Developers: Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics
Publishers: Aspyr
Genre: Action Adventure
Price: $29.99
Where to buy: Steam, Epic, Switch, Xbox, PSN
The Tomb Raider I-II-III Remastered collection offers a chance to revisit Lara Croft’s original adventures with updated visuals and smoother gameplay. However, it’s important to remember that these are still the games from the late 90s, and some aspects haven’t aged as well as others.
Tomb Raider 1: – A Nostalgic Dive with Lara, again.
Tomb Raider 1 holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, and for good reason! Here’s a more focused look at the game itself:
Story and Setting:
You step into the shoes of Lara Croft, a young and ambitious archaeologist hired to recover the Scion of Atlantis, a powerful artifact. Your journey takes you across the globe, exploring ancient ruins in Peru, Greece, Egypt, and finally, Atlantis itself. Unraveling the mysteries of the Scion leads you to confront dangerous enemies and uncover a deeper conspiracy.
Tomb Raider 1, even in its remastered form, remains a classic action-adventure that holds a special place in gaming history. While it offers a thrilling journey through ancient tombs and exotic locations, it’s crucial to consider both its strengths and dated mechanics before embarking on Lara Croft’s adventure.
In 1996, a pixelated figure named Lara Croft burst onto the gaming scene, forever changing the landscape of action-adventure games. Tomb Raider 1, with its groundbreaking 3D exploration and empowered female protagonist, became an instant classic. Now, Tomb Raider 1 Remastered allows a new generation to experience this iconic title, breathing fresh life into a timeless adventure.
The remaster stays true to the original’s core, offering the familiar puzzle-solving tombs, platforming challenges, and thrilling combat encounters. Lara’s trek across Peru, Cambodia, and Egypt remains captivating, filled with ancient secrets, deadly traps, and mythical creatures. The remastered visuals do wonders, adding detail and texture to the environments, transforming pixelated jungles into lush landscapes and blocky ruins into imposing structures. Lara herself receives a visual upgrade, sporting more fluid animations and expressiveness.
However, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. Players control Lara with tank controls, a relic of the era, which can feel clunky and imprecise compared to modern standards. Combat, while improved with smoother aiming and weapon handling, retains its simple shoot-and-dodge mechanics. This can be frustrating for players accustomed to modern action games. Likewise, the level design retains its non-linearity, offering freedom to explore but also demanding patience and backtracking to solve puzzles.
Despite these technical limitations, Tomb Raider 1 Remastered’s true strength lies in its atmosphere and story. The sense of danger and exploration is palpable, with each tomb offering unique puzzles and challenges. The story, though simple, effectively drives the adventure, uncovering a conspiracy tied to ancient artifacts. Lara’s character, independent and resourceful, remains a powerful draw, even more so today when strong female protagonists are still sought after.
The remaster adds optional features to cater to modern audiences. A new control scheme offers a more familiar third-person approach, while difficulty levels allow players to tailor the experience. It also includes the original soundtrack and graphics, allowing veterans to revisit the game in its pixelated glory.
Ultimately, Tomb Raider 1 Remastered is a love letter to a gaming icon. It preserves the legacy of the original while enhancing its visuals and offering accessibility options. While the gameplay mechanics feel dated, the adventure’s core remains thrilling and engaging. New players may find the controls and design challenging, but for those willing to embrace the classic experience, Tomb Raider 1 Remastered offers a captivating journey through Lara Croft’s first expedition, reminding us why she became a legend.
If you’re interested in:
- A classic action-adventure experience with exploration and puzzle-solving.
- Unraveling a globetrotting story filled with ancient mysteries.
- Experiencing the origins of the iconic Lara Croft character.
Tomb Raider 2: A Refined Adventure with Challenging Depths
Ready to explore further? Let’s delve into Tomb Raider 2:
Story and Setting:
- Lara’s quest continues as she pursues the Dagger of Xian, an artifact rumored to grant immortality.
- Your journey takes you from Venice’s canals to the Great Wall of China, the lost city of Barkhang, and even onboard the legendary Maria Doria.
- Face mythical creatures, deadly mercenaries, and even a rival tomb raider named Marco Bartoli.
Tomb Raider 2 Remastered takes players on a globe-trotting adventure alongside the iconic Lara Croft, this time diving deeper into her world with enhanced visuals and modern conveniences. This remaster revitalizes the 1997 classic, preserving its core strengths while offering accessibility for new audiences. However, the question remains: does this polished gem retain the shine of its past, or is it merely a relic of a bygone era?
The remaster shines in its visual overhaul. Venice’s canals glisten under the moonlight, Tibetan monasteries stand tall against snow-capped peaks, and Lara herself receives a makeover, wielding her dual pistols with newfound grace. Environments come alive with detail, capturing the atmosphere of each exotic location. Yet, the core level design remains untouched, retaining the vast, non-linear exploration that defined the original. This open-world approach, while charming, can feel disorienting at times, demanding meticulous exploration and backtracking to solve intricate puzzles.
Gameplay mechanics largely hold up, offering a satisfying blend of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. Lara’s acrobatics are impressive, navigating treacherous ledges and swinging across chasms with agility. Combat, though simple, provides tense encounters against wild animals and mythical creatures. However, the remaster inherits the original’s “tank controls,” notorious for their awkwardness compared to modern standards. While an optional modern control scheme exists, it can feel less precise and lacks the distinct charm of the original.
Tomb Raider 2’s narrative revolves around the mythical Dagger of Xian, driving Lara through diverse environments filled with secrets and betrayals. While the story itself is straightforward, the atmosphere created by its diverse locations and looming mysteries remains captivating. Lara’s character shines even brighter, showcasing her resourcefulness, wit, and determination, solidifying her position as a gaming icon.
The remaster adds welcome modern touches. Difficulty options cater to all skill levels, while the original soundtrack and textures remain accessible for nostalgic veterans. The ability to switch between old and new graphics in real-time offers a fascinating comparison, highlighting the advancements in visual fidelity.
Tomb Raider 2 Remastered stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its source material. The adventure remains engaging, the atmosphere immersive, and Lara Croft continues to inspire. However, the dated gameplay mechanics and level design might hinder accessibility for modern gamers. It’s a polished gem, undeniably, but one that requires an appreciation for its classic origins. For those willing to embrace the quirks, Tomb Raider 2 Remastered offers a rewarding journey through Lara’s iconic second adventure, showcasing why she continues to be a beloved video game heroine.
Overall:
Tomb Raider 2: Remastered Edition delivers a refined and thrilling adventure building upon the foundation of its predecessor. With diverse environments, improved gameplay mechanics, and an engaging narrative, it offers a memorable journey for veterans and newcomers alike. However, remember that core mechanics like tank controls and fixed camera angles remain, potentially requiring patience and adaptation from modern gamers. If you value exploration, challenging puzzles, and an exciting globetrotting adventure, this game can be a captivating experience. But if you prefer action-adventures with completely modernized control schemes and smoother combat, this title might not be your perfect fit.
Remastered Edition Enhancements:
Stunning visual upgrades with detailed environments, character models, and textures. Smoother gameplay with refined controls and combat mechanics. Optional features like a dynamic camera and combat difficulty adjustments. Includes the “Golden Mask” expansion pack with additional levels and secrets.
Tomb Raider 3: Adventures of Lara Croft – A Sprawling Adventure with Rough Edges
Tomb Raider 3, even in its remastered form, marks a significant step forward for the series but comes with its own set of challenges. Prepare to delve into a globe-trotting adventure filled with diverse locations, ambitious level design, and some quirks that might test your patience.
Lara Croft returns in Tomb Raider 3 Remastered, an attempt to breathe new life into the 1998 classic. While the visual facelift brings breathtaking jungles and haunting tombs to life, questions emerge: Does the core gameplay hold up in the modern era, and can this remaster revive the magic of Lara’s third outing?
Visually, the remaster shines. Lush jungles teem with vibrant life, London streets bustle with detail, and Lara herself receives a well-deserved graphical upgrade. Textures are sharper, environments feel more immersive, and the atmosphere takes a significant leap forward. However, beneath the visual polish lies the unrefined gem of the original.
Gameplay echoes the past, offering a mix of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. Lara’s acrobatics remain impressive, defying gravity with leaps and swings. Combat, though simple, provides tense encounters with wolves, bears, and mythical creatures. Yet, the infamous “tank controls” return, feeling clunky and imprecise compared to modern standards. While an optional modern control scheme exists, it doesn’t fully capture the unique feeling of the original.
Level design presents both strengths and weaknesses. The vast, interconnected world boasts exploration freedom, but can also feel disorienting and necessitate frustrating backtracking. Puzzles, while diverse and intricate, sometimes rely on pixel-perfect precision, a frustrating aspect carried over from the original.
The story revolves around the mythical Infada Stone, whisking Lara across diverse locales – from India’s jungles to Nevada’s Area 51. While straightforward, the narrative benefits from its intriguing locations and memorable characters, further solidifying Lara’s position as a globetrotting adventurer.
The remaster offers modern conveniences: adjustable difficulty, a museum showcasing cut content, and the ability to toggle between original and remastered visuals. These additions cater to different player preferences and enhance the overall experience.
Tomb Raider 3 Remastered presents a fascinating case. The visual transformation is impressive, and the core adventure remains engaging. However, the dated gameplay mechanics and level design might make it a challenging experience for those accustomed to modern games. It’s a nostalgic trip, undoubtedly, but one that requires an appreciation for its classic origins and potential patience with its quirks. Whether it redefines Lara’s third adventure or simply refreshes it for a new generation, Tomb Raider 3 Remastered remains a testament to the enduring legacy of its iconic protagonist.
Overall:
Tomb Raider 3: Adventures of Lara Croft offers a sprawling adventure with ambitious level design, diverse environments, and more refined gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessors. However, be prepared for dated controls, uneven difficulty, and some repetitive tasks. If you enjoy exploration, puzzle-solving, and the thrill of uncovering secrets in varied locations, this game can be a rewarding experience. But if you prefer more polished and streamlined action-adventure experiences, you might find its quirks frustrating.
In closing:
Tomb Raider I-II-III Remastered is a solid collection that faithfully brings these classic games to modern platforms. However, it’s important to be aware of the dated mechanics and gameplay before diving in. If you’re looking for a nostalgic trip or are curious about the origins of the franchise, this is a worthwhile purchase. But if you prefer more modern action-adventure experiences, you might want to look elsewhere. The remastered collection is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The visuals and performance might vary slightly depending on the platform. The collection is generally considered to be good value for money, especially considering the amount of content included.
