Amanda and Lara were friends many years ago, enjoying philosophical banter. While in Peru they are excavating a tomb believed to contain the last queen of Tiwanaku. When they open up a new room a malevolent sprit attacks, killing everyone but Lara and Amanda. Amanda sets off a trap and the door closes while the roof falls in, she is presumed dead. We soon find out that this is not the case. At the end of the game it will be possible to play through again as Amanda. Download Video. More screenshots:

Anaya is a civil engineer working in impoverished areas of South America. She's an old friend of Lara's dating back to their days at university, and she was with Lara during the tragedy near Segou. She has since led a distinguished career of her own, routinely crossing paths with Lara.

James Rutland Jr. grew up in a bubble of enormous wealth and privilege. He went to West Point and managed to graduate on his own merits, barely. As hard as it was, he's glad for it, because it gave him a sense of self-discipline and strength that he finds useful now that he's free for military. He's a charismatic man accustomed to getting whatever he wants; however, this time the object of his desire is also sought by Lara Croft.

Need help fighting him? Hints.

Zip is the tech guy of Lara's team, responsible for providing technical and logistical support for Lara's endeavours worldwide - he's the guy in the van or the server room at Lara's mansion, and Lara's constant remote companion via radio headset.

A wisecracking guy who's part ultra-techno-geek and part street savvy. He used to be over-the-top, but a few years in prison toned him down a notch and increased his resentment toward all things establishment.

A former computer hacker, he works with Lara for the challenge and thrill of it. He's personally loyal to Lara, and it really is the most fun he can have without getting arrested.

Alister is Lara's research assistant, providing another mind filled with arcane historical information, someone to bounce ideas off of, and provide quick additional research while Lara's in the field.

He is in this to test his theories, uncover secrets no one else can, and because it's the only place his eccentric knowledge is really useful.

Alister is tense and prickly, and takes himself much too seriously.

Shogo Takamoto is a Yakuza Kamicho (boss) who loves ancient weapons. In addition to being a powerful figure in the Japanese mob, he also became a fixture in the antiquities undergroud, frustrating collectors and adventures alike by mixing forgeries with authentic items. Despire his untrustworthy reputation, he continues to be a player due to his ability to ferret out what people really want and dangle it before them, such that their desires overpower their better judgement. His most recent encounter with Lara left a very bad taste in his mouth, but he has been unwilling to risk seeking revenge, because the likely failure of the attempt would mean an enormous loss of face.

Need help fighting him? Hints.

Toru Nishimura was once a daring investigative reporter who has crossed paths with Lara more than once on dangerous investigations. He's now a wealthy mogul, good-humoured and comfortable, but he stil has a taste for adventure and risk, and he is always glad to see Lara whenever her latest adventure brings her to town. He's a little more cautious now, though - he's got responsibilities and obligations, some of them a bit unsavory - and as such, he needs to have good relations with the Japanese mafia.

Our favourite butler makes a return, he might appear in a training level but will definatly be on hand to offer help and advice through her headset along with Zip and Alistair.