Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 200 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 200
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 200
  3. Negative: 11 out of 200

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  1. Macdealer
    Jul 16, 2011
    10
    I thought this game it would be ok. But nooo!! This game was awesome. Super fun, super fast, super puzzled, excellent platform. Well, loved it. You should try, 5 minutes in demo and you will buy the game and all expansions, packs, etc Great Graphics too.
  2. hahc21
    Oct 12, 2010
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light" reminds me how good could be play with Lara Croft across incredible places around the world (and in ths case, in central America) and showed me how much funnier it could become if you stop playing it alone and call a friend. Also, GoL demonstrated that third-person perspective isn't the only strong point of the Tomb Raider iconic heroine.… Expand
  3. eyEZix
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    This game is so awesome, the more i play it the more i love it. I recommend using a controller as it makes the game play a lot smoother though i didn't really try to get the hang of it with the mouse and keyboard. It's got the feel of Tomb Raider mixed with Diablo 2 so if you like those games at all you'll probably enjoy this gem. I'm comparing but it really is unique with a sort of oldThis game is so awesome, the more i play it the more i love it. I recommend using a controller as it makes the game play a lot smoother though i didn't really try to get the hang of it with the mouse and keyboard. It's got the feel of Tomb Raider mixed with Diablo 2 so if you like those games at all you'll probably enjoy this gem. I'm comparing but it really is unique with a sort of old school arcade feel. This game is smooth and fun fun fun. Two thumbs up!… Expand
  4. 88dizi88
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    Great single player and an even better Coop experience. It's has fast paced action, ingenious puzzle design for both a single player and multiplayer experience. Fantastic!
  5. Tseuq4gninaem
    Jan 17, 2012
    8
    Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is not your traditional Tomb Raider game but this addition to the series is a welcome to not only the series but the Isometric action game genre... with one exception (and a pretty big one). The Visual during game play are very detailed but not excessive to the point of distraction. enemies look diverse enough to know which type they are without havingLara Croft and the Guardian of Light is not your traditional Tomb Raider game but this addition to the series is a welcome to not only the series but the Isometric action game genre... with one exception (and a pretty big one). The Visual during game play are very detailed but not excessive to the point of distraction. enemies look diverse enough to know which type they are without having to look directly at them. The Story is on the weak side but is interesting enough to make you want to know the conclusion. Lara is hired by a group of "explorers" to find the legendary Mirror of Shadows. They removed the Mirror from it's resting place and awake Xolotl from his sealed prison. The Guardian of Light, Totec, is brought back to life and with the help of Lara, must defeat Xolotl and seal him back in the mirror...

    The Game play is where its at! It's fast pace and non stop... BUT i have played this game with both first K&M and then game pad (xbox 360 controller) and this game absolutely terrible to play with K&M. There are some severe navigation issues when moving the stone balls from location to the other and having to place a bomb, roll and detonate the bomb is a real task. Now playing with the game pad is controlling Lara in action perfect (makes sense, since it is a XBLA game), but makes aiming seem a little tedious when compared to the mouse's point and click shooting. Single player and online co-op both smoothly with co-op reigning supreme when compared to each other.

    Replay Value in this game is great. each mission as three levels of score total, three to five map challenges and 4-7 bonus items on each mission. giving you three way to play each mission in and different levels of difficulty, you can easily spend 15-18 hours on this game

    The Music is good and keeps the atmosphere and action going but the voice acting is sub par.

    Overall: This game would have gotten a 5/10 for having bad K&M and below average voice acting and story but the action in the game, online co-op, the ease of playing with a game pad and the incredible amount of replay value earns this an extremely solid 8.

    Just make sure you have a game pad for this game.    … Expand
  6. Gonzo7
    Jan 11, 2013
    10
    Fantastic coop experience! Most fun in a long time playing a game. Puzzles and action, fun fun fun!! :) . Enjoyable single player also. This is great!! Im so happy i could cry, lol 10/10
  7. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    8
    I have mixed feelings about the Tomb Raider series. However, that doesn't extend to Guardian of Light, which I quite enjoyed. My usual co-op partner also liked it, and that's saying something, since he doesn't like many games and doesn't like twin-stick shooters in particular, deriding them as "derpy." It doesn't bear the Tomb Raider moniker, because it really isn't one of those games,I have mixed feelings about the Tomb Raider series. However, that doesn't extend to Guardian of Light, which I quite enjoyed. My usual co-op partner also liked it, and that's saying something, since he doesn't like many games and doesn't like twin-stick shooters in particular, deriding them as "derpy." It doesn't bear the Tomb Raider moniker, because it really isn't one of those games, instead being an intense twin-stick shooter that incorporates some of the platforming and puzzle-solving of its parent franchise, and feels like a richer experience for it. There's surprisingly good chemistry between Lara and Totec, her partner on this adventure, excellent variety in the level design, and a huge array of weapons to use. It's one of the better download-only titles out there.… Expand
  8. nielsvk
    Oct 23, 2010
    9
    Fresh new gamestyle in the Tombraider series. And it's got something for everyone, the thrill seekers, the completionists, the speedrunners, the casual gamers and the puzzlers. It's great, and it's got multiplayer as well. Only thing I didn't like was not being able to do keybindings yourself.
  9. KangarooKurt
    Apr 19, 2011
    9
    I'd give it a 10 if it were a bit more challenging, and lasted a bit longer. As it is, it's pretty perfect for what it is, a 3rd person adventure/puzzle game. Replay value is pretty good if you're into the challenges, and co-op play is as good as single. It is indeed very hard to get 100%, but getting close isn't that great a challenge - still, the ride is a good one.
  10. drakenseng
    Feb 12, 2013
    9
    this game has great graphics for a top down view. it is still tomb raider, with its platforming and you still play as lara croft. gameplay is great with the way you can use bombs to create new paths, and puzzles are interesting. really consider getting a 360 controller to play it though. if you can have 3 playable characters like in Trine? i believe this game would be one of the best created.
  11. fffortune
    Feb 18, 2013
    9
    Excellent game to play with your partner or friend in co-op. I was particularly impressed with some of the later puzzles they were quite challenging. Could probably even have used a few more of those.

    Here's to hoping they get around to making another!
  12. Taroth
    Mar 6, 2013
    10
    This may be my personal favorite Tomb Raider game, although it technically isn't part of the series. The co-op play is the best I have ever experienced. I have gone through the co-op game with 6 other people at this point. Single player isn't as strong because it is clear the game was built off of teamwork. Totec and Lara are both flat characters, but it isn't the story we're after here,This may be my personal favorite Tomb Raider game, although it technically isn't part of the series. The co-op play is the best I have ever experienced. I have gone through the co-op game with 6 other people at this point. Single player isn't as strong because it is clear the game was built off of teamwork. Totec and Lara are both flat characters, but it isn't the story we're after here, it is the puzzles and challenges. Pros:
    Neat isometric game which makes use of 3D and jumping like never before seen in a game this style.
    Excellent teamwork mechanics in which both players are needed to accomplish goals.
    Puzzles are well designed, thought out, and gives you a feeling of being heroic. Some of the best level designing I have seen in a game of this style. Combat is fun and collecting items is addictive, New Game Plus is great for speed running.
    Puzzle DLC is innovative and also great for speed running.

    Cons: PC controls are terrible.
    Only official Microsoft Controllers work properly with the game.
    Bad at performance even on a super-powered rig.
    No windowed option.
    Obviously designed with an XBOX 360 first mentality as the PC and PS3 are inferior to that game.

    Final Judgment:
    Extremely fun game once you have it operating at its best. I have over 100 hours into it after 3 years and it is a game I can go back to all the time. If you like to speed run platformers, then this is one of the best. Glitches, zips, and skips are littered throughout the game making it enjoyable even after you can beat it in under 30 minutes. At less than $20....it is a steal.    … Expand
  13. Toothpicker
    Apr 12, 2014
    9
    Best Co-op experience I've had in a long time, really enjoyed the game, intuitive gameplay, lots of fun, much better than expected and deserves more recognition. Wouldn't mind a second one.
  14. AAKN
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    Game Play[8]
    Controls[10]
    Contactable/Easter Eggs[5]
    Innovation[10]
    Graphics[8]
    Sounds[8]
    replay Value[10]
    Gaming Satisfaction[9]
    Price/Playtime[10]
    Technical Issues[10]
    ------------------------------------
    Over All[8.8]
  15. andybg46
    May 23, 2018
    9
    A pesar que sus gráfico no son gran cosa es un juego rapidísimo juego de acción que se vuelve adictivo desde el minuto 1, ademas la inclusión de puzzles y plataformas hace que se relente un poco el ritmo para volver a acelerar en los momentos de acción, teniendo varios géneros en un mismo juego, cosa que no se ve hoy en día.
  16. bigsilverhotdog
    May 1, 2016
    8
    A seriously good coop game (same pc, local lan, or online) with excellent puzzles, good graphics, and solid gameplay that does almost everything right. Levels offer replay value due to being timed and to the statistical nature of the scoring. Rewards include many unlockable weapons and items. DLC is quality but contains little. Overall one of the best coop games available.
  17. Dalek
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    This game, is simply amazing. I thought it was going to be boring at first, judging by the screenshots, but I got it at the cheap STEAM sale. Played it with a friend for 4 hours straight, and we're not too far away from the end. But that doesn't make it bad. The only flaw I found annoying is when you sometimes alt-tab, or press the windows key to go out of game. It drops the player andThis game, is simply amazing. I thought it was going to be boring at first, judging by the screenshots, but I got it at the cheap STEAM sale. Played it with a friend for 4 hours straight, and we're not too far away from the end. But that doesn't make it bad. The only flaw I found annoying is when you sometimes alt-tab, or press the windows key to go out of game. It drops the player and shuts down the game you're playing. But it automatically saves as well. So you can quit whenever you want MOST OF THE TIME. It normally saves before a battle or entering a room.

    Achievements are also fun.    … Expand
  18. Lazarento
    Oct 16, 2010
    8
    Guardian of Light is a great game for it´s price range, very well polished and the game play is pretty decent even using a keyboard + mouse. If you got a PS3 like controller I think it would be great. The puzzles and achievements can provide lots of fun for people who enjoy these kind of challenges. If you´re looking for some good action shoot em´ upGuardian of Light is a great game for it´s price range, very well polished and the game play is pretty decent even using a keyboard + mouse. If you got a PS3 like controller I think it would be great. The puzzles and achievements can provide lots of fun for people who enjoy these kind of challenges. If you´re looking for some good action shoot em´ up to play alone or with a friend, you won´t regret buying this one.… Expand
  19. Seiseki
    Oct 18, 2010
    8
    Great game with lots of re-playability.
    There are tons of weapons to unlock as well as artifacts, relics and even new costumes for Lara.
    If that isn't enough there are online leaderboards where you can compete with your friends for top score. It's a very polished game and I truly enjoyed playing through it with a friend, the controls works way better with a gamepad though due to the    Great game with lots of re-playability.
    There are tons of weapons to unlock as well as artifacts, relics and even new costumes for Lara.
    If that isn't enough there are online leaderboards where you can compete with your friends for top score.
    It's a very polished game and I truly enjoyed playing through it with a friend, the controls works way better with a gamepad though due to the analogue movement, jumping between platforms using WASD is quite hard as you can only move in 8 directions.    … Expand
  20. JonesR
    Dec 1, 2011
    8
    Surprisingly, this is a very fun game for co-op. The Steam store says local co-op but I assure you online co-op is fully supported. Basically it is an overhead puzzler with some monster bashing--nothing overly difficult, but still rewarding. The grappling hook tight rope plus spear and shield jumping provide the right base of teamwork. Based on my previous ho-hum experiences with past TombSurprisingly, this is a very fun game for co-op. The Steam store says local co-op but I assure you online co-op is fully supported. Basically it is an overhead puzzler with some monster bashing--nothing overly difficult, but still rewarding. The grappling hook tight rope plus spear and shield jumping provide the right base of teamwork. Based on my previous ho-hum experiences with past Tomb Raider games, this one really breaks the mold--a hidden gem.… Expand
  21. LostSoulFly
    Dec 22, 2010
    9
    This game is great fun and the co-op is where the game shines! I was Lara and usually ended up deciding whether my friend lived or died while walking over my grappling hook or jumping a big distance and scaling a wall while. The challenges aren't too tough and add a bit of fun content to each level. We found ourselves replaying a few levels just to get some of the challenges. In the end,This game is great fun and the co-op is where the game shines! I was Lara and usually ended up deciding whether my friend lived or died while walking over my grappling hook or jumping a big distance and scaling a wall while. The challenges aren't too tough and add a bit of fun content to each level. We found ourselves replaying a few levels just to get some of the challenges. In the end, the game has some bugs and strange engine behaviors but they actually added hilarious "WTF" moments we both had a laugh at.

    If you have a friend to play through this with it's totally worth it.    … Expand
  22. yiNXs
    Dec 26, 2010
    9
    For some reason I missed the release of this game. Even though I didn't expect any Tombraider sequel to ever come close to how good the first one was, I at least always checked the sequels out. This one I just noticed a few days ago, being on sale on Steam, dirt cheap. I just bought it, figuring I couldn't go wrong for the price they asked. To my surprise it turned out to be an amazingFor some reason I missed the release of this game. Even though I didn't expect any Tombraider sequel to ever come close to how good the first one was, I at least always checked the sequels out. This one I just noticed a few days ago, being on sale on Steam, dirt cheap. I just bought it, figuring I couldn't go wrong for the price they asked. To my surprise it turned out to be an amazing game! The same concept as Tombraider, but in a completely different game style. Where the first Tombraider was original by being a platform puzzle/adventure and shooter game in 3rd person 3D, this one is original by combining that gameplay with a hack&slash style of gameplay (including the +stat upgrade items, though keeping it basic). I think it works incredibly well. In the entire TR series (and I lost count of how many there are) this is the first one that had me as hooked as the original. I couldn't stop playing until I had finished the game, beaten every challenge and gotten every upgrade possible. The most innovative part of the whole game is the two player co-op mode, which makes the puzzles even more fun because both players have a different set of abilities that complement each other, so you need to work closely together to get across obstacles and solve puzzles, which are different from the single player mode. I haven't even played it in co-op mode yet myself, but I can already say this game is worth every cent.

    NOTE: The game favors using a game pad a lot, so get one in you can. Keyboard + mouse works (I played it like that), but a lot of hardware simply isn't capable to do the multiple actions at once (needing more than 3 keys simultaneous), like jumping diagonally and dropping/detonating a bomb mid air f.e..    … Expand
  23. kunipao
    Mar 19, 2011
    9
    I've seen the rave reviews about this game for months now but it was only when i tried the demo yesterday that i've experience myself how throughly wonderful and breathtaking this game is. At first i was a little intrigue as this game is played on a top-down third-person perspective a la Crusader No Remorse (one of my favorite classic), but i must truly say that i wouldn't want it anyI've seen the rave reviews about this game for months now but it was only when i tried the demo yesterday that i've experience myself how throughly wonderful and breathtaking this game is. At first i was a little intrigue as this game is played on a top-down third-person perspective a la Crusader No Remorse (one of my favorite classic), but i must truly say that i wouldn't want it any other way. From this perspective you're able to fully appreciate the game surrounding and my favorite is how the developer is able to give the player the sense of height when you're heading up through some of the levels. You will be amaze at the beautiful vista and landscape.
    Don't be fool by the miniature avatars that you or your friend will be controlling throughout the game as i was literally holding my breath through some of the devilish puzzle action sequence. You'll run, jump, swing, scale, dodge and using your reflexes quite a bit. On some of the more difficult puzzle, you will definitely die a few times but you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you do get it right.
    The only problem i had with this game, al-beight a very minor one is you'll be fighting the same minion throughout the levels. More enemy variety would be greatly appreciated.
    If you're still not sure about coughing up the fifteen dollars for the full games, just download the demo through Steam and give it a try, I'm sure after the demo you'll be grabbing for your credit card. I know i did. =)    … Expand
  24. marcosespada
    Apr 15, 2011
    8
    This game is a blast! Nothing too involved, just perfect for putting on and having fun. Puzzle solving, plus shooting stuff up while controlling the vixen Lara.
  25. Stevros
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    Surprisingly good, and much different to the traditional Tomb Raider games i have played (TR1 and TR2). It has more of a top down view and its more puzzle based although there is alot of combat involved. The puzzles are great and require enough thought to keep you interested. The combat doesnt seem to get too tiring which is surprising because at times you are smashing through quite a fewSurprisingly good, and much different to the traditional Tomb Raider games i have played (TR1 and TR2). It has more of a top down view and its more puzzle based although there is alot of combat involved. The puzzles are great and require enough thought to keep you interested. The combat doesnt seem to get too tiring which is surprising because at times you are smashing through quite a few enemys. Lots of guns to play with and an absolutely superb control scheme, recommended to be played with a gamepad.… Expand
  26. Certate0
    Apr 30, 2012
    8
    Bought this game with fond memories of the original Tomb Raider oh so many years ago and it didn't disapoint. Very different to the rest of the franchise and a very welcome diversion. I was hooked after a few minutes and ended up completing the game in a couple of sittings. Excellent graphics and top down action with puzzles that don't punish the player. That being said, there is still aBought this game with fond memories of the original Tomb Raider oh so many years ago and it didn't disapoint. Very different to the rest of the franchise and a very welcome diversion. I was hooked after a few minutes and ended up completing the game in a couple of sittings. Excellent graphics and top down action with puzzles that don't punish the player. That being said, there is still a great sense of achievement with an upgrade often earned. Character and weapon improvements are great and the whole package works well. Highly recommended… Expand
  27. Grulnork
    May 24, 2012
    9
    Good game, especially coop. I bought this for 15 euro. Good price. The combination of puzzles and action is well done. Fans of the Tombraider games have to keep in mind that this a different type of game.

    The controls are incredible. Mouse and keyboard or gamepad both work great. I prefer the gamepad as I rather have precise movement controls then better aiming, and tbh the aiming with    Good game, especially coop. I bought this for 15 euro. Good price. The combination of puzzles and action is well done. Fans of the Tombraider games have to keep in mind that this a different type of game.

    The controls are incredible. Mouse and keyboard or gamepad both work great. I prefer the gamepad as I rather have precise movement controls then better aiming, and tbh the aiming with the rightstick is not hard at all in an isometric game. It's great to have choice in how you want to control the game.

    Puzzles aren't hard, but still entertaining. Don't expect tough brainbreakers.

    The graphics look all right. It's not top notch, but I don't care about that anyway.    … Expand
  28. RaksoNunez
    Oct 6, 2012
    10
    El Demo de este Juego estuvo excelente! Estoy motivado a comprar el Juego Completo y a Jugarlo!
    Muy Buen Juego de Estrategia! Y trae multijugador otra caracteristica muy buena, por lo que mire, es un agente interno y no externo o online! Tambien tiene la banda sonora de Tomb Raider Legend, Anniversary y en especial Underworld!
    Muchas Gracias!
  29. SebboBastian
    Dec 24, 2018
    8
    One of the better co-op games out there. Nice combat and fun puzzles. Perfect game to play with your partner.
  30. Nerokin
    Nov 24, 2015
    8
    Lara Is Not Anymore A Single

    Overall: 76% (99.4/130)

    Atmosphere: 7.4/10
    Graphics: 7.1/10
    Level Design: 8.4/10
    Music: 4.5/5
    Voice: 4.5/5

    Balance: 7.1/10
    Controls: 8/10
    Mysteries: 9.2/10

    Animations: 8.2/10
    Artificial Intelligence: 6/10
    Physics: 7.4/10

    Story: 6.6/10
    Tutorial: 4/5
    Variety in Items: 7/10

    Cost-Benefit Ratio: 3/4
    System Requirements: 1/1
  31. Dco326
    Aug 30, 2022
    10
    Odavno zanimljiviju igricu ove vrste nisam igrao pri kraju je malcice prelaka i prica moze da bude bolja ali je stvarno mnogo gotivna i zanimljiva igrica :)
  32. likevin96
    Jan 4, 2017
    8
    Pros:
    - Couch co-op
    - Relatively meaty game in terms of content
    - Fun and varied secrets/achievements
    - Strong level design

    Cons:
    - Weapon variety is lacking
    - Visual aesthetic is boring for the most part
    - Barebones plot

    True Score: 7.9
  33. SilverOrlov
    Oct 5, 2019
    9
    An interesting new view at the classic Lara Croft. Certainly not a masterpiece compared to full-fledged classic franchise games, but in its niche it is a very pleasant experience.
  34. Genek13
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    For better experience play this game with your fiend. This is when game shines :)
    Fun to play with decent visuals and mechanics.
  35. marpolaris
    Jun 26, 2020
    9
    excelente aventura, te hace sentir en un tom raider pero ala vez en otro juego es bastante divertido si lo juegas acompañada los gráficos son buenos y es muy dinámico el juego llenos de obstaculos y retos

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best PC Game of 2010
46
#46 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
36
#36 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 13, 2011
    70
    New Lara adventures shock with a genre-change and comes with great Diablo-like playability. Smart puzzles and great co-op multiplayer mode make Guardian of Light one of the most pleasant surprises this year. [Issue#197]
  2. PC Gamer UK
    Dec 30, 2010
    87
    A gem of a game on a par with the type of shiny jewels that Lara herself might travel all over the world to acquire.
  3. Absolute Games
    Dec 23, 2010
    78
    This Lara Croft is an exciting, nice-looking game. It's a pity that some of its nagging shortcomings weren't fixed before the release.
    Read full review
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