Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is available today on XBLA (and not on PS3 or PC until Sept 28).  Graev and I picked it up for 1200 microsoft points, completing out summer collection which essentially awards us 1200 points so we semi-somewhat justify it as free.  It’s an isometric platformer/action game with puzzles, boss fights, hack n slash, upgrades and other forms of minor character progression.

Even if you don’t like the source materials, or like us know very little about Tomb Raider games of the past, there’s a very fun coop experience to be had here.  The game gets going very quickly with a brief still-movie/explanation of why you’re on this adventure.  You’re joined by your Mayan buddy Totec to stop the bad guy Xolotl who stole the Mirror of Smoke.  Here’s where coop comes in.  One player chooses Lara and the other chooses Totec.  The two have to make their way through the levels while killing bad guys, finding ways to get powersups/unlocks/artifacts, and work together.

Both characters have abilities that are required to advance in the levels.  For example, Totec can throw his Mayan spears of awesome into the wall and Lara’s light and nimble physique can jump on them to reach things or for whatever you would stand on spears to do.  Lara can shoot out rope which lets Totec grab it and swing or even tightrope walk on it when Lara has it attached to something.  Totec can raise his shield above him and Lara, again with that nimble balance, can stand on it to reach ledges.  Each character also has several other abilities or tools to help them on their own or as a duo. (Note: If you play solo it’s only Lara and she has the stuff needed to progress but the puzzles are different on coop to make it different and fun.)

There’s rumor of a multiplayer patch coming to Xbox 360 but for now, and even without it, it’s worth it to buy the game and play with a friend if you’re looking for some very solid coop gameplay.