We spoke with Kam Yu, Character Artist for the Tomb Raider spin-offs Lara Croft and the The Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, about the process of adapting Lara Croft’s design for an isometric perspective and creating standout enemies like the T-Rex and "Chompy" the fish. Kam Yu also shares how the team drew inspiration from Aztec culture to shape the game’s world and characters.

Q: What were the challenges in adapting Lara Croft’s model and design to fit an isometric game?

Kam: Adapting Lara Croft's model to an isometric perspective was no small feat. One of the main challenges was ensuring she stood out and remained recognizable from this new angle, a perspective we hadn't explored in previous games. Additionally, she needed to look just as stunning as the dynamic environments and creatures on-screen with her, maintaining her iconic presence while seamlessly integrating into the isometric world.

Q: What was your favorite enemy to design or redesign for Guardian of Light?

Kam: It's tough to pick just one, as I had a blast designing each enemy, but the standout for me has to be the giant fish, affectionately named "Chompy." Everything about Chompy's design screamed over-the-top fun, from his exaggerated movements to his oversized arms propelling him along. While I was given broad parameters for his behavior, much of the design was left to my creativity. I took inspiration from the deep-sea fish, which are both fascinating and terrifying to me.

A close second would be the T-Rex. I loved adding spines and armor plating to make him look formidable and powerful. Seeing him come to life in-game was incredibly satisfying.

Q: Were there any fan favorites that were included in the game that you had to reconceptualize to better mesh with Aztec cultures? I saw the T-Rex made an appearance!

Kam: Absolutely! All our enemies were designed to fit seamlessly within the Aztec theme. They shared a unified design language, with detailed references to Aztec culture in their clothing, armor, and weapons. Bone iconography was a recurring element, appearing in both their outfits and creature designs, enriching the game's cultural authenticity. Even the T-Rex looked more menacing with its makeover!

Q: Can you tell us about what mythical creatures or entities you based enemies off of in both games?

Kam: Of course, there was the evil spirit Xolotl, who was the god of fire and lightning in Aztec mythology. We tried to weave the rich symbols of Aztec mythology into our character designs, blending them with a sense of wonder and familiarity for Tomb Raider fans. This approach led to the inclusion of iconic elements like the classic T-Rex, which added a thrilling, nostalgic touch. Additionally, we incorporated skeletons to evoke the feeling of raiding ancient tombs, enhancing the game's immersive atmosphere.

Q: You worked on Lara in both Temple of Osiris and Guardian of Light. Were there distinct differences in your Lara iterations between games?

Kam: Yes, indeed. Both games had a fun and casual vibe, and we wanted Lara to reflect that. She needed to appear strong, confident, yet playful—almost like an old friend to the players. It was crucial to strike a balance where Lara was both relatable and engaging.

6. Are there any enemies you wanted to get into the game that didn’t get a chance to make it?

Kam: We had some exciting concepts that unfortunately didn't make it into the final game. One of our ambitions was to include more giant creatures, adding a sense of epic scale to the battles. I remember the design of a giant Spider Queen, which, sadly, never made the cut. We even toyed with the idea of a dragon-like creature, which would have brought a unique twist to the game's roster of enemies. Maybe they’ll make an appearance in a future installment?

The Lara Croft Collection is available now for Nintendo Switch, including both Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light swings onto iOS & Android on February 27th, 2025. Check out the trailer below, and pre-order on iOS or pre-register on Android today!

Video Games

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Lara Croft and Temple of Osiris