Exclusive Review
I got my hands on LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT a few weeks ago, and it was not what I was expecting at all. Unlike previous Lara Croft/Tomb Raider games, we now have a new isometric viewpoint to play from.
You can play in single player, but also with a friend in a very impressive co-op mode whereby you are both on screen at once.
I sailed through the first level very quickly and feared i would end up finishing the whole game in a matter of hours, but as I made my way through the levels the puzzles became harder, and the enemies tougher.
The learning curve on this game feels just about right, and whether it is fighting against huge dinosaur like creatures in one of the boss fights, or trying to manouver giant metal balls around huge multistory levels you will never find yourself bored, frustrated yes, but never bored.
The amount of action on screen at times is staggering, and when you have what seems like endless enemies attacking you from all angles it can seem overwhelming, but when you come out triumphant, it is incredbly satisfying.
Each level has a certain amount of aims and achievements to beat, whether it is finding hidden relics which when equipped can improve your characters abilities, or finding the many different weapons which you can have 3 equipped at once, you will always have something to find.
The games has huge replay potential, as certain obstacles need to be beaten in super fast time which at first you will really struggle to do, but after beating a few levels and growing your skills, you will be happy to go back and beat all the challenges.
And this is all the single player mode, find yourself a friend and it is twice the fun, certain obstacles change which means you have to work together to beat them.
The graphics are sharp and pretty, the sound effects are ok, the playability is very addictive, and the longevity is decent.
My only gripe would be the amount of gamer points you can get from this game, at 200 its pretty low compared to full price games you can buy in the shops, and even those 200 gamerpoints are not that easy to get, in fact to get all 200 will mean you must complete everything in the game, now thats a challenge if ever there was one.
All in all this is a great addition to your arcade collection, and I for one would highly recommend it.
If I had to give it a score I would give LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT a healthy 8/10.
LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT - PART OF THE 2010 XBOX SUMMER OF ARCADE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Crystal Dynamics®, a part of Square Enix Europe, is pleased to announce that Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light™ will be a part of Microsoft’s third annual Summer of Arcade program.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light showcases a new isometric cooperative adventure that aims to deliver instant, intense action and bite-sized puzzles which will fit perfectly into the coveted Summer of Arcade lineup.
“We are delighted to be chosen to be a part of Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade line up which has always showcased the very best digital games available” said Darrell Gallagher, General Manager of Crystal Dynamics. “This is the first game from a rejuvenated Crystal Dynamics studio and our goal was to make the perfect companion piece to the Tomb Raider™ franchise. One which could be clearly recognized in its own space, have the familiarity of being set in the world of Lara Croft and at the same time offer fans fresh gameplay they expect from Xbox Live Arcade titles.”
Crystal Dynamics has created a whole new experience specifically designed for the digital market. Players will take control of Lara and an ancient warrior named Totec in an isometric adventure through sprawling landscapes, perilous puzzles and epic boss battles. Built with two player cooperative multiplayer in mind, players, however, can still experience the game as a solo adventure.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light follows Lara as she goes in search of the Mirror of Smoke, an ancient artifact located in a ruin known as the Temple of Light. When she finally reaches the mirror, she is ambushed by a mercenary army who takes the mirror and release an evil entity. Also awakened by the incident, Totec, The Guardian of Light joins Lara as her unlikely ally to save the world from never-ending darkness.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will be available this summer as part of the Xbox Live Arcade’s Summer of Arcade for 1200 MS Points. The game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
For more information, please visit www.laracroftandtheguardianoflight.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook - @Crystaldynamics – Facebook.com/LaraCroft
*Trailer* - Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light!!
