On October 11th, 2016, Lara Croft will once again thrill her fans. Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix are delivering a bundle of treats to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Tomb Raider, and all the iterations of the iconic adventurer from then to now. See the official announcement below.
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'RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER: 20 YEAR CELEBRATION'
The list of bonus features for this new adventure is impressive and the anticipation is already building with the release of trailers and some hands-on sneak peak that some media members were able to enjoy. A few of the features that have been announced so far include a re-release of the award-winning 2015 action-adventure video game Rise Of The Tomb Raider, a co-op mode, the much talked about Playstation VR mode, and and exploration of the iconic Croft Manor in both, the Blood Ties single-player story mode and the zombie-fighting experience Lara's Nightmare.
Throughout the years, fans have experienced Croft Manor in numerous ways. It served as a training ground in the first three games, and has been featured in the Tomb Raider movies. In Lara's Nightmare, however, players will, for the first time, be able to fight off zombies.
This exciting experience will appeal to fans of the early games that spent hours exploring Croft Manor while perfecting her jumps and climbing abilities. But more importantly, it is an effective draw for fans of another iconic heroine - Resident Evil's Jill Valentine.
Watching the trailer, there is a heavy resonance between Tomb Raider's exploration of Croft Manor in Lara's Nightmare and Resident Evil's exploration of Spencer Mansion in Lost In Nightmares. Check out the similarities and decide if this was coincidence or planned.
'Lara's Nightmare'
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'Lost In Nightmares'
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What other similarities exist between these two franchises?
THE ACTRESSES
From low-res polygon graphics to hi-def motion capture, both heroines have transformed over the years. But, more than their graphics have evolved. Gone are the disproportionate figures in mini-skirts and booty-shorts. The sexified versions of these heroines have evolved into tactically trained ass-kicking fighters with outfits more complimentary to hand-to-hand combat. That isn't to say that both characters aren't still sexy. The sexiness is definitely there, but it appeals to a broader audience of fans that includes both sexes now.
Both Lara and Jill have been played by and modeled after established actors. Jill Valentine was modeled after actress Julia Voth - are the initials a coincidence? Julia is also known for the cult-classic movie Bitch Slap, among many other film and television projects. Julia is also a self-proclaimed gamer that has been known to attend comic-con's in full Jill Valentine cosplay.
Lara Croft is brought to life by actress Camilla Luddington, who is best known for her recurring role as Dr. Jo Wilson on Grey's Anatomy, as well as the television shows True Blood and Californication. Fans of Justice league Dark might also recognize her as the voice of Zatanna.
THE MANSIONS
Croft Manor
In Rise Of Tomb Raider there are two distinct features that allow fans to experience Croft Manor. In the Blood Ties content, Lara's uncle has laid claim to Croft Manor, serving her with an eviction notice. Players move Lara through the mansion in VR mode, attempting to discover clues that will help her keep the mansion. In the Lara's Nightmare content players have to move through the mansion while fending off waves of zombies that her uncle refer to as the mansions 'guardians'.
Spencer Mansion
While Resident Evil 5: Lost In Nightmares players move through Spencer Mansion in search of Umbrella Founder Albert Wesker, to arrest him. While moving through the mansion they must fight off the 'Guardians' of Insanity, before a boss fight with Wesker.
While Lara's Nightmare is only one part of the 20th Anniversary bundle, the Resident Evil feel is obvious. And, why not? Lara fighting off zombies is a new experience for fans that will have a broad appeal, and with the rest of the content, will make this one of the best Tomb Raider experiences ever.
Need more Jill and Lara in your life? Check out these other articles:
The Talented Sexy Actresses Behind Lara Croft and Jill Valentine
Alicia Vikander Cast As Lara Croft
Resident Evil 6 Trailer
Are you excited for 'Lara's Nightmare' or has fighting zombies been played out? Let us know your opinion in the comments section.