Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Review

Release Date: February 13, 2023

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

Genres: Adventure game, Platform game, Puzzle, Shooter game, Adventure

Developers: Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics

Publisher: Aspyr

Series: Tomb Raider

“Review Copy Provided By Aspyr”

I’ve been a fan of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider franchise since the original release in the mid 1990’s. Every time there was a new release, I was always there day 1 even when we had some stinkers such as Angel of Darkness and Chronicles. The Remastered Trilogy of Tomb Raider 1-3, featuring Lara Croft, could potentially redefine the benchmarks for PlayStation 1 game re-releases. Aspyr, known for its extensive experience with this celebrated adventure series, has remarkably revitalized these late 20th-century gems for today's audience, retaining their original charm and essence. For fans of Lara Croft, acquiring this remarkable collection is a must especially for Nintendo Switch owners.

However, the trilogy isn't without its shortcomings. Despite adopting a more intuitive control scheme in place of the archaic tank controls, the games still adhere to an old-school game design that feels out of place by today’s standards. The gameplay can feel awkward, and the puzzles sometimes verge on the impenetrable. Particularly, the initial levels of Tomb Raider 3: Adventures of Lara Croft, set in India, present a formidable challenge. This adherence to the original blueprint is a conscious choice by Aspyr to preserve the integrity of Core Design’s initial vision. The remasters are built on the original PlayStation 1 code, ensuring an authentic replication of every secret, collectible, and hidden surprise, exactly as players remember them. Impressively, players have the option to switch between the enhanced visuals and the original 32-bit graphics on the fly, a feature that extends to all aspects of the trilogy, including the artwork displayed during loading times.

I played the game on the Nintendo Switch and it ran superbly with no hiccups. Obviously these are 30 year old games nearly and shouldn’t have any issues running on the Switch, but I’m always amazed when I see new releases dropping on the Switch and not having any issues.

While the original visuals were groundbreaking, Aspyr’s execution of the remastered graphics is commendable. The updated visuals capture the essence of the original games, making the environments feel both familiar and freshly invigorated, with significantly improved textures and lighting. The revamped model of Lara Croft is a standout achievement, aligning closely with the original character art and likely fulfilling the developer's original ambitions, previously constrained by older hardware. Engaging with these games requires a vintage mindset, especially when compared to modern titles like Uncharted, which simplify climbing mechanics. Players must thoughtfully employ Lara’s extensive range of acrobatic abilities to navigate through her adventures.

Tomb Raider starts off by expertly introducing and building upon various skills, setting a precedent that its sequels, especially Tomb Raider III, struggle to maintain, often presuming familiarity with the series. When played consecutively, as intended in this collection, these issues diminish, offering a cohesive gaming experience that assumes an evolving understanding of the franchise’s mechanics.

As the series progresses, it ambitiously expands its scope, offering a whirlwind tour from Peru to Antarctica, and from London to China, incorporating experimental features like vehicles and level selection while maintaining the essence of its puzzle platforming roots. Despite the modernized controls, managing the camera and aligning Lara’s movements can still be frustrating, highlighting the absence of a rewind feature as a notable omission given the precision required. The focus on Lara’s athletic prowess, particularly in combat where strategic movement is essential, is a highlight. Despite the combat and interaction mechanics feeling somewhat dated, they remain true to the original experience, requiring a level of acceptance from players familiar with the nearly three-decade-old franchise.

This collection is not only well-crafted but also comprehensive, including remastered versions of all three original expansions and nearly 300 Trophies to pursue. The notable absence of Platinum Trophies in the PS5 version, due to a peculiar shift in Sony’s policy, is a slight disappointment, though the PS4 versions, compatible with PS5, include them without compromise.

The Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Trilogy starring Lara Croft masterfully recaptures the essence of the original PlayStation 1 classics, complete with their original complexities and charm. This trilogy not only pays homage to Core Design's vision with a visually upgraded style but also includes all expansion packs and a vast array of Trophies, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable experience on modern platforms.