Imagine Lara Croft, but not as you know her. Instead of the tough, resourceful Brit, envision an anime character ripped from the pages of Final Fantasy. It sounds like fan fiction, but this alternate reality almost materialized thanks to internal pressure at Core Design.
Lara Croft has captivated gamers for nearly three decades. Like dedicated archaeologists, fans have continued to excavate Croft’s origins, recently unearthing surprising intel: Lara almost resembled someone who wouldn’t seem out of place in Final Fantasy VII.
Yep, you heard right. Core Design seriously considered giving gaming’s ultimate survivor a Tifa Lockhart makeover.
At first glance, it might appear to be just another piece of fan art. However, this anime-inspired design was a real possibility before the ’96 release. Paul Douglas, co-creator at Core Design, explained on Bluesky that the team created these designs due to concerns that the original Lara model wouldn’t resonate with Japanese audiences. Toby Gard, Lara’s creator, stood firm, agreeing only to a more Japanese-friendly manual.
The internet has opinions, naturally.
The road not traveled
I saw an interesting street art mural recently: a portrait of a familiar face, but rendered in an entirely different style. It made me think about identity and how much it’s tied to presentation.
ResetEra users confessed a preference for the anime art’s “Tetsuya Nomura vibe.” Perhaps those unfamiliar with the series found the anime style more appealing. The anime-fied CGI model, however, drew criticism, with many calling it nightmarish. That’s problematic because it’s the model players would see in the game. Personally, I was taken aback by the positive reaction to the artwork. It’s a fairly generic design, especially when compared to the iconic Lara we know.
One astute observation noted how 90s-era anime-fication often led to the reduction of a character’s…assets.
Another user, Sharky, pointed out a resemblance between the prototype anime Lara and Lara’s doppleganger from the original Tomb Raider. Spooky.
That’s a very cutsy Lara that’s supposed to be fighting skinless monsters in Atlantis Or maybe the monsters should have kawaii eyes, too? …Wait a minute…
Is this Tomb Raider’s true Last Revelation?
I think about how small changes early in a product’s development can cause enormous shifts later on. It’s like a pebble starting an avalanche.
Since 1996, we’ve uncovered numerous stories about Lara Croft’s development. For example, she was almost “Laura Cruz,” an adventurer from South America. Allegedly, the name changed due to concerns about Americans mispronouncing “Laura,” leading to her British identity. Another rumor suggests one of Lara’s defining features resulted from a developer accidentally exaggerating a character slider and liking the outcome.
Those anecdotes are interesting, but this brush with anime is truly something else, especially in today’s gaming landscape.
Why is Lara Croft so popular?
Lara Croft’s enduring appeal stems from a combination of factors. She’s a self-sufficient adventurer, exploring dangerous locales. Her intelligence, athleticism, and unwavering determination resonate with players. Plus, the Tomb Raider games blended action, puzzle-solving, and exploration in a way that captivated audiences.
What was the original Tomb Raider based on?
The original Tomb Raider drew inspiration from several sources, including Indiana Jones. Core Design sought to create a character that was both resourceful and intelligent, capable of surviving in hostile environments. The game’s focus on exploration and ancient mysteries also contributed to its unique identity.
How much is the Tomb Raider franchise worth?
Estimates vary, but the Tomb Raider franchise is thought to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars (€100s of millions). This includes game sales, movie adaptations, merchandise, and other associated revenue streams. The series continues to be a significant property in the entertainment industry.
This anime-inspired Lara Croft is a bizarre “what if?” scenario. But it serves as a reminder: even iconic characters can take unexpected turns. Was dodging the anime bullet a lucky escape, or a missed opportunity?