[PS5] Review of Remastered Tomb Raider Games IV-VI

Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics bring us the next chapter in the remaster saga with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, following up on the success of last year’s Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. This collection rolls out the second trilogy in the line-up: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Dive into our review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and see what awaits you!

This remastered collection lets you tackle the subsequent series of Tomb Raider adventures, all wrapped up with a slick feature that allows players to alternate between original polygonal and updated remastered visuals on the fly. Follow Lara Croft to iconic places such as Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many others, and delve into some of her darkest quests, uncovering mysteries about her past and her enigmatic disappearance.

The collection assembles three beloved classics into a single package: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Tomb Raider Chronicles, both of which originally made their debut on the PlayStation, plus Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, marking its first appearance on PlayStation 2. I enjoyed how the dynamic background scenes in the game menu change based on the title selection.

Let’s clear one thing up right away—these are remastered editions, not full-on remakes. In all three games, you experience a real treat by being able to toggle between the original and remastered graphics simply by hitting the Options button. I found this capability fascinating and couldn’t resist flipping back and forth to compare the visuals. The original versions maintain their authentic framerate, which is a delightful nod to nostalgia.

I must admit, initially, the controls posed a challenge. The default setup employs the outdated tank controls, requiring you to use the left and right D-Pad buttons to turn and the up button to move forward. This system tested my patience for more than an hour until I stumbled upon an option to switch to Modern controls. Although this alternative is a step closer to what modern players might expect, it still falls short of the fluidity seen in newer releases like Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014). While I get why the original setup is the default, the option for Modern controls should really have been highlighted more prominently, since players might easily overlook it. A heads-up: when you switch over, remember the grab action needs you to press the L2 and R2 buttons together—an instruction the game doesn’t explicitly mention.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999 – PlayStation 1)

Opening the trilogy, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation takes players deep into the ancient Egyptian tombs with Lara Croft. Expect to uncover secrets, solve devious puzzles, and dodge death-defying traps. True to its PlayStation 1 roots, the fixed camera angles can be pretty tricky, sometimes making platforming more demanding than necessary. The perspective certainly takes some getting used to, and the dated animations come off a tad stiff by today’s game design standards.

However, the remaster does wonders with environmental textures and character models, providing a much-needed facelift while preserving that original allure. The authentic voice acting remains intact, ensuring dedicated fans a genuinely nostalgic experience.

Unfortunately, the lighting overhaul rendered some paths darker than in the original. With no option to tweak the gamma, I often switched back to the older graphics to navigate tricky areas—an unexpected hurdle I didn’t anticipate encountering.

Another hiccup was the absence of clear hints in terms of objectives, occasionally leaving me feeling a tad lost. But it’s worth reminding that being a nearly quarter-century-old game; there are plenty of guides available online to help guide you through. Unique to this version is The Time Exclusive, a standalone bonus level from Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation.

Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000 – PlayStation 1)

Stepping into Tomb Raider Chronicles, we pick up where the previous story left off, with Lara Croft assumed to have died. The adventure starts in the eerie, deserted streets of Rome, offering a change of scenery from its precursor. Navigating this game demands stealth, as you must evade detection to progress.

Level design here is notably different from The Last Revelation’s more straightforward layout. Chronicles presents a maze-like environment, encouraging thorough exploration in search of keys and hidden paths. This setup ramps up the challenge but also keeps the journey fresh and engaging.

With more emphasis on action, Chronicles brings a different flavor to the table. Although the lighting issue persists, it’s not as pronounced here.

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003 – PlayStation 2)

The final entry is Lara’s maiden voyage on the PlayStation 2. The jump in visual quality is evident, making the original and remastered visuals a lot more comparable. Opening in the streets of Paris, you’ll find Lara dodging police, as she gets entangled in a web of intrigue following Werner’s murder.

Compared to Chronicles’ labyrinthine feel, Angel of Darkness is more linear. However, it remains challenging due to the frequent pitfalls and obstacles that require some trial and error before you manage to find your way. Don’t hesitate to use the save feature liberally, as you can save your progress anywhere in the game, thus minimizing losses from unexpected missteps.

Among the three entries, this one controls the smoothest, and its inclusion of stealth segments adds another layer of strategy. The fantastic soundtrack greatly enhances the atmosphere, making exploration thoroughly enjoyable. Of the three, this one was undeniably my favorite.

For enthusiasts who adored these original titles, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered provides a delightful trip down memory lane. The quick-switch feature between visual modes really stands out, offering an intriguing way to compare the game’s past and present appearances.

However, newcomers might face hurdles with the dated feel and sometimes tricky controls, even with Modern tweaks. Earlier entries also suffer from significant lighting issues, casting some areas into shadow and adding to the challenge.

If your gaming heart beats for classic experiences, go forth and enjoy. But if these are your inaugural Tomb Raider outings and you seek a smoother introduction, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014) might offer a more polished and enjoyable ride. Priced at $29.99, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection is a Cross-Buy title, meaning you get both PS4 and PS5 versions for your purchase.

Disclaimer: This review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Aspyr Media.