Elegantly Wasted with Rise of the Tomb Raider

10:08 pm HelenLJohnson 0 Comments


I won’t lie, when I saw the new screenshots from ROTTR, I squee’ed a little. A whole month of Tomb Raider from Game Informer! Think of the stories! Think of the speculations! Most importantly, think of that cosplay goodness. The new t-shirts, new boots, new holster, new bow; I can hear the money leaving my bank account right now.

However, hold on there little bank account with your eBay password knowledge…something isn’t right. My relationship with this game is very different to Tomb Raider games previously, the problem being that right now I’m sat next to a PS4.

Whoops.

Yes, I was very annoyed when it was announced that ROTTR would be exclusive to the Xbox One, mainly because they let the all platform hype train leave the station with the the first teaser, then kicked off two thirds at the next stop. While I wouldn’t say I’m a complete Sony fangirl, I was even considering Xbox One before launch, I do prefer PlayStation simply because the controller fits better in my hands and my tastes seem to go with Sony exclusives more than Microsoft.

Until now then eh? Heh…..never mind….

I raged, of course I did. My Tumblr post was continually reposted that showed Lara shooting herself with an arrow. That was honestly how I felt, that the franchise was killing itself and the community. I have said to this day, that the Tomb Raider community is one of the most supportive and creative out there. I wondered what would happen to Katie’s Tomb Raider site now she couldn’t take PC screenshots or the millions of fans who were introduced to the franchise through the PlayStation One era and just kind of grew up with the relationship. I ranted on Twitter, there was no chance that I was going to make a Rise cosplay. It would just be wrong.
 The sad thing is, as all the rage calmed down after a few months and ROTTR became a timed exclusive (maybe), I kind of understand the business decision behind it. I know how badly games can be budgeted which has a knock on effect on future titles. I know that sometimes, the decision that is best for the business isn’t always the best for the game or the community. I hate that I am saying that, and my heart doesn’t want to accept it. We have to accept that games are a business, a large player in the entertainment industry. Of course I didn’t want Tomb Raider to be an exclusive, I certainly don’t like it, but I can understand why.

Move forward to the start of this month. I am putting in plans for my 2015 costumes and there is a glaring omission. I see screenshots and detailed breakdowns of the current Rise outfit and I want to make it; but how can I make something that I may not have the chance of playing? I’m pretty strict with my costume creation, I need to play the game before I make something so I can understand how the fabric may move and what happens in-game that may affect the look of the outfit. I also like to get into character even if I am not creating a skit for a masquerade; psychology and ideologies of a character feeds into the cosplay process. So it is safe to say, the cosplay side is having a bit of a battle with the Lara fangirl!

I can’t lie, I’m fascinated by what has come out so far; but it doesn’t feel the same as TR9 did and I don’t think it ever will even if Square Enix end up with the rights for PS4 and PC while Microsoft has XB1. Elegantly wasted perfectly describes how I feel at the moment in regards to ROTTR, what is being produced looks good and is very slickly done in comparison to last year. We even have a new film mentioned in the Yamatai gossip towers (with a whole host of potential issues that is irrelevant here). Yet it is still tied to it’s past mistakes.

However, let’s face it. It’s Tomb Raider, we’ve been through similar if not worse situations and we are still here after nearly 20 years. That has to count for something right?



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Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Raider in your Life

7:44 pm HelenLJohnson 1 Comments

Oh dear, it is two days until Valentines day and you have yet to buy a present for the raider in your life. Never fear, here are some emergency options that you can buy right now, no internet needed! Please note that these are UK biased, because that is where I live! However hopefully you can find similar/same items wherever in the world you are :) (mostly!).

1. Green Parker Jacket

Pretty sure the most influential trend forecaster is a Tomb Raider fan; these Rise-esque jackets have been everywhere this autumn/winter season. A few now are also on sale, so not only is it practical and very Tomb Raidery but can also save you a few pennies.



Left:Female jacket from Dorothy Perkins (£40.00) Right:Male Jacket from River Island (£60.00)

2. Grand Thieves and Tomb Raider - How British Video Games Took Over the World

Fantastic book that discusses, in length, how Tomb Raider brought innovation to the gaming industry; and Lara's place during the Cool Britannia period. To be honest, it is fascinating book all round and only £4.99 in 'The Works' bookshop at the moment. However you can also pick it up in larger 'Waterstones' stores.  

3. Put together a Lara survivor box

As easy as going to your local supermarket, put together a mini hamper that has lots of goodies that have that Lara or British edge. For example you could have a box of Earl Grey, some posh biscuits, a tin of beans (for anyone who remembers the original bio ;) ) and a small Victoria sponge that you could easily make yourself if you wanted. Find a box, wrap it in brown paper, distress and add optional blood effects, tie it up with string et voila! The possibilities are endless with these! Try a Japanese themed Legend box or Italian box based on the Venice levels in Tomb Raider 2.





 4. A leather bound notepad

As seen in the reboot, every Tomb Raider fan needs a fancy leather notebook! If you hadn't left it so late, there are a vast array of these online at various prices. However for the highstreet, you will have to stump up a bit of cash for some Italian leather luxury. A good place to look, if you live near a city or large town, are the Fairtrade shops, such as 'Smaller World' or Fairtrade stalls on markets. Very often they stock leather goods including notepads. Otherwise, head to your nearest department store.


Amalfi Wrap Journal from John Lewis (£29.99)

5. A fittings pack for the Lara cosplayer

Is the love of your life a Lara cosplayer? Then one of the most useful things you can buy them is a bag full of fixtures! These include D-rings, large lobster clasps, carabiners, magnetic closers and  black velcro. You could also buy some silver spray paint, medium brown and black thread and some black acrylic paint with a brush set. Lara cosplayers eat through these things, so we would be forever grateful!


There are so many gift ideas I found while writing this that I definitely need to return soon to put together Gifts for Croftys volume two, which would feature items available from the internet! Hopefully you have found a little inspiration from this and I wish you a Happy Valentines day...that is after you have celebrated Lara's birthday...obviously....


from tombraidergifs.tumblr





  

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