Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was one of the most enjoyable co-op experiences I’ve had, a surprising downloadable title that focused on using the unique abilities of the grappling hook-wielding Lara Croft and shield-bearing Mayan warrior Totec to traverse a trap-filled world. Temple of Osiris expands that formula from two players to four, with levels catered specifically for the group of characters currently playing, meaning two player levels are different to the four player challenges.
Only two player co-op was available at the EB Expo, but it was a fairly extensive demo for the show floor, taking us through a few levels and demonstrating all the mechanics available to Lara and her new companions. Replacing Totec are imprisoned Egyptian gods Horus and Isis, who yield a remarkably similar power to the Mayan warrior in that they create a shield bubble around them to help Lara get to higher platforms or protect both of you in navigating arrow traps. The gods can also activate certain platforms with their mystical powers. Lara is still using her grappling hook to create bridges, get to higher ground and to act as an anchor for her partners to practice rock climbing.
Everything that made Guardian of Light so much fun is still there. Puzzles weren’t particularly taxing but provided some challenge and there was a touch of dexterity required in a level ending chase sequence to ensure both players escaped. Lara’s grappling hook continues to be used in innovative ways, and the griefing elements of Guardian of Light remain, as you can retract grappling hook tightropes just as your teammate walks across a pit, sending them to their deaths, or leave your partner stuck on the other side of a gap while you collect all the treasure and power ups.
Working together is rewarding enough that I don’t see griefing being a problem in most cases, but playing with four players, or strangers, and it might become more of an issue. Combat is a balance of triggered explosives and dual stick shooting, it does the job but doesn’t feel particularly satisfying compared to the traversal and puzzle solving. Doing the job was enough in Guardian of Light, and the same is the case here in Temple of Osiris.
Everything has been dialled up for Temple of Osiris, you are facing giant enemies and devious traps in the Egyptian tombs; the chase sequence was spectacular as you run through collapsing ruins and rolling spiked logs to escape some kind of giant crocodile. The game looks great, it isn’t Tomb Raider reboot quality but it has a great style and runs smoothly. I’m looking forward to seeing whether the game supports four player co-op as well as it supports two, but for the moment Temple of Osiris shapes up as another fantastic experience for you and a trusted friend.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is out 9 December for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
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