PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
Murti AoD development diary
[DEVELOPMENT DIARY-V2]
01-July-2000
"SETTING A STORY
July 2000
Various starts on the story were made prior to July but what became clear was that a really strong story line was needed to reflect the newer darker vision of Lara that we wanted to generate. There was never any attempt to jettison the traditional Tomb Raider elements that made it unique and appealing. We wanted to keep what was best and push it into a whole new arena of gameplay.
Basic ideas would be put forward at meetings, discussed and noted. Then a rough plot of the story elements would be prepared and brought to the next meeting. This would be torn to shreds and the process repeated. As some elements became more established character names, viable locations, promising plot situations and exciting concepts would be entered onto flow charts. From these anchor points the various story threads were fleshed out. We knew where we wanted to go and the style we were after.
Film, comic and game references were the vocabulary shorthand used to communicate distilled moods we were aiming for, the kind of action we hoped to incorporate into the gameplay. The references were wide ranging from Alien to Hellboy, from Blade Runner to Blade, from Indiana Jones to Usual Suspects. A lot if ideas were thrown into the pot, considered, rejected, amended, revived and eventually incorporated.
We felt that if Lara was framed for something darkly disturbing and we could introduce some ambiguity about her guilt it would create opportunities for surprises and plot reversals as the story evolved. A particularly film noir, gothic aspect would be established by introducing a trail of grisly serial murders in a rain sodden capital. Lara would have to unravel the shadowy events threatening to engulf her. And if we introduced a new hero to share some of Lara’s action scenarios the possibilities were enormous. That’s how Kurtis came into being. A detailed background history was incorporated into the mythos of the story to give him weight and a richly detailed past to draw on.
What began to emerge was thrilling. There were enough strong themes to span two or even three Tomb Raider games. We were developing a near immortal villain, the lost technology of alchemic processes, an ancient order of guardians and a search for objects of occult power hidden in a series of paintings. This was all placed in a present day world that was dark and threatening, reeking of Noir influences. We wanted every story element to be based on something real or recorded, actual or mythical. Extensive research was done before anything was settled on.
A great deal of background material was generated. There were extensive characters’ biographies and flowcharts of historical events to ensure that all story elements were consistent. Many story lines that will never appear in the game were fleshed out to give authenticity to the characters and situations in Angel Of Darkness. We didn’t want anything gratuitous to appear in the game. Everything had to have coherence..."
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Tomb Raider Next Gen Project Outline
[T-R-short-bumf]
10-July-2000
"Tomb Raider – The Next Generation
Project Outline
Tomb Raider is Lara at her classic best with unprecedented levels of character interaction in incredibly detailed environments and a revitalized vision of our gutsy heroine relying on her ingenuity and athleticism as well as her proficiency with a brace of 45 calibre automatics.
Lara is retired from front-line tomb-busting after nearly losing her life in Egypt but finds herself drawn reluctantly into the sinister shadow-world of a parallel modern Europe. There is more than a passing similarity here to the crumbling, plague ridden realities that lurked beneath the shining façade of Renaissance Europe in the 1400’s.
This Dark Renaissance resurfaced at the end of the war when Germany was being overrun by the Allies. During extensive Aerial bombardments a malignant force kept contained by an ancient order, The Lux Veritatis, escaped. The archaic safeguard of world order had failed and the re-establishment of a demonic hierarchy in the present becomes a real danger.
Time-withered evil can and does walk abroad in the modern world wearing suits and carrying laptops, even when leaving a trail of grisly artifact related murders in its trail. Lara must pursue her quarry through the ancient libraries and forgotten quarters of crumbling European capitols to the sinister Gathering of the Seven set in the fabled subterranean cities of Anatolia in central Turkey."
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Lara Croft: A New Legend pitch
[BUMF-Legend-2]
06-September-2000
LARA
CROFT - A NEW LEGEND
LARA IS HARDER, DARKER AND MUCH CHANGED AFTER HER
EXPERIENCES IN EGYPT. DRAWN RELUCTANTLY INTO A SINISTER SHADOW WORLD,
SHE IS ON THE RUN AND FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE.
DISCREDITED AND FRAMED BY A DARK FORCE SHE DOESN’T
UNDERSTAND THERE ARE NEW RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AS A FUGITIVE. HARD
RULES, RULES YOU HAVE TO LEARN - FAST.
CUT OFF FROM ALL HER USUAL SUPPORT AND HUNTED AS A
SERIAL KILLER THERE ARE ONLY THREE THINGS ON HER MIND:
- CLEARING HER NAME
- REVENGE
- DECIDING WHO TO HIT THE HARDEST
Lara
Croft – A New Legend
is Lara at her classic best relying on her ingenuity and athleticism
as well as her proficiency with hardware. But more than that she
faces more evolved characters and situations calling for more
involved decision making. Upgrading her trademark style and look and
dropping her into a bombshell scenario calls for a new
resourcefulness making her a stronger more complex heroine– a New
Legend.
The
first adventure
of the new generation is part of an epic storyline arcing over
several games. This creates the opportunity to develop engaging and
long lasting characters, possibly with spin-off series (Kurtis
Trent). Broadreaching scenarios with cliffhanger situations can be
picked up and expanded on in progressive games.
There
will be a richness and depth
to the characters and storylines based on detailed backstories and
personal and historical contexts. This will create enormous scope for
website autobiographies, supplementary chapters, previously
undisclosed incidents, extra playable levels, additional clues and
puzzles and a wealth of other material to be downloaded from the net
and pored over. This will be Lara as you have never seen her before.
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Game title ideas
[TITLES-v7A]
24-July-2001
"TITLES FOR T.R. 6 NEXT GEN.
- REGENERATION
- DOOMSIGNS
- SAVAGE CITY
- LARA CROFT : WANTED
- FALLEN ANGEL
- A NEW CHAPTER
- LARA
- FORBIDDEN LEGACY
- DARK RENAISSANCE
- LIFE CHARTS
- A NEW LEGEND
- EVIL REBORN
- SHADOWS OF TRUTH
- ANGELIC SEED
- HIDDEN AGENDAS
- BITTER REALMS
- NEW BEGINNINGS
- DARK TRUTHS
- INHERIT THE EARTH
- SHADOW LIVES
- SECOND GENERATIONS
- THE LYING LIGHT
- RAIDERS LEGACY
- SHADOW OF ANGELS
- DEADLY PACTS
- THE MORTAL ANGEL WARS
- INVISIBLE TRACKS
- RESURRECTION OF SHADOWS
- LOST DAYS
- SHADOW OF THE MONSTRUM
- ANGELS AND ALCHEMY
- DRASTIC REVISIONS
- SHADOW SEED
- DARK ANGEL..."
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Lara Croft: A New Legend pitch UPDATED
[Twopara-pitch-v5]
25-July-2001
"LARA CROFT – A NEW LEGEND
(Tomb Raider VI)
A series of grisly murders brings Lara into conflict with a sinister figure from the past and a group calling themselves The Cabal. This secret alliance of powerful individuals protects the serial killer, an Alchemist, who has promised them longevity and dreams of reviving an ancient race from pre-biblical times. According to ancient records this race - the Nephilim - were the descendants of angels and mortals and possessed secrets and powers worth the price of your soul.
At the centre of the mysteries are five fourteenth century paintings, which the Alchemist is desperate to repossess. Lara is framed when the Alchemist murders her one time mentor Von Croy and has to go on the run. Pursued by the police she follows the Alchemist’s trail from Paris and confronts him in Prague where plans to reawaken and exploit the powers and secrets of the Nephilim race are already well advanced.
It is up to Lara to defeat the unholy alliance and stop the Alchemist and his Cabal from unleashing their incredible alchemic powers on the world."
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Promo text
[PROMO-TEXT-v3]
18-March-2002
"PROMO TEXT
INTRO:
“Born of dark and shunning light ye seek what truth be hid in treacherous night.” - The Accursed, Blake.
“Expelled from heaven the Watchers walked amongst men, and upon the Earth bred a curse, an abomination of shadow.” - Enochian Gospels.
“In the darkest recess of every human soul slumbers the shadow of evil.” - Werner Von Croy
“Through the Golden Lion will the Accursed inherit the Earth and enslave all humanity.” - The Prophecies, Bishop Garbedian.
“Cast from darkness and formed of night fears, our horror approaches, furnace eyed and terrible.” - The Prophecies, Bishop Garbedian.
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” - William Blake.
FOUR FADE-INS DURING THE INTRO
FALLEN FROM LIGHT.
REBORN IN SHADOW.
HAUNTED BY MEMORIES
CONFRONTED BY EVIL"
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E3 Lara Q&A V1
[Digi Lara Q]
14-May-2002
"Digi Lara Q&A
How does it feel to be real?
It gives me much more freedom of expression. How do you think I look now??
Can I look at your shoes?
No, I’ve designed them myself, and I don’t want to find replicas of them in a Gap store next week, thank you.
When do we get to see the rest of you?
In time….
Why have you chosen to reveal yourself to us now?
What do you think, silly, I’m plugging TR: AoD.
Do you think that being able to speak to your fans will change their perception of you?
My fans have always been incredibly supportive, and now they will know that I am just as intelligent as I am deadly.
What are you up to these days? –
I’m taking a break from my latest adventure to visit my fans in LA @ E3 2002.
Do you feel better having gotten through your latest adventure? - ADRIAN
Are you dating anyone? - ADRIAN
Do you prefer British men to American men? - ADRIAN
So, what are your weapons of choice these days? Why? - ADRIAN
Who is your favorite designer? - ADRIAN
Are there other outfits you’d like to get into? - ADRIAN
What do you do to relax? - ADRIAN
What kind of books do you read? - ADRIAN..."
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E3 Lara Q&A V2
[Digi Lara EXTRA]
14-May-2002
"LARA CROFT
FAQ – E3 May 2002
Q: What have you been up to since Tomb Raider Chronicles?
A: It’s still a really difficult time for me to talk about. Let’s say the experiences really changed me and my outlook on life. In no way was it a rest. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness is just the first part of my story since 2000.
Q: Are you the Angel of Darkness?
A: Do you think of me as an angel? Surely not! It’ll really be for you to discover when you play the game later in the year.
Q: Your look has changed. Why?
A: Yes, my look has changed since the latest game. I think I look the best
I ever have. I’m now made of over 5,000 polygons as opposed to just 500 in previous games. But inside I’m no longer the person I was.
Q: What new things can we expect from your latest game?
A: Well, It relies on my ingenuity and athleticism – which believe me I really
need as hunter and hunted. I now have the ability to interact with characters and the choice of which path to take. I also face more evolved characters and situations. I certainly have a new resourcefulness which makes me stronger and more complex.
Incidentally, the game has a brand new engine built from the ground up to fully utilise the power of the PlayStation 2 and the latest PC graphics cards.
NB: Don’t know what additional game details are being release at E3.
Questions likely to be:
- New Moves?
- New Weapons?
- What locations?
- Enemies – human, animal, etc
If not being released suggest answer for all should be:
A: Ah, just wait and see. I’ll be revealing more and more in the lead up to the games release. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Q: ..."
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Angelina-Jonell promo narration
[ANGELINA NARRATION V3]
15-January-2003
"ANGELINA/JONELL POSSIBLE NARRATION - NOTES
Not everyone can see that our 21st century is threatened by the presence of things waiting to seep into the world. But the shadows are there.
Evil has a life of its own, a power that may sleep but never dies. It can creep into a wounded world through doors thrown open by mistake or intent.
The hand of evil can reach out across the gulf of time. It is no great task to worm a way into the heart of humanity distracted, as it is by glittering trivia. Humans are too child like for their own good and are still vulnerable enough to fear the shadows.
The past is a world we cannot change however painful. Even the memories of what has already happened are beyond control.
Horrors thought buried can creep into our lives choking the daylight with madness and fears. The past reaches towards us with its putrid memories, evil intent and the stench of insanity.
It is never safe to think of past acts as finished and buried. The past festers and grows in darkness ready to invade our waking world and poison with its madness and pain.
In our ruined capitals there is a creeping poison, the reek of undead madness. Evil is at work in the lives of men.
When is something truly dead, truly safe? When we cannot say if some evil has been destroyed we must ask when will it come for us?"
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Lara board game promo dialogue
[LARA dialogue f BOARD GAME TEXT-v2]
12-March-2003
"Pay attention. I need your help, and there isn’t much time. Something bizarre is happening in Paris...
…when I arrived at Von Croy’s apartment this morning I found him lying on the floor – murdered! Although we hadn’t spoken much since the tombs in Egypt Werner was my old mentor and friend. His death has left me deeply shocked.
But to make matters worse I’m a suspect in his killing! I’m living like a fugitive, pursued by the law, and possibly the real killer too.
I have to prove my innocence.
At the crime scene I found a note in Von Croy’s pocket. It listed five 14th century Obscura paintings.
Other clues I uncovered: the paintings are in the Louvre and a sinister character named Eckhardt is after them.
I’m at the museum which is closed for the night, but I suspect I’m not the only one here.
Eckhardt is around somewhere. He’ll do anything to get his hands on those paintings. If he succeeds, his insane plans will unleash a terrible, ancient force on the world.
He has to be stopped!
Help me before it’s too late."
To read the original document, click the download button.
E3 GamesCon Lara Q&Q
[GAMES con E3-LARA-Q&A-v3]
28-April-2003
"LARA QUESTIONS FOR E3
A/
WHAT HAS LARA BEEN UP TO SINCE EGYPT?
B/
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
C/
THE NEW FILM?
D/
KURTIS?
E/ SEXY QUESTIONS
F/ THE FUTURE FOR
LARA?
G/ GENERIC PUT OFFS
INTRODUCTION
Hello
there from Paris. First off, I only have a short time to answer your
questions and if the gendarmes turn up I may have to leave rather
suddenly. Secondly, you’ll have to forgive any slight time delay in
my replies. I’m communicating via a monitor linkup from a secure
location but it may be breached at any time. So – let’s relax and
get cosy. First question…
OUTRODUCTION
(A
Police siren is heard - Lara looks over her shoulder.)
That’s
it. Time’s up. The police have tracked my location. Gotta go. But
don’t forget – you’ll be seeing a lot more of me in November.
Till then…(Lara smiles, leans forward and ends the transmission).
A/
WHAT HAS LARA BEEN UP TO SINCE EGYPT?
Q: What
have you been up to since Tomb Raider Chronicles?
A: It’s rather difficult time for me to talk about. Let’s say
the experiences really changed me, and my outlook on life. I’ve
been very active, just keeping a low profile. And Lara Croft Tomb
Raider: The Angel of Darkness is only the first part of my story
since 2000, so there’s lots of excitement to come.
Q: What happened after Egypt? Will we ever find
out?
A: That’s all such a long time ago now - but I will tell you that I
spent some time in North Africa. After that I returned to England
where I’ve been keeping out of the public eye. You may learn more
of that in this game - or the next.
B/
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
Q: In
Angel of Darkness is it true you
get framed for murder?
A: Yes, my former mentor Von Croy was desperate for me to come to
Paris and help him track down some 14th Century artworks –
the Obscura Paintings. He was murdered whilst I was there and I had
no option but to go on the run.
Q: Are these Obscura Paintings important?
A: That’s one thing I’m looking into. Von Croy’s client was a
sinister character called Eckhardt, but I don’t know much about him
at present. He’s on my list.
Q: Why go on the run when you didn’t do it - or
did you?
A Events at Von Croy’s apartment are confused. To be frank, I can’t
recall exactly what happened at the time because I was concussed.
Anyway, I decided to go underground until I could get a grip on
things. I didn’t want to involve the Paris police. You may have
heard about the serial killings going on at the moment. It’s making
the police very jumpy - and they’re armed..."
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