Last time we saw everyone’s favourite buxom archaeologist, was in 2008′s Tomb Raider Underworld.
A lot has changed since then.
Firstly, the obvious – this is not a Tomb Raider game, it’s a Lara Croft game. Why Square Enix have decided to drop the Tomb Raider brand for this game is a mystery, but it’s safe to say that Lara Croft’s name and reputation in the gaming world is solid enough for it to be included in a title, without the need of the words “Tomb Raider”.
Secondly, the presentation and style of the game is a first in the series – gone is the 3rd person action adventure. What has replaced it, is an isometric view that gives the game a nice retro feeling.
So what is it all about?
Well, two thousand years ago, a battle began between Totec, the Guardian of Light and Xolotl, a dark spirit. Ultimately, Totec defeats Xolotl and banishes him and himself in the Temple of Light, along with the magical Mirror of Smoke. Skip forward to modern day and Lara Croft finds the temple and Mirror. Typically, a bunch of mercenaries follow her and steal the Mirror. Xolotl and Totec wake up, Xolotl kills the mercenaries, takes the Mirror and makes a run for it. After some initial bickering, Totec and Lara team up in an effort to prevent Xolotl.
The isometric view serves the game well and despite the fact that it is completely different to anything else we’ve seen Lara in, the game still feels familiar. This is in doubt helped by the fact that Keeley Hawes has once again returned to vocal duties.
The game flows along quite nicely, mixing things up with a bit of action and then following it up with a bit puzzle solving.
Lara comes equipped with several weapons, first and foremost is a never ending supply of golden spears. Quite handy when in combat, these spears also serve Lara well when working her way around the various tombs. Lara can throw a spear into a wall and then jump on it, giving her an extra platform to navigate round.
When in combat, the spears are usually the most effective, however, Lara also has her two trusty pistols.
Another piece of kit that Lara has is the grappling hook – simply hold down the LB button and Lara will sling the grappling hook in the hope that it will grab onto something, enabling Lara to climb up a wall or sling to that pesky platform.
Aside from the single player campaign, developers Square Enix have included a co-op mode that puts a good level of emphasis on teamwork. Taking control of the character of Totec, the second player can assist Lara in a manner of different ways.
Like the single player campaign, Lara will be able to jump up on the spears that Totec has thrown into walls. Totec’s sheild also acts as a portable platform for Lara to jump up on.
Graphically, the game is quite strong. The lighting effects are nicely rendered and the cut scenes look the part too.
All in all, Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light is a superbly paced isometric action adventure. It’s asking price of 1200 may be a little steep, but the level of production is of a very high standard and definitely worth checking out.
Score: 8 out of 10
The Good:
Nicely paced action
Good co-op mode
The Bad:
a bit repetitive at times
Loading ...
Comments