Cover Image for I have completed the three campaigns of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and discovered that they are filled with well-received improvements and graphical updates.
Mon Feb 17 2025

I have completed the three campaigns of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and discovered that they are filled with well-received improvements and graphical updates.

Revisited, rediscovered, remastered.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered offers a refreshed visual experience for iconic games like The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness. The collection benefits from enhanced character models, detailed textures, and modernized lighting, which combine to provide an impressive effect. While the new control schemes can be frustrating, the quality of life improvements and an excellent photo mode make this remaster an essential product for long-time fans.

Among the advantages of this remaster are its beautiful graphics, featuring new character models and attractive lighting, as well as several interesting puzzles and memorable locations. There is also a significant improvement in the photo mode and flyby camera, offering a new level of immersion. However, it does present drawbacks such as inconsistent controls and a weapon-switching system that can be cumbersome.

Aspyr, a developer known for its remasters of classic adventures, has done a great job revitalizing the Lara Croft series. This release includes The Last Revelation from 1999, Chronicles from 2000, and The Angel of Darkness from 2003, bringing a variety of visual enhancements to multiple platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The Last Revelation recounts Lara's adventures in Egypt as she battles an ancient curse. Its graphical polish is remarkable, featuring a lighting engine that allows sunlight to penetrate ancient temples, creating captivating atmospheres. Additionally, the character models have been updated to increase their detail while retaining their original charm.

The remaster allows players to toggle between modern and original graphics with the press of a button, although not all titles benefit equally; Chronicles, as an anthology of Croft's adventures, experiences some clipping issues, while the original cinematic scenes show no improvements.

Regarding the control system, despite the implementation of a new modern scheme, difficulties persist that can be frustrating, especially for those accustomed to classic controls. The introduction of new animations aims to enhance the experience, but design issues with the modern controls can disrupt the flow of gameplay.

One of the standout additions is the expanded photo mode and the new flyby camera, which allows players to capture and create cinematic animations of their favorite scenes. However, this functionality is not yet available in The Angel of Darkness, which is unfortunate given that this title features impressive visual atmospheres.

While players will enjoy Lara's action-packed adventures, those with little patience may find the inconsistencies in controls frustrating. The collection also offers some accessibility options, although the introduction of controls and techniques could be improved.

Finally, after thorough reviews on various platforms, notable improvements in gameplay are recognized, but there is also a discernible lack of polish in fundamental elements such as controls and the weapon system.