Natural Selection 2 vs Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Natural Selection 2 blends first‑person shooter action with real‑time strategy, letting players command either the technologically advanced Marines or the adaptable Alien hive. Set in a sci‑fi horror universe, each side evolves its abilities through resource gathering and combat victories. The game emphasizes teamwork, asymmetric gameplay, and a dynamic evolution system that rewards strategic thinking as much as shooting skill, delivering a deep multiplayer experience for competitive players.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a fast‑paced, third‑person action game that blends platforming, shooting, and brain‑teasing puzzles. Set in a mystical Egyptian-inspired world, players control Lara and a mysterious guardian, using unique abilities to overcome traps and enemies. The title supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting two players combine powers to solve challenges and defeat foes. With vibrant visuals and a focus on teamwork, it offers a fresh take on the classic Tomb Raider franchise.
- Deep asymmetric gameplay keeps each match fresh
- Robust evolution system rewards strategic planning
- Strong community mod support extends replayability
- High skill ceiling appeals to competitive players
- Engaging cooperative gameplay
- Varied puzzle mechanics keep gameplay fresh
- Beautifully stylized environments
- Responsive controls across platforms
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited matchmaking options can lead to long wait times
- Graphics are dated compared to newer titles
- Limited single‑player depth compared to co‑op
- Occasional camera issues on console versions
- Short overall campaign length
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataLara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the safer default choice for cooperative puzzle-adventure fans, while Natural Selection 2 targets competitive gamers looking for a deeper, more challenging hybrid FPS/RTS experience. The main trade-off is between a narrative-driven co-op adventure and a competitive, large-scale asymmetric multiplayer game.
Key differences
- •Gameplay style: Lara Croft is an action-puzzle platformer focusing on light-based mechanics and co-op puzzle-solving, whereas Natural Selection 2 is an asymmetric hybrid FPS/RTS combining marine base-building and alien evolution.
- •Multiplayer and Player Count: Lara Croft supports two-player cooperative play across platforms, while Natural Selection 2 supports up to 32 players on dedicated multiplayer servers with PC cross-platform support.
- •Critic Scores and Release Dates: Lara Croft was released in August 2010 with a critic score of 79/100, while Natural Selection 2 released in October 2012 with a higher critic score of 85/100.
- •Age Ratings: Lara Croft carries a PEGI 12 and ESRB T rating, whereas Natural Selection 2 carries an ESRB M rating for its sci-fi horror ambience.
Gameplay & fun factor
Natural Selection 2 scores 85/100 for its deep asymmetric gameplay, compared to Lara Croft's 79/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Lara Croft runs on consoles, PC, and mobile devices with cross-play, while Natural Selection 2 is limited to PC (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Price & value
Both games are offered as a one-time paid purchase with an MSRP of $19.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Lara Croft features a dedicated two-player cooperative mode, whereas Natural Selection 2 supports up to 32 players in large battles.
Content & replayability
Natural Selection 2 offers strong community mod support and persistent evolution systems, while Lara Croft has a short campaign length.
Difficulty & accessibility
Lara Croft's puzzle design scales difficulty for casual to hardcore players, while Natural Selection 2 has a steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
Lara Croft features beautifully stylized environments, whereas Natural Selection 2 has graphics that are dated compared to newer titles.
Choose Natural Selection 2 if…
Competitive gamers wanting a deep, steep-learning-curve hybrid FPS/RTS experience with up to 32 players.
Choose Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light if…
Action-puzzle fans looking for a shorter, co-op experience across multiple platforms.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Both Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Natural Selection 2 have a one-time MSRP of $19.99.
Can I play these games in multiplayer?
Yes, Lara Croft supports single player, multiplayer, and a two-player cooperative mode with cross-play, while Natural Selection 2 supports up to 32 players on dedicated servers.
Which game has a better critic score?
Natural Selection 2 has a critic score of 85/100, while Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light has a critic score of 79/100.