Eidos Interactive, publisher of the Tomb Raider franchise, has revealed that seasoned gymnast Alison Carroll will be the new face of famed videogame character Lara Croft. Carroll will portray the internationally recognized heroine for the next year, with her first appearances to be made promoting the latest installment to the gaming franchise, Tomb Raider: Underworld, which ships November 2008.
Featuring the essential characteristics at the core of Lara Croft's personality (according to Eidos' press release) -- brawn, brains and beauty -- Alison Carroll particularly complements this iteration of Ms. Croft. "Tomb Raider: Underworld is the first Tomb Raider game designed to reflect the physical athleticism and real-world skills required of a world-class adventurer. With an all-new engine built specifically to exploit the capabilities of the latest game consoles, Tomb Raider: Underworld depicts Lara as we have never seen her before with movements and skills reminiscent of a highly skilled gymnast. Sharing Lara’s strength and grace, Alison is an experienced competitive gymnast who has performed and competed across the globe. Her more than 12 years of gymnastics training align perfectly with the game’s enhanced movement set."
"This is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to embracing Lara's world," said Alison Carroll. "It’s unbelievable how realistic her movements are in Tomb Raider: Underworld and it’s so gratifying to be able to use my years of gymnastic training to portray such a beloved character."
"With her tremendous athletic ability and striking look, we feel Alison embodies the spirit and strength of Lara Croft,” said Robert A. Lindsey, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Eidos Inc. "We're excited to be working with her for the launch of Tomb Raider: Underworld and beyond, and can’t wait to see the reactions of Tomb Raider fans around the world to Alison’s uncannily realistic portrayal of Lara."
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In Pictures: Sexy Alison Carroll
Screenshots: Tomb Raider: Underworld
