For anybody who has a 360 with Xbox Live, you must download this game NOW. It is the rebirth of the series that the fans have been waiting for and it's absolutely excellent. The game replaces the from behind 3rd person view, with an over the head isometric view, and even though some were worried it would kill the Tomb Raider feel, it actually made the game better than before. Right now it's only available for the Xbox360, but it will be released on PS3 and PC next month, and will be updated around October with a patch to allow Multiplayer Co-Op, a first for the series. Think Diablo, Old-School Arcade Shooters, and Tomb Raider and you've got this game. It's wonderfully done, and is currently averaging 85-90% on review sites. I highly recommend it. A must buy.
I haven't tried the demo yet (it's like, 2GB?, I don't have that type of time to wait ), but it seems rather interesting. I've been on the fence since the game was announced, actually. It's a real departure from what we've come to expect of the Tomb Raider series, and with it goes all assumptions that can be made regarding gameplay (which I'm all for), but I'm not sure if I'm that invested in the franchise to purchase this downloadable title, at full price at least. Guardian of Light is actually in the same place as Castlevania: Harmony of Despair for me. Both games look great and fun, but it looks like they shine when played with friends, and I'm not exactly sure the single player experience is worth the price. Like, as much as I liked Resident Evil 5, the partner concept was more of a burden than a plus when playing with the AI and I'm not sure if I can appreciate GoL if the AI is as dimwitted as usual in video games. How long is the game? How are the puzzles? Are they similar to what's expected from the TR franchise, or do they take any chances? I'm sure most of my questions will be answered if I play the demo, but yeah. edit: I just realized the partner is probably just a multiplayer thing? Does that differ from single player?
This game had ben done by a mini team within Crystal Dynamics. Don't expect this to replace the actual Tomb Raider franchise as the bigger team is busy with that one.
The game is mega long for a downloadable game. I've played it for several days, but it's still only 45-50%. The amazing thing is that it is FUN. Despite it being a new camera view, it still feels like a Tomb Raider, and actually more than the last two games have. I've actually enjoyed it more than Underworld, and I think you'd really like it Keaton. It's difficult as hell and the risks paid off. Btw, in single player you don't have totec following you. It's just Lara.