Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered Review

A Journey Through Lara Croft's Evolution

The Tomb Raider series has been a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming since its inception in the mid-1990s. With the release of the remastered collections for Tomb Raider I-III and Tomb Raider IV-VI, players are invited to experience the evolution of Lara Croft's adventures with enhanced visuals and modernised controls. This comprehensive review delves into both remastered trilogies, examining how they honour the originals while adapting to contemporary gaming standards.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered: Revisiting the Classics

Visual Enhancements and Controls

• The remastering of the original trilogy brings significant visual upgrades, including improved textures, lighting, and character models. Players can seamlessly switch between the original and updated graphics, offering a nostalgic yet refreshed experience. The inclusion of both classic "tank" controls and a modern control scheme caters to both purists and newcomers, though some may find the modern controls less refined.

Gameplay and Level Design

• The core gameplay remains true to the originals, featuring a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The level design, known for its complexity and challenge, continues to engage players. However, certain mechanics may feel dated, and the camera system can occasionally hinder the experience.

Individual Game Assessments

• Tomb Raider I laid the foundation for the series, offering vast, puzzle-heavy environments and a strong sense of adventure. While its mechanics feel dated by today’s standards, the remaster preserves its pioneering spirit.

• Tomb Raider II builds upon the first game with more diverse locations, enhanced combat mechanics, and a stronger narrative. The Venice and Tibet levels remain some of the most memorable in the franchise.

• Tomb Raider III introduces non-linear progression and greater environmental variety but also ramps up the difficulty considerably. Its ambitious design sometimes results in frustrating trial-and-error gameplay, but it remains a fan favourite for its expanded mechanics and challenge.

Overall Experience

The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection successfully revitalises the early adventures of Lara Croft, offering both longtime fans and new players an opportunity to experience these classics with meaningful enhancements.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered: The Series' Transitional Phase

Visual and Technical Improvements

• This collection continues the trend of visual enhancements, with remastered graphics that breathe new life into the diverse environments of each game. However, some scenes may appear overly dark, and certain graphical updates may not fully capture the charm of the original designs.

Individual Game Assessments

• Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation stands out with its atmospheric settings and intricate puzzles set in ancient Egypt, representing a high point in the series.

• Tomb Raider V: Chronicles offers a series of vignettes that delve into Lara's past adventures. While providing additional context to her character, the fragmented narrative and less inspired level design result in a less cohesive experience.

• Tomb Raider VI: The Angel of Darkness attempts to introduce new mechanics and a darker narrative. However, it suffers from clunky controls and technical issues, making it the weakest entry in the collection.

Overall Experience

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection presents a mixed bag, showcasing the series' highs and lows during its transitional period. While the remastering efforts are commendable, the inherent quality of each title significantly impacts the overall enjoyment.

Final Verdict

The remastered collections of Tomb Raider I-VI offer a comprehensive look at the evolution of Lara Croft and the series' development over time. The visual enhancements and control options provide a bridge between nostalgia and modern gaming expectations. However, the varying quality of the individual titles means that players' experiences may differ across the collections.

Score: 7.5/10

Pros:

✔ Significant visual improvements with the option to toggle between original and remastered graphics.

✔ Inclusion of both classic and modern control schemes.

✔ Preservation of the original gameplay and level design.

✔ Offers a historical perspective on the evolution of the Tomb Raider series.

Cons:

✖ Some control and camera issues persist, reflecting the originals' limitations.

✖ Certain graphical updates may not fully capture the original aesthetic.

✖ The quality of individual games varies, affecting overall enjoyment.

Have you embarked on Lara Croft's remastered adventures? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!