Toby Gard crafted the first lady of PlayStation then walked away from Core Design in February '97, as Tomb Raider fever gripped the world. In a joint venture with TR's lead programmer, Paul Douglas, Confounding Factor Studios was born in Bristol. FG eagerly awaits Galleon - their first solo project...
Neil West

FG: Played any good games lately?
TG: Yes, Zelda 64 is an absolutely fab game. I actually felt a loss when I finished it.

FG: What do you think of Lara Croft?
TG: I kind of consider Lara to be like a daughter to me. So I think she should have a haircut and go get a proper job.

FG: What name or initials do you enter on high-score tables?
TG: AAA

FG: What games systems do you have at home?
TG: PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and recently I'm the proud owner of a Saturn that I picked up for £30. Bargain!

FG: If you could keep just one, which would it be?
TG: Nintendo 64

FG: What's your favourite bit in Super Mario 64?
TG: The bit where you ride around on the Lock Ness Monster's head.

FG: Who'd win in a fight, Sonic or Mario?
TG: Well, Sonic always has the opportunity to run away and let's face it; he's a hedgehog. If Mario jumps on his head, he's going to get a sore arse, so I'd put my money on Sonic.

FG: Were games better in the "good old days"?
TG: No, I just think our expectations were lower.

FG: Describe Dreamcast in five words.
TG: Fast, cheap, I want one.

FG: What's the most overrated game ever?
TG: Creatures.

FG: What's the most underrated game ever?
TG: Ultima Underworld. There still has been no first-person game with such perfect gameplay.

FG: Have you ever lied to an arcade attendant to get a free credit?
TG: Never. I'm a good boy, me.

FG: Who in the games industry do you most admire?
TG: Peter Molyneux, Tim Schaffer and Richard Garriot.

FG: What was the first videogame you ever played?
TG: Keys of Krall on the Nascom. It was great.

FG: Have you ever cancelled a date to play a videogame?
TG: No. Videogames are always there for you, they don't get upset if you ignore them.

FG: What videogame websites do you have bookmarked?
TG: Next Generation On-line and Gameboy Headquarters.

FG: Did you ever own a Jaguar?
TG: Neither the console, the car or the animal.

FG: What game are you most looking forward to playing?
TG: Shenmue. The screenshots look awesome.

FG: What's the first game you look for in an arcade?
TG: Anything that's new.

FG: Ever played a videogame in the nude?
TG: No, not me.