Tomb Raider I–III Remastered

Video game review

Release date	14th Feb 2024
Developer	Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics
Mode	Single player
Platform	Playstation 5, Xbox X and S, Windows, Nintendo Switch
Man5hit Rating

We, at Man5hit, recently wrote an article on the trend of game developers focusing on nostalgia, with many titles undergoing remastering, some successfully and others not so much. Games like Resident Evil and Dead Space have seen excellent remasters, improving their appeal. However, the Grand Theft Auto attempt at remastering didn’t fare as well. How does Tomb Raider stack up in this trend?

When considering the evolution of video games, the contrast between modern titles and the original Tomb Raider series is stark. While new games boast stunning visuals, complex narratives, and captivating gameplay, the early Tomb Raider games offer a simpler yet equally engaging experience and sometimes frustrating, let’s be honest it was bloody tough! 

Priced at £24.99, the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection allows players to revisit  Lara Croft’s iconic adventures with updated graphics and enhancements, at an affordable price. These graphical improvements, whilst nothing jaw dropping, do breathe new life into the classic games; enhancing lighting, textures, and environmental effects. While the remastered visuals may not rival those of modern games, they offer a nostalgic throwback to the early days of 3D gaming.

However, along with these visual enhancements come some changes to the gameplay experience. Some iconic moments, such as the T-rex encounter in the first game, may lose a bit of their impact due to alterations in lighting and atmosphere. Despite these changes, the core gameplay remains intact, providing players with the same platform style, that made the original games so beloved.

In addition to graphical improvements, the remastered collection offers players the option to switch between original and modern control schemes. This, in our opinion, is a nice touch and provides players the flexibility to choose between the classic “tank” controls of the original games or the more intuitive control scheme found in contemporary titles. 

The Tomb Raider remastered collection stays true to the original game’s levels and puzzles, maintaining their classic design and layout. From navigating ancient tombs to solving intricate puzzles, players will rediscover the same challenging experience that revolutionised gaming in late 1990s. Whether it’s deciphering cryptic clues or overcoming treacherous obstacles, with 3 games in 1 , they’ll be hours of fun for gamers!

Despite its flaws, the Tomb Raider Remastered collection offers players a chance to revisit a classic series and oh yeah……fall in love with Lara again! Whether it’s a trip down memory lane for longtime fans or a curiosity for newcomers, the remastered collection serves as a reminder of the role the Tomb Raider series played in shaping the gaming landscape. As players embark on this nostalgic journey, they’re reminded of the evolution of gaming and the appeal of classic titles.