Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Review

The Tomb Raider series, initially released in 1996, introduced the world to the iconic adventurer Lara Croft. Over the years, the franchise evolved with multiple sequels and spin-offs, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the action-adventure genre. The early games, particularly the first few titles in the series, were groundbreaking for their 3D environments, platforming elements, and puzzle-solving mechanics. However, as technology advanced, the original releases began to show their age. In response, Tomb Raider has seen numerous remasters, the most recent being the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, which aims to modernize these classic titles while preserving their nostalgic charm. This remaster compiles the fourth to sixth entries of the series.

Features and Improvements

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered package brings several key improvements over the original releases. One of the most noticeable upgrades is the enhanced graphics. The remaster includes higher-resolution textures, improved lighting effects, and smoother animations, breathing new life into the game’s environments. The user interface has also been overhauled, offering a more intuitive and modern experience while maintaining the essence of the originals.

Another significant improvement is the inclusion of modern controller support and optimization for modern hardware, making these classic titles more accessible to today’s gaming audience. The remaster also features bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced sound design, elevating the overall gameplay experience without altering the core mechanics that made these games iconic.

Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation

The Last Revelation is often regarded as one of the strongest entries in the series. It takes Lara to Egypt, where she must stop a catastrophic event. The game’s level design is intricate and vast, offering a variety of environments from tombs to desert landscapes. The puzzles are challenging, and the exploration elements are well-developed, allowing players to immerse themselves in the ancient world. While the game excels in many areas, it suffers from some technical limitations during its time. The camera control can be awkward sometimes, and the pacing can feel uneven, with certain levels dragging on for too long. Additionally, the combat mechanics feel clunky, especially when compared to later entries in the series.

Tomb Raider V: Chronicles

Chronicles offers a more varied experience by telling multiple short stories from Lara’s past. This episodic approach adds diversity to the gameplay, with each chapter introducing new environments and challenges. The level design is more refined compared to its predecessor, with tighter, more focused environments. The remaster’s graphical improvements help to make these varied settings stand out. However, Chronicles suffers from a lack of cohesion. While the episodic nature is interesting, the game lacks a strong central narrative, which detracts from the overall experience. The controls and mechanics, much like in The Last Revelation, are still somewhat outdated, and certain puzzles can feel repetitive.

Tomb Raider VI: The Angel of Darkness

The Angel of Darkness introduced a darker, more narrative-driven approach to the Tomb Raider series, with a greater emphasis on character development and storytelling. The game attempted to innovate with RPG-like elements, such as character upgrades and a more open-world structure. These ideas were ambitious for the time and offered a fresh direction to the series.

Unfortunately, the game was plagued by numerous technical issues. The controls were particularly problematic, with Lara’s movements feeling sluggish and unresponsive. Additionally, the game suffered from a convoluted narrative and different bugs that detracted from the overall experience. While it was an interesting experiment, The Angel of Darkness failed to deliver a smooth and polished experience, which is even more noticeable in the remaster.

So Now What?

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered package is a commendable effort to preserve the legacy of the series while updating it for modern audiences. The graphical improvements, bug fixes, and modern controller support make these classic titles more enjoyable to play today. However, it’s important to note that the original games had many issues, including clunky controls, awkward camera angles, and dated mechanics, which persisted in the remaster. While the remaster itself is well-executed and offers a more polished experience, the core gameplay of the original titles might not appeal to everyone, especially those used to more modern action-adventure games.

That said, considering the price of the remaster and the sheer amount of content it offers, it provides excellent value for fans of the series or newcomers looking to experience Lara Croft’s earlier adventures. The remastered trilogy offers a rich and nostalgic experience, but players should be prepared for the technical limitations and quirks of these classic games. For those who can overlook these flaws, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a treasure trove of content that is well worth exploring.

The review code was provided by the publisher