14 DAY TRIAL // 
The Tomb Raider franchise isn't what it used to be, and the next generation hurdle really left a mark on the long running franchise as its main development studio, Crystal Dynamics, wasn't able to really deliver an experience that captured gamers like they once did back in PlayStation 2 days.
Now though, a new experiment has appeared, in the form of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, a downloadable game with co-operative gameplay in mind that is not like anything else we've seen before in the series.
Is it any good? Let's find out.
Story
The story of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is pretty much barebone, only offering the needed support for the attractive tomb raider to start her adventures, and you can't even find any serious character development.
Our heroine is now in Central America being forced to uncover a relic for a band of thieves, but to everyone's surprise, it seems that the relic was actually the only thing keeping an ancient god and its adversary contained.
When the relic is uncovered, the evil god, Xolotl, springs to life, and starts wreaking havoc around the temple that housed the relic. If he isn't defeated and the relic isn't back in its place by dawn, the whole world would be destroyed.
As such, Lara and an ancient, English-speaking warrior by the name of Totec must travel through elaborate traps and defeat the evil deity before he has enough power to rule the world.
While all this isn't exactly noteworthy, for a downloadable game designed to be played with friends, it's more than enough, and keeps the action going.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is what really matters, as the title was designed to test out a new philosophy for Crystal Dynamics.
Basically, at least in my point of view, the game plays out as a Diablo II clone, with the same isometric point of view, and is heavy with puzzles, cheap deaths and lots and lots of enemies for Lara Croft and her new buddy to kill using a variety of weapons.
The level design is pretty well done, with lots of areas being traverse by the dynamic duo, but some feel a bit too disorienting, especially since the area maps the game gives you aren't so elaborate. Also, different types of natural obstacles often cut off any relation to other areas of the level, so you should definitely think twice before going off to explore another area.
The puzzles are hit and miss most of the times. Usually they are pretty clever, but not impossible to solve, but most of the times you are tasked with making extremely tricky maneuvers and the next steps are often hidden from plain sight.
Also, a major problem with the game is that you will die a lot before finding out the solution to a puzzle. This isn't helped by the fact that Lara and her buddy are sometimes a bit difficult to control, so platforming can always turn into torment. Get used to the characters jumping a bit too far and over platforms and into fiery deaths or not hitting the target your wanted.
Shooting things is pretty solid though, as both protagonists can get a variety of weapons through achieving certain tasks in each level, and you'll wield things like infinite spears to Lara's classic dual Berettas to rocket or grenade launchers and even miniguns. Among the strongest you will find golden versions of standard weapons, while the two hand cannons are by far the most useful throughout the game.
The enemies are pretty varied, and each require different strategies, but most of the times the spear is the simplest way to take them out without worrying that you will use up ammo. There are some tricky boss battles scattered every few levels or so that will keep you on your toes, but not anything too serious.
Graphics and Audio
There isn't anything to write home about the graphics, but Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is extremely polished and keeps its framerate stable even in the most hectic of situations. Most of the cut scenes are rendered in a comic book style, and the isometric point of view will satisfy almost all players.
The audio is pretty good, with interesting music that keeps players entertained, while the voice work is also good. Lara keeps her English accent, Totec, for an ancient warrior speaks impeccable English while Xolotl sounds adequately menacing when issuing his threats.
Conclusion
Overall, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is very interesting game, and a pretty good direction for the long running franchise. Be prepared for a lot of trial and error gameplay, and the frustration caused by the hit and miss platforming system.
If you get past these things, the game will be a breath of fresh air for those that missed the attractive Lara Croft.
