highly offended by me asking to translate an article about scantily clad women, so I have no idea if the contest is still running, or if not, who won. I think most of us can agree, however, that when adorable Asian women dress up like Lara Croft, we all win. Michael Fahey

Sina.com's Chinese Lara Croft Gallery [via Shanghailist}

Mario Makes Made-Up Forbes Rich List

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 07:20:41 MST

File this under pointless at best. Mario joins The Forbes Fictional 15. The list's top five include "Daddy" Warbucks, Montgomery Burns, Scrooge McDuck, Richie Rich and Jed Clampett. In at 14 comes Lara Croft, followed closely by Mario. Geddit? They're not real. A rich list of characters who don't exist. HOW AMUSING.

Forbes, your source all things money related, even meaningless crap like this. Brian Ashcraft

Fake People's Wealth [Forbes, Thanks Leslee!]