Quantcast
Destructoid Japanator Tomopop Flixist
Hands-on at the E3 Expo! Follow us on Twitter
TWITTER   //   FACEBOOK   //   RSS   //   CONTACT

Naughty Dog: Nathan Drake > Lara Croft photo

If you've played Uncharted: Drake's Fortune then you may agree with me that main star Nathan Drake is certainly a likable fellow. He's got charisma, he's sometimes funny, and you wouldn't kick him out of bed. Is he as popular as Lara Croft? According to Naughty Dog, he's already surpassed the Tomb Raider star. Now them's fightin' words!

"Why, do you think he's not already there, if not beyond that point already, in terms of popularity?" quizzes game director Bruce Straley when asked if Drake would ever be as well known as Croft. "I feel that Nathan Drake can stand on his own in any line up of the video game pantheon.

"We've created something new with him by infusing him with traits more associated with a good movie protagonist than just a video game icon. It's not just us drinking the kool-aid either - according to not an insignificant number of reviews, press, and forums, people have really taken to Nathan Drake's character.

"I think people like him because he's compelling, and a much needed breath of fresh air in an industry that's been a bit stale for a while, in terms of character."

The Tomb Raider series has definitely gone off the rails a bit, but after just one game, can Naughty Dog reasonably claim that Nathan Drake has already reached the iconic status of Lara Croft? He's a good character for sure, but I think he's got a really long way to go before he can match one of the most recognized videogame characters in history.

Oh, and he'll need bigger tits.








More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com

Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize. Likes PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3 Meet the rest of the team



Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

26 comments | showing # 1 to 26
prev next

SephirothX's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:27
SephirothX
In strict regards to 'name status' Lara Croft is still more well known and recognizable than Nathan Drake.

However, Nathan Drake in one game has received better writing and became a more well rounded character than Lara Croft has received in all of her games combined.

So in short
Recognizability: Croft > Drake
Everything else: Croft < Drake
pascuz46's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:27
pascuz46
Yeah I rented the new Tomb Raider game and its just terrible, because I've played it before. Its called Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Nathan is the man, I love uncharted because of its great characters awesome story and addictive gameplay, It provides something fresh to the treasure hunter genre. Tomb Raider is just not fun anymore. I can't wait to play Uncharted 2. :D
linuxguy's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:32
linuxguy
the gameplay in uncharted completely obliterates anything that has been done in TR.
as pascuz46 said tomb raider is no fun.
also Jim wouldn't kick nathan drake out of his bed
atheistium's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:41
atheistium
TOMB RAIDER IS A OKAY! FUCK YOU GUYS :D

:D

:D

:D

:D
TorpedoTed's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:49
TorpedoTed
I didnt know his name was Nathan Drake, so no, he hasnt surpassed Lara Croft.
Lightthrower's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 10:56
Lightthrower
When does Uncharted drops price? Can't wait to buy it.
elsteveo's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 11:01
elsteveo
I have never played uncharted but i can safely say he is probably right about drake being better in a non sexual way. In a sexual way he loses though
Trev's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 11:14
Trev
Months after playing the game, I still know the characters' names, so they must have done a good job. It isn't like they had a long-running series to drill them into my brain.

The voice work was great, the plot at just the right amount of humor, awesome gameplay--lots of things were good about Uncharted, but I think one of the things that really made it stick was that he runs faster when being shot at. Just a little touch to make it feel more urgent.
farlander's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 11:19
farlander
Once a couple of more or less successful movies about Nate come out - I think then you could safely say that he's about as popular as Lara Croft is :) He certainly is a great character, and to me he seems to have more depth than Lara, but Lara Croft has been around for quite a long time, so Nate has quite some catching up to do.
ParaParaKing's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 11:27
ParaParaKing
Of course Uncharted is better than Tomb Raider, but Lara has tits.
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 11:28
Holyetheline
I can see how he got more popular. It probably has to do with Drake's Fortune not sucking.
parrothead's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 12:45
parrothead
Lara has the longevity that I hope Nathan Drake has. Also she has great tits.
mix's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 12:48
mix
ParaParaKing has it right, now if Natan Drake had tits.....headasplode?
deiga-the-semivaliant's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 12:54
deiga-the-semivaliant
I like Nathan Drake. He has the same name as me.

Also, I share a birthday with Barack Obama.

And I like Bobby Lee because he's a Korean, like me.

As you can see, my tastes are rather refined.
Tanukitsune's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 13:28
Tanukitsune
So... Nathan Drake who has appeared in only one game that's only available on one console is more popular than Lara who has...

-A dozen game on several platafomrs.
-Two movies.
-A comic
-Tons of merchandise
-A Guinness World Record
-Was nominated as Ambassador for British Scientific Excellence

Yeah, and Rocky Rodent is more popular than Mario and Sonic combined!

PS: I love both games, but seriously, what is this guy smoking?
mistic's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 14:00
mistic
Drake is cool, but lara is way hotter :-)
Corak's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 14:34
Corak
Lara for the eye candy, Drake for the rest.
iconsam's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 14:49
iconsam
Just finished this game recently. Nathan is definitely much more amiable than Lara in my book. Sure Lara's got boobs, but her character is so 2-dimensional compared to Nathan. He has flaws and doesn't do everything perfectly. That makes him a lot more enjoyable to play and experience the adventures with.

Now if they had a new adventure with Nathan that featured Nathan's hot sister. That would be awesome.

Also they really need to fix up Lara's sluggish controls. Seriously peeps, to have your character still feel sluggish after all these years is just BS. Get with it.
Johnny Justice's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/19/2009 15:50
Johnny Justice
I think where Lara Croft falls short is that her appeal relies on being cool and sexy. To me the cool feels a little forced and as far as videogames go, sex appeal just doesn't sell anything to me.
The Prodigal Son's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/20/2009 03:05
The Prodigal Son
To say that Drake is more iconic than Croft is ridiculous. Lara Croft has become a brand, whereas Drake is just a launch title poster boy for a failing console (and for the record, I'm not a 360 fanboy). That being said, I haven't had as much fun playing a cave crawler as I did with Uncharted since Tomb Raider on PS1. Drake's much easier to like because he's got personality. Croft just sounds like a snobby bitch. I'm definitely excited to see where Naughty Dog takes Uncharted 2.
JustLikeBuck's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/20/2009 03:39
JustLikeBuck
Nathan Drake is a better character, with cool, quirky, side characters.

Lara Croft is a slimmer character, with huge, round, side characters.

I know Lara Croft has been around for many, many years, but were she released the same time as Drake, I know which the public would still go for.

It's sad, because Uncharted is one of the few truly Next-Gen experiences (not just OMGS it looks amazing!), and I had more fun playing it than any other TR game. I've even restarted to get all the treasures.

It's like a good movie you just don't mind seeing more than once.
jenny625's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/08/2010 00:08
jenny625
tiffany rings tiffany rings
tiffany engagement rings tiffany engagement rings
tiffany wedding rings tiffany wedding rings
tiffany necklace tiffany necklace
tiffany sets tiffany sets
tiffany bracelet tiffany bracelet
tiffany pendant tiffany pendant
tiffany earrings tiffany earrings
tiffany accessories tiffany accessories
tiffany charms tiffany charms

Abercrombie UK Abercrombie UK
Abercrombie London Abercrombie London
Abercrombie ShirtsAbercrombie Shirts
hollister hollister
hollister uk hollister uk

hollister uk hollister uk
Abercrombie UK Abercrombie UK
Abercrombie London Abercrombie London


Cartier Cartier
Cartier Bracelets Cartier Bracelets


Cheap Video Games Cheap Video Games
Cheap Ps3 Games Cheap Ps3 Games
Cheap Xbox 360 Games Cheap Xbox 360 Games
Discount Computers Discount Computers
Cheap Computers Cheap Computers
Hiphones Hiphones
Wholesale Hiphone Wholesale Hiphone
Wholesale Hiphones Wholesale Hiphones
wholesale blackberry 9600 wholesale blackberry 9600
wholesale blackberry 9500 wholesale blackberry 9500
angela64's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/20/2010 14:55
angela64
Before she could come up with any reasonable ideas, www.worldoutletsstore.com Lara Croft was interrupted by four annoying Bruce Straleys that were lured by her when asked if Drake. Lara Croft yawned; 'Not again', she thought. Feeling pleased, www.abercrombiestock.com she recklessly reached for her ninja star and aimlessly hit every last one of them. Apparently this was an adequate deterrent--the discouraged critters began to scurry back toward the fanstic pumpkin patch, squealing with discontent. She exhaled with relief. That's when she heard the Naughty Dog, rolling up. It was Drake's Fortune.
shengrui4's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/07/2010 03:12
shengrui4
With our professional personage and various quality nike shox with the bottom price of the fairly good service. Offer the Original Jordan Basketball Shoes with Cheap Price and Top Quality Guarrantee, Secure Shopping Online and Enjoy Live chat services.This is a pair of very good nike air max, don't you want to lose jordan shoes? From the Clear picture view , you maybe have like this nike sb dunks, please take a look at the following nike dunk shoes characteristics and related presentations, you would be like nike sb dunks more! If YES,Why not Add this Michael Jordan Shoes and nike air max 90 To Cart Now!?
Cambokidd's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/21/2010 03:07
Cambokidd
if it came to the second strongest person in the world, because chuck norris is first. it would be a contest between Laura croft and Nathan Drake. the winner would be laura of course, she would flash chuck and then kick him in the nuts for a win the same routine would also work on nathan.
OXIDE's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/28/2011 05:37
OXIDE
WRONG!

NATHAN DRAKE, NR#22.
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=22

LARA CROFT, NR#5!
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=5
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!