Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Jun 23, 2023 3 years ago
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a platform action video game developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and iOS as part of the Tomb Raider series through digital distribution. Unlike previous games in the series, the game does not carry the Tomb Raider brand and has a heavy emphasis on cooperative gameplay. In multiplayer, players take the role as either Lara Croft or a 2,000-year-old Mayan warrior named Totec. They must work together in order to stop the evil spirit Xolotl and retrieve the Mirror of Smoke. A single-player campaign mode is available that does not include the non-playable character AI following or helping Lara.
What it’s like
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light reimagines the franchise through a tight, isometric lens, prioritizing cooperative synergy over sprawling exploration. The experience centers on Lara and Totec navigating ancient Mayan ruins, where success hinges entirely on their complementary abilities—Lara’s agility and grappling hook paired with Totec’s magical staff. This dynamic creates a puzzle-platforming loop that feels fresh yet familiar, demanding constant communication and precise timing between players. The tone strikes a balance between lighthearted adventure and genuine tension, supported by a vibrant art style and an energetic soundtrack that elevates the arcade-like combat. While the narrative serves primarily as a vehicle for the action, the character dynamics provide enough charm to keep the journey engaging. It is a polished, fast-paced gem that rewards teamwork, offering a concentrated burst of fun rather than a deep, lingering mystery.
Strong in Co-op / MultiplayerGameplay / MechanicsPacingAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersCombatDifficulty / ChallengePolish / PerformanceProgression / ReplayabilityVisuals / Art
Keep in mind The linear, level-based structure limits open-world exploration and replay value compared to mainline entries. · Cooperation is mandatory for the full experience; playing solo removes the core mechanical synergy that defines the game.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from steambase.io, tapsmart.com, pcgamer.com, gertlushgaming.co.uk, metacritic.com, ign.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 19, 201016 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 29, 201016 years ago |
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 29, 201016 years ago |
| iOS | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 16, 201016 years ago |
| Android | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 14, 201610 years ago |
| Google Stadia | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 22, 20206 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 23, 20233 years ago |
