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Lara Croft returns in Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, a sequel to the well-received Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. This isometric action game expands the co-op experience, allowing up to four players to explore ancient ruins together. But does this new installment live up to the Tomb Raider legacy? Let’s delve into the tombs and uncover the treasures and traps within.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showing Lara in combat

Engaging Gameplay and Thrilling Co-op

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris retains the core gameplay of its predecessor, offering fast-paced isometric action reminiscent of Diablo III. Players explore vast environments filled with perilous tombs and challenging puzzles. While not a full-fledged action RPG, the game captures the spirit of classic Tomb Raider titles with its emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving.

Players control Lara Croft, embarking on a solo adventure or teaming up with up to three other players. The environments are riddled with challenging dungeons, intricate traps, and formidable bosses. The game features a diverse array of weapons and items, allowing players to customize Lara’s loadout.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showing Lara navigating a trap

Treasure chests scattered throughout the game world and within tombs require gems to unlock. These gems are collected during exploration, encouraging players to thoroughly search every corner of the map. The rarity and value of the loot inside chests depend on the number of gems required, adding a compelling layer of reward to the exploration.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showing Lara in a tomb

The co-op mode is where Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris truly shines. While playable solo, the game is designed with cooperative play in mind. The first player controls Lara, while the second player takes on the role of a staff-wielding deity, with similar roles for the third and fourth players. This staff is crucial for solving puzzles and adds a unique dynamic to the gameplay, making co-op significantly more engaging than solo play.

The game cleverly adapts its level design based on the number of players. For example, solo players can use Lara’s grappling hook to reach higher platforms, while in co-op, the staff-wielder must create a light orb for Lara to climb, showcasing the game’s adaptability and focus on teamwork.

Technical Hiccups and Frustrating Camera

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showcasing environmental detail

Unfortunately, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris suffers from technical shortcomings. Reports suggest a less-than-ideal port to consoles, with persistent bugs and occasional crashes, which detract from the overall experience.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showcasing Lara in combat

Graphically, the game falls short of expectations. While explosions are visually impressive, the character and environment designs lack detail and appear somewhat rough, especially compared to the previous installment. Frame rate instability further compounds these graphical issues.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris gameplay screenshot showcasing Lara exploring a tomb

The control scheme and camera angle also present challenges. The controls are complex and poorly explained, requiring players to memorize numerous button combinations. The lack of an aiming reticle makes combat more difficult than it should be, particularly when surrounded by enemies. The dynamic camera, which zooms in and out frequently, hinders navigation and can be particularly frustrating during chases. In co-op, the camera struggles to keep up with all four players, often obscuring the action.

Conclusion

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris offers engaging co-op gameplay and expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. However, technical issues, graphical shortcomings, and a frustrating camera hold the game back from its full potential. While the co-op experience is undeniably fun, players should be prepared for some technical hiccups along the way. Is it worth raiding? Perhaps, but proceed with caution.