I never knew that when I was a little girl playing Tomb Raider on Play Station 1 (I am old) that Lara Croft was a feminist icon and one of the first hero women in the game industry. But I also knew there was nothing else like it before, I think this is also another reason why I loved the game/Lara so much.
Lara Croft has changed both game and appearance wise ever since the character was first released back in 1996. At first she was this glitch that resembled a woman stuck in a pixelated world of spikes, but has grown into a fresher face with perfect graphics thanks to the ever changing world of technology. Starting with large breasts, and tiny hot pants Lara Croft was sexualised. Yep, a VIRTUAL CHARACTER. The character is still sexualised today after being around for nearly 20 years. In the latest game, Croft is playing the younger, vulnerable Croft before she becomes a badass. This time wearing cargo pants. I don't care how the developers style her, or what size breasts she has. Whatever I couldn't give a shit. It's just the same -lad- type men who constantly comment on her appearance, rather than her ability. It's the older women who don't understand the ever-changing hero's in the game industry, and kinda just see her as a posh woman doing a 'mans job'.
Some people would probably call me weird for being so defensive over a character that is not a real person, but growing up I've realised how much this character has been a break through to feminism and that even being virtual, Lara Croft is treated like a real woman. You cannot deny that. Never the less, the Tomb Raider games are muchly anticipated by both men and women, and she's one of my inspirations in a way that she takes on a role that any man or woman could dream of.
