They’d rather explore their ”version of sexy” which is throwing Lara through ”tough situations” and showing her vulnerable side as she copes.
”As far as sex appeal, we are always thinking about making a character that people want to play, and part of that is a level of attractiveness and being drawn to Lara,” said art director Brian Horton of Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics.
”But we don’t want to play up sexuality for sexualities sake. We are constantly talking about context and motivation on this project. If for any reason we wanted to put her in a situation that would be alluring, it isn’t to be alluring. It would be because the situation called for it.”
“Lara is a lover of archaeology and she has these book smarts. Her brains are another huge part of her sex appeal. She is an attractive girl who doesn’t play up her looks, but she is super smart and she is very ambitious.”
It’s her ‘toughness’ that Crystal wants to explore and show fans.
”Ultimately, what I think is going to be compelling about this – and what our version of sexy is – is the toughness through adverse conditions,” he said.
“Seeing her survive through these moments. Her skin is still bare on the arms and there are going to be rips and tears on her clothes, but it won’t be about being revealing. It’s a way of saying that through these tough situations, there is a beauty and vulnerability coming through. I think that is sexy in its own way.”
“There is a different tone we are going for across the board, and Lara Croft as a sex object isn’t our goal,” he said. “No unlockable bikinis.” The PC modding community might have something to say about that. An all-new adventure has been revealed for Lara.
Crystal Dynamics are making ‘Tomb Raider’ which is an origins story for Lara Croft, where she finds herself shipwrecked on a remote island and is forced to scavenge to survive. It’s in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC and has been given no date.
