“Lara Croft GO” is Apple’s game of the year for 2015, according to the App Store’s editorial staff.
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The beautiful world of “Lara Croft GO.”
But what is it? It’s basically a “Tomb Raider” version of “Monument Valley” in every way but name. Which is to say: “Lara Croft GO” is a delightful puzzle game, it costs $5, and you should buy it today.
Not convinced? Check out what the game is like below.
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A lot of love went into Lara Croft and the world of “Lara Croft GO.”
A lot of love went into Lara Croft and the world of “Lara Croft GO.”
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Right from the jump, the game is a looker. The game’s menu, even, is full of artistic detail that draws you in. It’s appropriately themed for the original “Tomb Raider,” with various tools of the trade standing in for standard menu options like settings and changing Lara’s outfit. Ms. Croft has changed a lot over the years, and “Lara Croft GO” enables you to choose the Lara you like the most.
The motif extends through to level selection as well, with an explorer’s notebook standing in for a more standard menu.
The motif extends through to level selection as well, with an explorer’s notebook standing in for a more standard menu.
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As you complete levels, Lara’s sketch of her progress fills out. Here’s an example from part-way through the “Maze of Snakes” levels, which introduce — you guessed it — lots of snakes.
As you complete levels, Lara’s sketch of her progress fills out. Here’s an example from part-way through the “Maze of Snakes” levels, which introduce — you guessed it — lots of snakes.
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So, what does “Lara Croft GO” play like? Slowly and methodically — a lot like “Monument Valley,” actually. You’ll navigate Lara through treacherous worlds, one step at a time.
So, what does “Lara Croft GO” play like? Slowly and methodically — a lot like “Monument Valley,” actually. You’ll navigate Lara through treacherous worlds, one step at a time.
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See those diamonds on the ground in grey? These guys:
See those diamonds on the ground in grey? These guys:
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Those are places you can move Lara, one step at a time. “Lara Croft GO” is a game about slowly, methodically overcoming challenges and reaching the end of areas. Proceed from point A to point B without getting killed in the process. Here’s Lara sneaking over some DANGEROUS overgrowth:
Those are places you can move Lara, one step at a time. “Lara Croft GO” is a game about slowly, methodically overcoming challenges and reaching the end of areas. Proceed from point A to point B without getting killed in the process. Here’s Lara sneaking over some DANGEROUS overgrowth:
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Many levels have multiple areas. In this instance, reaching one end…
Many levels have multiple areas. In this instance, reaching one end…
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…Only to enter a new area full of more snakes. Drats!
…Only to enter a new area full of more snakes. Drats!
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But don’t worry, you don’t have to fight the snakes (or spiders, or alligators, or any of the other angry creatures Lara comes across). Facing them head on means certain death, but approaching one from the side, or from behind, means Lara will sneak attack with her pistols. This simple decision turns “combat” into a game of chess.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to fight the snakes (or spiders, or alligators, or any of the other angry creatures Lara comes across). Facing them head on means certain death, but approaching one from the side, or from behind, means Lara will sneak attack with her pistols. This simple decision turns “combat” into a game of chess.
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In this instance, you have to figure out how to attack the snakes without getting killed yourself. The spear seen can also be picked up and used to take out one snake from a distance. It’s with these bare bones tools and rules you’ll proceed to victory.
Snakes stay in one place, while spiders move on a predetermined track. For every step Lara takes, they take one step on their track. In this way, “Lara Croft GO” uses the game’s limitations to its advantage, forcing you to think about every step you take.
Snakes stay in one place, while spiders move on a predetermined track. For every step Lara takes, they take one step on their track. In this way, “Lara Croft GO” uses the game’s limitations to its advantage, forcing you to think about every step you take.
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But let’s not spoil every little discovery. There’s lots we haven’t touched on, from collectibles (scattered everywhere – keep an eye out!) to the game’s hint system (a $5 purchase in addition to the game’s already high price – unfortunate).
But let’s not spoil every little discovery. There’s lots we haven’t touched on, from collectibles (scattered everywhere – keep an eye out!) to the game’s hint system (a $5 purchase in addition to the game’s already high price – unfortunate).
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All you need to know at this point is whether or not you’ve got a spare few hours and enough iPhone juice to enjoy the splendor which is “Lara Croft GO.” It’s pretty and entertaining and easy to pick up and put down as you need to, like any good mobile game should be. Don’t sleep on “Lara Croft GO.”
Here’s a link to pick up “Lara Croft GO” on iTunes.
Here’s a link to pick up “Lara Croft GO” on Google Play.
[“source-techinsider”]
