Artist Feature - James Cr
It has been a while since I featured an artist here, but I recently came across the beautiful artwork of JamesCr on X and had to ask him if he'd mind me sharing some of his work, and taking part in some TR related questions...and luckily he took me up on it - so all the artwork featured today is by him (I'll include links below so you can check out some more.)
Without further ado, onto the questions - and the art!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your interests. What was your first Tomb Raider game? How old were you?
My first Tomb Raider game was Tomb Raider 2 if the demo counts. (The Venice one). If not, it's Tomb Raider 1. It is the very first one I have completed, so... I'm old. I have 3¤*$* years old :D
What was your favourite level, or a stand out moment from the first TR game you played?
That's a hard question! I love levels with a lot of death traps, so The Lost Pyramid from Tomb Raider 1, the last level. After you break the Scion, you have to escape darts, lava, boulders, blades and jump in a tiny hole of water while the pyramid is collapsing. Amazing!
What are your other favourite games in the series, and which moments stand out in your memory?
Tomb Raider 1 is my favorite because it's the first one I have completed, but the one I think is the most the most accomplished is Tomb Raider IV The Last Revelation. Graphics are on point with so different effects, you can go back to previous levels, the train level is amazing, the Library level is incredible, and at the end, running for a god. A lot of new moves too! I also love Tomb Raider The Angel Of Darkness because Lara looks so good and the scenario is really nice. Some of her lines are iconic! In Tomb Raider 1, first cutscene, when Lara jumps from the top of the temple's door and you discover her outfit when her poncho flies away, this moment rent free in my mind. In Tomb Raider IV, when Lara shoots a rocket launcher and goes through the fire with her jeep, that's another iconic moment.
What Tomb Raider moment do you recall being the most frustrating; or which was the hardest part of a level to beat, trickiest puzzle etc?
The most frustrating ? EZ! Almost all Tomb Raider 3 levels! Especially Thames Wharf-Aldwych-Lud's Gate and Coastal Village-Crash Site-Madubu Gorge! I only finished Aldwych once in my life! Once! Tomb Raider 3 is really hard!
Do you collect any Lara-related merchandise? If so, what are your favourite items from your collection?
Actually, I don't. Sometimes because it's very expensive, like, a lot, sometimes, because it's meh... I have a few things tho but not very much. My favorite is an AOD illustration by Moebius, I have the number 91 of 400. Another thing I have and like is not really a merch. I have two USP Match guns (airsoft).
Can you name your top favourite levels from the Classic games, and why?
Oh! A lot! Let me choose one level per game. TR1 : The Last Pyramid (a lot of traps) TR2 : Temple of Xian (a lot of traps) TR3 : Temple of Puna (a lot of traps) TR4 : The lost library (huge levels with... a lot of traps) TR5 : Sinking Submarine (Danger everywhere) TR6 : The hall of seasons (a lot of traps) Can you spot a pattern?
What are your top 5 most memorable enemies in the Classic games?
Atlanteans (they are so fast and deadly!)-Xian Warrior (they are so deadly too!)-Shiva statues (their walking animation is so cool!)-Mechanical Horsemen (without the laser they can be a real pain to shoot)-Imp/little demons (I can still hear them laugh in my head... Please help me...)
What about music/soundtrack moments that stand out for you?
The Underworld OST. It was the first time I've said "woaw, this TR soundtrack is very good!". Orchestral OST. The Thailand theme enhances the level! The snowbike music, because it's catjam! Jeep music in TRIV, another pure catjam! AOD main menu theme too.
What is your least favourite Tomb Raider game and why?
Easy answer for me, it's Rise of The Tomb Raider. The end phases of TR 2013 where Lara insults enemies and the ending ("I'm not going home") and the marketing about "discover the past of the Lara we all know", I had huge expectations. Rise of TR, no badass Lara, parental issues and classic adventure game... It's basically just a sequel. A nice game But just a sequel...too bad
Which is your favourite/most memorable artifact from the Classics?
I like Xian Dagger. So powerful! Also, you have to put it in your heart to become a dragon. You have to have some guts to do it!
Which location(s) from the series would you most like to visit?
The Lost Library of TR4. A very mysterious place with very mysterious traps and enemies. A lot to explore, to discover. The planetarium room, woaw!
Have you ever played Tomb Raider Level Editor levels? If so, can you mention any favourite custom levels?
I didn't play much Editor levels...every time I didn't really feel classic vibes. Too many changes in the animations, or added moves. To me, it didn't feel the same. I should give more chances to Editor levels but it's really not my thing...sorry...
If you could create a Tomb Raider game, where would the levels be based? Which sites or landmarks would you have Lara explore?
That's a good question. Easter island fascinates me. So why not there? I also like the idea of going into a real place and discovering some secret rooms in it, like Louvre levels in AOD. Why not The Vatican (maybe too religious), or a tiny village in French country or Iakoutsk?
How would say Lara, or the series as a whole, has impacted your life?
Huge impact. The very first video game character I felt in love with. I have Lara's signature as a tattoo on my left forearm. I've met a lot of people with Lara, some are friends now. Lara gave me the energy to try to create my own 3D fanarts. I did a short movie as Pierre Dupont (unreleased). I've met several times the French original voice of Lara and some actors of the 12 main games took their role back for my 25th TR Anniversary podcasts. Lara is my muse. Forever I think.
Thank you so much for taking part in answering these questions
Thank you for these questions ! finally, is there anything else you'd like to add or mention? I see a lot of dramas on X about Tomb Raider, I just want to say, even if we disagree, we can still cohabitate, it's ok to disagree, it happens.
You can find more of James' artwork at his DeviantArt: https://www.deviantart.com/james--c/gallery
And his shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/james-cr/shop?asc=u
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