Lara has had it pretty bad these days. And it could be safe to write “how the mighty have fallen!” Although it isn’t entirely true, it isn’t hard to see how far Tomb Raider: Underworld has deviated from the path of it foremother. The series was originally well-known for its exploration, light puzzle solving and light combat. Underworld, while a solid game in its own right, is heavy on combat and puzzle solving while being a linear experience. And fans who played Angel of Darkness found a lot of intriguing game elements in a buggy environment. That is the game Eidos has been working hard over the past several years to distance itself from even though it shares some level design similarities (linearity). Now there is a current Tomb Raider that should show Lara still has some life in her. Welcome to one of the coolest games I remember from E3: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light sets up Miss Croft doing what she does best: investigating tombs. As she is about to claim the Mirror of Smoke for her own, a rival grabs it and inadvertently releases a maniacal magician from yesteryear bent on destroying the world. The story is told with some pretty decent voice acting — in fact, I would argue the woman who voices Lara is the best to date — and still shots. It’s not a very epic method of telling a story, but we don’t play a game with Lara for the plot, do we?
We play for the locations! That’s what always hooked me. Whether it’s exploring Venice, China or a forgotten abbey, there was always something interesting to encounter. This time around, the locales may not be as memorable, but they are interesting. There is a poisonous swamp with bulbs that explode, a “picturesque” jungle with abandoned trucks and crushed stone bridges, and a temple with traps of fire. It’s tough to see things clearly from a distance, but it looks great when you’re close enough to see everything.
Gameplay wise, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a mixture of light exploration, clever puzzles and intense action. The exploration is light as the game is exceedingly linear. There are moments when the game “branches” off in two or three different directions, but it always comes back to the spot where your progress was impeded. Switches need to be pulled or shot, platforms and pits crossed, boulders pushed, hookshot action of running on walls and dropping remote-controlled bombs. While this is going on, Lara and her new friend, Topec, destroy everything in sight.
In fact, it isn’t a bad system at all. When the battles are all over, there’s some clever platforming to be done. When that’s completed, there’s a puzzle that builds upon the mechanics previously presented, and then there are monsters to kill once again to keep the cycle fresh. Furthermore, there are optional treasure rooms and challenges to complete. These challenges can be rather tricky, but the rewards are worth it. New weapons are added, and artifacts augment Lara’s abilities.
Multiplayer is present in all its glory. You can choose for a local game or something online. The problem with the system is simple. First, I lack a Gold account, so I cannot play with other gamers. (I am strongly considering it since I remember how much fun the game is with a second person back at E3.) The second problem is a bit more “severe” for me. Your friend or family member needs his/her own account to play with you. I hesitate greatly in creating a second account that none in my house will use except once in purple moon.
Audio wise, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light isn’t afraid to turn the music off and let the sound effect shine: Gun fire, spears, fires, roars of monsters, the secret “jingle” that has been a hallmark of the series and rushing water are all heard. Then music is in the background. There is the intense combat music with its rolling drums and a techno track while Lara explores a swamp. It isn’t bad, but it isn’t one big coherent piece of music. It doesn’t feel like it fits with Lara’s globetrotting habits.
Overall, though, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is an excellent addition to any gamer’s digital library. I consider this game to be the best installment in the series since the second game. What else needs to be said? There’s tons of action, platforms and puzzles. Plus, it doesn’t overstay its welcome as it can be completed in a weekend. The challenges help you return to it every now and again. Fifteen dollars might seem a little steep, but the promising multiplayer and strong level design make it worth the download. Now please excuse me; there are demons that need to be killed with my rocket launcher.
