Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Top-down actioner has some blood and a strong female lead.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
What's It About?
LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT, a downloadable game, is a significant departure for a game starring the heroine of the popular Tomb Raider franchise. It sees Lara questing for a lost artifact in hopes of locking away an evil entity. The action is viewed from a top-down perspective rather than the series’ traditional third-person perspective. Players control a much smaller character by using one thumbstick to move her and a second to control the direction in which her equipped weapon(s) points. The resulting action is less cinematic than in previous games, but also much more accessible. What’s more, it’s the first game in the franchise to feature a campaign that can be experienced not just by a single player but also with another in cooperative mode.
Is It Any Good?
Though relatively short (it takes only eight hours or so to work through the campaign), Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is easily the freshest and most entertaining game to star the iconic, teal tank top-clad explorer in years. The fights are simpler and more satisfying than they’ve ever been, and there are even more environmental puzzles and reward-driven challenges than in any of the Tomb Raider games.
Most importantly, it’s just plain playable; the sort of game players of all skill levels can pick up and become comfortable with in a matter of minutes. The fact that our heroine is -- for once -- hardly sexualized, only broadens the game’s appeal. Teens and adults alike will find plenty to enjoy in this affordable and compelling action/adventure/puzzle game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about women depicted in games. Why do many developers focus on “boob physics” and outfit their heroines in skimpy clothing? What needs to happen for this to change?
Families can also discuss the differences between combat seen up close and fights viewed from afar. Are the latter less disturbing in any way? Why might that be?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Square Enix
- Release date : August 18, 2010
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : August 30, 2016
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