LARA SCOOPS ANOTHER
WINNER
Copyright 2000 www.tombraiderchronicles.com
[ November 1st 2000 ]
The Croft
Manor trophy cabinet welcomes it's newest addition
in the form of Gamespot UK's Top Ten Best Female
Character, awarded to Tomb Raider star Lara Croft,
the spellbinding adventurer one step ahead of
Van Croy and soon to make her fifth debut as Eidos
Interactive archaeologist heroine in Chronicles.
Her fearless deductive skills have enthralled
a divided generation, and compels a new audience
into a torrent of adventure and intrigue, battling
the covenants of the globe in search of ancient
artifacts.
No other
computer-game female character has attracted as
much attention - and caused as much controversy
- as the Tomb Raider series' leading lady, Lara
Croft. Certainly, Lara Croft doesn't leave most
people indifferent; most seem to either love her
or hate her. Those who dislike Lara usually take
issue with her physical representation. She's
got what some call the virtual Barbie syndrome
- she has unrealistic physical proportions that
conform to a male standard of beauty. Lara's supporters
counter these criticisms by highlighting her profession,
her education, and her strong personality - she's
the female equivalent to Indiana Jones, one of
the most famous male pop icons.
Lara
Croft made her starring debut in Tomb Raider,
battling the elements and dodging boulders and
spikes in search of the Atlantian Scion. Her sequel
saw her quest for the Dagger of Xian begin at
the Great Wall of China and travel the continents
fighting off Bartolli and his Fiama Nera. Tomb
Raider 3 introduced a five continent strategy,
which included Area 51 and the South Pacific Islands,
and saw Lara frequent London, UK, and India.
The Last
Revelation was by far the longest instalment to
date, a game riddled with puzzle and intrigue,
and married Lara with her arch rival Van Croy.
It's timely demise saw Core's heroine trapped
in the Temple of Horus, where the closing episode
raised the fear that Lara Croft may have finally
met her match. Chronicles returns this November,
featuring four flashback adventures with 20 sublevels,
and is a marriage of experience, architectural
makeover and another chance to see Gamespot Top
Ten Female perform before the Next Generation
sees it's 2001 PS2 release.
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