Samantha Nishimura is a character who appears in the Tomb Raider video game series, specifically in the 2013 reboot of the franchise. She is the best friend and travel companion of the main protagonist, Lara Croft, and plays a significant role in the events of the game.
Samantha, or "Sam" as she is often called, is a young Japanese-American woman who accompanies Lara on an expedition to the mysterious and dangerous island of Yamatai. She is a documentary filmmaker who is eager to capture the history and culture of the island on film.
Despite her initial excitement, Sam soon finds herself in grave danger as the expedition goes horribly wrong and the group becomes stranded on the island.
Throughout the game, Samantha is portrayed as a loyal and supportive friend to Lara. She provides emotional support and encouragement as Lara is forced to confront the harsh realities of survival on the island. However, Samantha also finds herself in peril, as she is kidnapped by the antagonist of the game, the cult leader Mathias, who seeks to use her as a sacrifice to the Sun Queen
Lara's determination to rescue Samantha and escape the island drives much of the game's narrative. Samantha's character arc is one of growth and transformation, as she is forced to confront her own fears and vulnerabilities in the face of the island's dangers. By the end of the game, Samantha has become a more resilient and self-reliant individual, having been through a harrowing ordeal alongside her best friend Lara.