Katie Fleming (Tomb Raider fan fiction writer) was interviewed for Green Pixels a few weeks back. You can view the article here. However they only used a few lines, with permission from Katie we are allowed to publish the full unedited article. Thanks Katie!
1. When you think of Lara Croft, what comes to mind? When you think of Tomb Raider, what comes to mind? Are they different?
When I think of Lara Croft, I instantly think of an incredible character who can achieve anything. She's such an inspiration - she has goals and literally stops at nothing to ensure her success. She is smart, beautiful, adventurous, a risk-taker, and incredibly witty. I have been a gamer for awhile and have never experienced any other game with a character I've had such passion for. She is fearless and remarkable in so many ways.
When I think of Tomb Raider, I picture Lara and all of her adventures.
Tomb Raider, for me, means escaping from my day-to-day life and being able to go on adventures around the globe. Tomb Raider has opened up so many doors - enabling me to learn about past civilizations and ancient locales. The game brings so many locations to light and reveals these beautiful locations from around the world.
My perception of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider are relatively the same – they go hand in hand. Lara offers opportunity for players to go on exciting adventures while learning about different civilizations, locales, treasure, and legends. There really isn't anywhere Lara can't go – the games feature well-known, and hidden locations that really open up player's eyes to the endless possibilities for adventure.
2. Does Lara Croft need to change, or does Tomb Raider need to change?
Lara Croft is an amazing character that was created with exceptional
talent. Her original history, created by Core Design was captivating, full of potential, and truly made who fans know Lara to be. I believe Crystal Dynamics taking over the series stunted who she is, and therefore, Tomb Raider, the (future) game, needs to change.
Fans of the original series (TR1-6) love these games for the dynamic and original storylines, but most importantly, the character. Lara is
irreplaceable and I believe when Crystal Dynamics created a new history
for her, the series lost a lot of fans. Why fix something that isn't
broken? If Crystal can re-create the atmosphere, storylines, and be true to the Lara fans know, I'm sure the series will be strong for sometime.
3. Lara Croft used to be a highly sexualized video game character. Do you think that's still true (see: Tomb Raider Legend/Underworld)?
I believe Lara has been portrayed in various ways throughout the years.
When the game was first developed and released it was uncommon to have a woman starring as the main character in a video game. At that time the video game industry was heavily male-oriented, and it probably made sense to advertise her in this fashion.
However, after the first couple of Tomb Raider games, fans were in love
with the character - and I believe the sexual aspect of the advertising
died down. Fans were in love with the games for their storylines, vast
locations around the world, array of vehicles, and learning more and more about their favourite heroine from game-to-game.
I know when Crystal Dynamics assumed the role of game developers for Tomb Raider they wanted to tone down the sex appeal by covering her up a bit. I do feel they've backtracked with their latest instalment, Underworld, as skimpier outfits were present. I write fans from all around the world, and the general consensus I seemed to receive was that fans were disappointed with her new attire. They felt it was ridiculous to have her going on adventures in skimpy clothing, because, quite simply, it is totally unrealistic.
Fans are very protective of Lara and I believe while there will always be a sex appeal to Lara, Crystal Dynamics needs to tone it down and let fans be excited by who the character is and what she represents - not what she looks like in inappropriate outfits.
4. Would you play a Tomb Raider game that didn't star Lara Croft? Is she the most important part of the franchise?
This question kind of has two sides...would I play Tomb Raider if
ORIGINALLY it didn't star Lara Croft? I'd say absolutely. When I found out about Tomb Raider I didn't know a thing about it - I was sorting through various games and came across it. What captured my interest was the story on the box - I've always been fascinated with Egypt and tombs and the title/storyline was what caught my interest. I have been playing games since I was very young and all of them featured male characters, so it wasn't that there was a female on the cover, but it was about what the game had to offer.
Now if you were to ask me if they wanted to change the character I'd say absolutely not. Lara IS Tomb Raider. In fact, she is so prominent in our minds that they cut off her head for the box art of the latest game. People know who she is, and there is a direct correlation between Tomb Raider and Lara.
I loved how Core Design incorporated a new playable character in the Angel of Darkness, and how it intertwined seamlessly with the storyline. Something like that, if it were done properly could be interesting again, but as long as Lara is the main star, I'm in.
5. Eidos is supposed to be rebooting Tomb Raider with the next installment. What's your advice?
I'm actually thrilled that Eidos and Crystal Dynamics are going to be
doing a little revamping to the series. While the games they have produced have been good, they really do not have the same feel as the original series. A lot of fans have been giving their input, and if they listen, I believe they are more than capable of making a great game. If they can somehow recapture the essence of the originals, and be true to who the character is, they will not only see praise from the fans, but an INCREASE of the fan base as well.
My advice to Crystal would be to replay the Tomb Raider games - all of
them. Then they need to ask themselves, what makes this game good? Why are fans so loyal to Lara? What is it about Lara that truly inspires people? What can we do with modern technology that couldn't be done before, but stays true to the series? If Crystal can answer these questions, they'll nail it.
6. How long have you been writing about Lara Croft?
I wrote my first story in 2000 when I was about 13 years old. I've penned a total of 12 stories to date, averaging one story a year. I won the worldwide fan fiction contest hosted by Core Design, was an invited author in the first edition of Tales of Lara Croft, and was interviewed for the Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary Retrospective Documentary which was released with Tomb Raider Anniversary.
I have had tons of fun with writing stories, and a lot of unexpected
success. Employees at Core Design and fans from all around the world have read my stories. My goal has always been to write new adventures for Lara that holds true to the series, and the character. I receive excellent feedback on a continual basis from fans who believe I capture this perfectly, and that's the best reward I could receive. Writing Tomb Raider stories enables me to keep the character alive, and create new adventures for myself, and other fans to enjoy. I'm currently in the preliminary stages of my next story, and plan to write for many more years to come!
We have new news on series 3 of Ashes to Ashes which stars Lara Croft voice; Keeley Hawes. There are several new photos of the show behind the scenes. The photos feature Keeley and her character's new 1983 style which has over the last three years has changed. The hairstyle of her character is similar to her own style. You can view the images at contactmusic.com by clicking here.
I would just like to say a Happy Birthday to two of my friends who have been involved in helping me to make this site. Katie celebrated her birthday yesterday. She is the co-owner of tombraiders.net and is one of the nicest people I have met. Happy belated birthday!
