13 Video Game Characters You Didn't Realise Were Based On Real People

11. Lara Croft - Neneh Cherry

Before Angelina Jolie came along and tricked the whole world into believing that she was the real-world embodiment of Lara Croft, the Tomb Raider heroine was based on an altogether more kooky real-life figure - 90s Swedish rap star Neneh Cherry. The idea was that Lara was meant to counter stereotypes of the female video game character - who up until that point was typified by the Damsel In Distress. Cherry - with her no-nonsense, spunky image - fitted the bill perfectly. Of course, Lara was pretty much single-handedly responsible for giving rise to another female video game stereotype - the big-titted, small-assed piece of eye candy - that has only recently begun to be subverted by more realistic representations of women. It was a noble move by the developers, but frankly I don't think Lara packs the same lofty level of attitude as the lady that brought us Buffalo Stance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWsRz3TJDEY
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Contributor

Gamer, Researcher of strange things. I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.