Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a nostalgic journey back to the roots of one of gaming's most iconic franchises. The remastered edition, developed by Aspyr and Saber Interactive, successfully brings the classic Tomb Raider trilogy into the modern era, showcasing the magic of treasure hunting, battling supernatural foes, and of course, raiding tombs, all in glorious 4K.
From the moment you launch the game, it's clear that the developers have taken great care in preserving the original experience. The menu, background images, and menu items have been refined rather than overhauled, giving players the option to switch seamlessly between the original 90s graphics and the remastered visuals. This feature not only allows for nostalgic comparisons but also proves helpful in solving gameplay challenges.
The attention to detail in the remastered visuals is commendable. Every artwork tile, moving texture, and enemy has been fully realized, making the environments feel more immersive than ever before. While the modern lighting can make some sections more challenging, a simple switch to the older graphics mode can help highlight important objects like ledges, collectibles, and ammunition.
What becomes apparent throughout the recreation of the original Tomb Raider trilogy is just how well these games have stood the test of time. Despite their punishing difficulty, the faithful remastering serves as a reminder of the brilliance of the level design and gameplay mechanics. Even seasoned Tomb Raider veterans may find themselves stuck in familiar yet demanding situations, reliving the excitement and frustration of the past.
While the remaster is a triumph overall, there are some technical limitations that become evident. The original full-motion videos, although improved, still fall short of modern standards. However, this minor flaw can be overlooked, considering the option to switch to the original graphics anytime during gameplay.
One area where modernization falls short is the default control scheme. The remastered edition adopts classic tank controls, which may feel unnatural to newcomers and even challenge longtime fans. Switching to the modern control scheme is an option, but it lacks precision and often becomes problematic during platforming and puzzle-solving segments. The unintuitive button assignments and lack of clear guidance on controls is a notable drawback, but switching back to the original tank controls may alleviate frustrations.
Another notable issue lies in the camera system. While the remastered version offers greater camera control, the view can sometimes become disorienting and even obstructed, particularly in tight spaces. This becomes particularly problematic in areas that require precise movements, such as high jumps near walls or swimming sections. Thankfully, switching back to the original graphics mode often resolves these camera problems.
Despite these minor setbacks, the remastered edition of Tomb Raider I-III delivers an atmospheric and engaging experience. The enhanced visuals breathe new life into iconic levels, showcasing the attention to detail in recreating characters and environments. The legendary soundtracks by Nathan McCree are as captivating as ever, now accompanied by better visuals. Additionally, the inclusion of old-school cheats adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans craving some nostalgic indulgence.
For $30, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered provides players with three classic games, including their respective DLCs. It's a testament to the enduring quality of the original trilogy and a commendable achievement in 32-bit remastering. Whether you choose to experience the games in their demastered form or embrace the remastered visuals, this collection offers a chance to relive Lara Croft's early adventures in a satisfying and visually enhanced manner.
