REVIEW | ‘Lara Croft GO’ (English Version)

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Developed by Square Enix Montréal, Lara Croft GO is a turn-based strategy puzzle game that manages to capture the essence of Tomb Raider. As well as its predecessor, Hitman GO, the game is presented as a board game in which you can take one step at a time, having the need to think the order of your actions and where to go. As the player makes progress through the story, the hardness of the game increases gradually and naturally, always presenting new mechanics that  turns the gameplay more complex.

Definitely, a positive aspect of the game is the way that it reunites several symbolic elements from Tomb Raider, making the game more immerse in Lara Croft’s universe. Said that, the player won’t feel an absence of abyss, levers, treasures, torches and breathtaking picturesque scenarios. You can also find plenty of enemies on your way, each one with a specific pattern behaviour, compelling the player to understand these mechanics in order to surpass adversities. Despite the main focus on each level’s puzzle, the game also presents a background plot, clarifying the objectives and giving significance to every small victory.

This amount of elements is marvellously accompanied by an astonishing design. The low-poly style works perfectly for the game, managing to be close to a retro style, which gives glimpses of Pitfall sometimes. The game surprises in every little detail, from the mountains and the background landscape to Lara Croft’s soft movements. Another enchanting component is the game’s soundtrack, which fits perfectly to specific moments of the story. These small aspects composes the difference between a mere good game and Lara Croft GO.

Another point that benefits the gameplay is the fact that the puzzles are challenging, but not impossible. This makes the progression much more smooth and does not stress the players; managing to keep them immersed in this stunning universe for a long time. For those who aren’t used to this kind of game, or those who might encounter themselves in trouble at certain levels, there’s no need to look up for the answers on Youtube or other sites. The game presents a hint system that guides the player in an interactive way, but it is not recommended to use it very often, as it could ruin the fun.

The game also brings several collectibles that can be obtained by wrecking ceramic jars hidden throughout the scenarios of each level. When certain artefacts are collected, the player unlocks skins for Lara to use during the game. This, beyond stimulating the repetition of some levels, brings good news for those who enjoy a Platinum trophy on PS4, because apart from the treasures, the other trophies are easily obtained along the story

The plot is well defined on the 5 chapters of the campaign; with beginning, middle and conclusion, including an epic and challenging boss fight. Moreover, you can play two extra chapters, one of them being exclusive for PlayStation 4 and PS Vita only, during 3 months. The game also works on other platforms, such as iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PC, Mac and Linux.

To sum up, Lara Croft GO offers a lot of fun and surprises any player, being him a fan of the franchise or someone who hasn’t had the thrilling experience of playing such a game. Along with Monument Valley, the game establishes itself as an exponent of the genre, worth of being part of Tomb Raider’s universe and surely it deserves some of your time and money.

GALLERY