30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 30: Feelings, Conclusions

Throughout the month of June we've been celebrating the 10th anniversary of the release of Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness with this challenge. At last we wind things up with the final question, though it's actually more of an invitation to ramble. Go ahead and express your AOD feels—about the game itself, your memories of playing it, the sequels getting cancelled, anything we haven't already covered in previous days—you're among friends. ;)

Once again I want to thank F-Yeah TRAOD! for creating the questions and sharing them with the world. I've taken the liberty of modifying a few of them for our purposes, but I've tried to cleave to the spirit if not the letter of the original challenge. Massive thanks also to Core Design for making this amazing, frustrating, magical game.

If you missed any of the past days' questions, I encourage you to go back and respond to any that interest you. There's no time limit. Just look for June 2013 under "Blog Archive" in the sidebar or "30-Day Challenge (2013)" under "Labels." All the challenge posts are linked there.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 29: Should Kurtis Trent Return?

Several of the past days' questions focused on Kurtis, so a few of you have already answered this. Today we're wondering, do you think Kurtis Trent should make a comeback? And if so, how should he should be incorporated in a new storyline?

Ash and friends check in on Lara and Kurtis 9 years after Angel of Darkness.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 28: Favorite TR Game Besides AoD?

Not everyone loves Angel of Darkness equally. For some it's the best in the series, for others the worst. I personally rank it somewhere in the middle. Other than Angel of Darkness, which Tomb Raider game do you like the most?

Tomb Raider game boxes courtesy of Goran Agar.
Visit goranagar.com to see a larger version of this pic and more of his massive collection of Lara Croft swag.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 27: AOD Remake by Crystal Dynamics?

Throughout this month-long challenge, many fans have mentioned their desire to see AOD resurrected, while others are content to let it lie buried. How about you? Would you like to see Angel of Darkness remade (or continued) by Crystal Dynamics?

Angel Of Darkness Reborn by luciferFlash.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 26: AoD Movie Dream Cast

You're given the opportunity to make AoD into a movie! Write down your dream cast. Would you stick with Angie as Lara or go in a whole new direction? What about the supporting characters, Kurtis, Von Croy, etc.?

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 25: Thoughts on the Official AoD Comic

I've clearly fallen behind on the AOD challenge, so I'll be posting the last several questions all at once and backdating the posts so the blog will keep them in order. My apologies.

Have you read the official AoD comic? If so, what are your thoughts about it? As far as I know, the Angel of Darkness storyline is covered in issues #32-#34 of the Top Cow/Image Comics series. I haven't read them, or even been able to find them for sale online these days. So I'd be interested to hear your impressions.

Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness comic from Top Cow/Image Comics.
Click to enlarge.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 24: Favorite Fan Artwork

The challenge continues.... On Day 12 we shared our favorite pictures of AOD Lara, which for me was a piece of official concept art. Some of you mentioned fan art for that entry, so today's question will be a repeat for you. This time, please share your favourite AoD fan artwork.

Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness by Krycekuva. Click image to enlarge. See this forum thread for more info, including images of the work in progress.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 23: Favorite Location?

Today's we'd like to know what is your favorite location from the game and why? Whatever you consider a "location" is fine with me, from the entire cities of Paris and Prague, to smaller locations like The Louvre, the Serpent Rouge, the Archaeological Dig, Eckhardt's Laboratory—even little places like Renne's Pawnshop or St. Aicard's Church. If you like it, tell us, but please explain what it is that attracts you.

Thanks to Katie's Tomb Raider Site for another lovely TRAOD screenshot, Prague this time.

Tomb Raider 2013 Composer Releases Previously Unheard Tracks

TR composer Jason Graves has just posted 67 new audio tracks, including music for the original, unreleased ending to the game. These are audio only, of course. Needless to say, I hope we'll someday get a chance to see that alternate ending.

Complete cinematics posted, including original, unreleased ending to the game (Killing Sam). http://t.co/DRDF7frpFG

— Jason Graves (@jgmusic) June 21, 2013

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 22: Favourite Weapon?

Today's question is about gampelay. What is your favourite weapon from the game? I would also add, did you miss Lara's signature dual pistols?

Promo art shows Lara with dual USP Match pistols. Sadly, these were not playable in the game.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 21: Did You Ever Finish AoD?

We've heard from many fans this month about their experiences with the game. A few have said they never made it to a particular scene or boss because they weren't able to get past a certain part (usually but not always Boaz). ;) How about you? Did you ever finish AoD? If so, how did you feel when you finished it? If not, in which level did you give up?

Final level screenshot by Katie Fleming.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 20: Least Favorite Boss?

From good guys to bad, who/what is your least favorite boss and why? Lots of choices here: The Cleaner, Boaz, the Proto-Nephilim, Brother Obscura, that crappy giant fish mutant that only seemed to crave the blood of PlayStation gamers, Eckhardt, Karel? Have I left anybody out?

Brother Obscura screenshot courtesy of Katie's Tomb Raider Site.

Previously Unreleased Scene Commemorates Angel of Darkness 10th Anniversary

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Angel of Darkness, composer Peter Connelly has released this deleted scene from the game. In a note on his Facebook Page, Connelly wrote, "This is the first time it has been available to the public and, particularly, with sound (Music and Dialogue only)."

The complete Angel of Darkness soundtrack, recorded live by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, London, is available on Connelly's SoundCloud page.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 19: Thoughts on Lara and Kurtis's Relationship?

Earlier we talked about Kurtis as a character, but today's question focuses on the interplay between the two main characters. What are your thoughts about Lara and Kurtis's weird relationship? (F-Yeah TRAOD chose the word "weird," but I'd have to agree.)

Angel of Darkness screenshot courtesy of Well-Rendered.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 18: Thoughts about the Voice Actors?

What are your thoughts about the voice cast of AoD? In additon to the actors shown below, Internet Movie Database credits Phil Morris for voicing Karel. Unfortunately it doesn't list the entire cast, nor do the game credits, so I'm not sure who did all the voices. I've read that Janice may have been Jonell putting on a French accent, but I don't know this for sure.

Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness voice actors, Jonell Elliott as Lara, Joss Ackland as Eckhardt and Eric Loren as Kurtis.

All credit for the 30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge goes to the fabulous Tumblr blog F- Yeah TRAOD!

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 17: Should Crystal Dynamics Have Continued the AoD Trilogy?

In yesterday's challenge question we talked about how and if the Angel of Darkness trilogy should have continued. Today we revisit that idea. Do you think Crystal Dynamics should have continued the AoD trilogy before moving on to their own?

Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness render made with XNALara by Raidergale.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 16: Continuing the Series

As most of you probably know, Angel of Darkness was the first in a planned trilogy. Needless to say, the other two games were never made. Today's challenge question is in two parts: How do you think AoD could have continued? Should it have?

Angel of Darkness Livestream Party – Save the Date

UPDATE 6/22: I'm sorry to say I'm going to have to cancel, or at least postpone, the livestream. I'm not feeling well and can't play. I apologize if I've left anyone hanging but hope we can make it happen next weekend.

This coming weekend, June 22-23, some friends and I are planning an online celebration for TRAOD's 10th anniversary. We're hoping to livestream some AOD gameplay, chat a bit, and generally cut loose. I hope you'll join us!

So far no definite date/time has been set. If you'd like to be part of the festivities, watch this space and/or follow me on Facebook, Twitter and/or Tumblr for details. If you want to join the team of livestreamers, please let me know which day, times, levels, and livestreaming sites are best for you and how to get in touch with you directly. It's going to be a challenge coordinating play schedules with everyone in different time zones, but I'll do my best.

Please don't post your email address here. I don't want to be responsible for you getting spam, but if you email or direct-message me via the accounts above, I will contact you as the weekend approaches.

Angel of Darkness 10th Anniversary. Party like it's 2003!

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 15: Do You Think Kurtis Survived?

Is it possible we're already halfway through the challenge? Time flies! Today let's talk about Kurtis again. Do you think he survived his encounter with Boaz and why or why not?

Kurtis vs. Boaz rendered by [Xmas] from TRF. More in this thread.

Thanks again to F- Yeah TRAOD! for creating and sharing the challenge questions.

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 14: About the Cabal

In today's installment of the AOD Challenge, we turn to the game's villains. Please share your thoughts on the Cabal. Who is your favorite Cabal member?

Eckhardt concept art courtesy of Croft Generation.

Since the original, 15th-century Cabal was supposedly made up of five members, I always assumed the 21st-century version also had five: Pieter Van Eckhardt, Joachim Karel, Kristina Boaz, Grant Müller and Luther Rouzic. Rouzic didn't make it into the final game, but there is concept art and a little info about him floating around the internet, including this interesting thread on TRF. I was under the impression that Marten Gunderson was not a full-fledged member of the Cabal—more like Eckhardt's strongman and go-to guy—but I'd be interested to hear other ideas.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 13: Favorite Song from the Soundtrack

What's your favorite song from the soundtrack? If you need a refresher, check out AOD composer and sound designer Peter Connelly's SoundCloud compilation. As you probably know, Connelly co-wrote the score with Martin Iveson. It was recorded live by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, London.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 12: Favorite Picture of AoD Lara?

Continuing along with the month-long challenge inspired by the Tumblr blog F- Yeah TRAOD!, today we ask what's your favorite picture of AoD Lara? It can be an official image, fan art, whatever floats your boat. All I ask is please keep all links PG/Teen rated. Thanks!

Personally, I've always had a soft spot for this one, with Action Lara on a chocolate brown background.

My website title back in 2003, when Papyrus was the undisputed pharaoh of fonts. Visit the Web Archives for the full experience. ;)

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 11: Favorite Cutscene?

The AOD challenge continues. Today, let's talk about cutscenes. From the elaborate FMV cinematics to the little exchanges of dialogue beween characters, which is your favorite cutscene and why?

Angel of Darkness screenshot courtesy of Katie's Tomb Raider Site.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 10: Favorite Quote

So, E3 started today and, perhaps more importantly, it's Day 10 of the Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness challenge! Today's question: What is your favorite quote from the game? Funny, serious, touching? Doesn't matter. Just tell us the line you like and why.

Angel of Darkness image by Tombraidergifs.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 9: What are Your Thoughts on Kurtis Trent?

The month-long Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness challenge continues. Today we want to know what are your thoughts on Kurtis Trent?

If you're the type who likes to do a little research before responding, I encourage you to check out KTEB: The Kurtis Trent Estrogen Brigade, a wonderful fan site with information on the character, including planned features and special abilities that were left out of the final game. Food for thought.... ;)

Once again I'd like to thank F- Yeah TRAOD! for sharing this challenge with the world.

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 8: If You Could Change One Thing...?

Even the most ardent Angel of Darkness fans probably have a few things they'd like to see improved. If you could change one thing about the game what would it be and why?

Screenshot from the unfinished training area courtesy of
Katie's Tomb Raider Site.

If you've just started this challenge, feel free to go back and answer previous days' questions. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 7: Three Things You Love and Hate Most?

First, my sincere apologies to readers who aren't into Angel of Darkness. I'm sorry to see we've lost a few of you already. This is going to go on for another 3 weeks, though. So if you need to unsubscribe, I understand, but I hope you'll rejoin us in July.

For today's challenge question we'll be making a short list. Tell us 3 things you love and 3 things you hate the most about AoD.

All credit for the 30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge goes to the fabulous Tumblr blog F- Yeah TRAOD!

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to reply to previous days' challenges. We're also doing the challenge on Facebook. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 6: Most Hated Level?

Yesterday we praised our favorite Angel of Darkness levels. Today's question covers the flip side: Which level do you hate the most and why? I've heard from a few players who've never finished the game because one level or another was too hard, crashed the game repeatedly, or just caused them to lose interest. How about you? Please add a comment below or, if you're doing the challenge on your own blog, post a link to your response for today.

"Boaz Returns" screenshot courtesy of Katie's Tomb Raider Site.

If you've just started this challenge, feel free to go back and answer previous days' questions. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 5: Favorite Level?

Which is your favorite level and why? If it's been a while since you played the game, this awesome gifset, Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness | All Levels, should help refresh your memory. All credit goes to F- Yeah TRAOD! for creating the images and this wonderful challenge.

If you've come late to this festivities, it's perfectly fine to go back and respond to any of the previous days' questions. If you'd like to participate in past challenges, they're still open too. Here are links to the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 4: Favorite Secondary Character?

Welcome to Day 4 of our month-long Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness challenge. Today let's talk about all the interesting minor characters, from Eckhardt and his cohorts, to the denizens of the Parisian ghetto, to that hunky Kurtis Trent. Other than Lara, who was your favorite character?

Once again I'd like to thank F- Yeah TRAOD! for sharing this challenge with the world.

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 3: Favorite Outfit?

Today's challenge question is pretty simple: What's your favorite outfit from the game and why?

Lara's Angel of Darkness outfits courtesy of LaraCroft.name.
Click each image to enlarge.

All credit for the 30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge goes to the fabulous Tumblr blog F- Yeah TRAOD!

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 2: What’s Your Opinion about AOD Lara?

Yesterday we began a month-long challenge to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. Today's challenge question is what's your opinion about AOD Lara? (Her appeareance, attitude, etc.)? Please post a comment below. Or, if you prefer, you can answer on Facebook or post the challenge on your own page or blog. If you do that, I hope you'll send me a link.

All credit for the 30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge goes to the fabulous Tumblr blog F- Yeah TRAOD!

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.

30-Day Angel of Darkness Challenge Day 1: First Impressions?

Welcome to June 2013 and the 10th anniversary of Tomb Raider: The Angel Of Darkness! That's right. This wonderful though much-maligned video game was released June 20, 2003. Since June conveniently has 30 days, I thought it would be perfect for another 30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge.

This time, I'm copying shamelessly from one of my favorite Tumblr blogs, F- Yeah TRAOD! If you enjoy the challenge and/or the game, I encourage you to follow this blog and show its creator a little appreciation. You won't be disappointed.

Now on to the first challenge question: When did you first play AoD and what were your initial thoughts about it? Please post a comment below or, if you're doing the challenge on Tumblr, post a link to your response for today.

If you've come late to this challenge, feel free to answer any of the questions that interest you. There's no time limit. And if you'd like to participate in past challenges, you're welcome to do that too. Check out the September 2011 and September 2012 challenges in the archives.