Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered: Lara Croft’s Time-Traveling Makeover
A nostalgic leap through time with a few stumbles along the way
Launch Day Larry
Ah, Tomb Raider. The series that taught us all that ancient tombs are just elaborate obstacle courses waiting to be conquered by a British archaeologist with a penchant for acrobatics and dual-wielding pistols. The remastered collection of Tomb Raider IV-VI is here, promising to polish the dusty relics of the past with a modern sheen. But does it succeed in bringing Lara’s classic adventures into the 21st century, or does it trip over its own grappling hook? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Balancing Act of Nostalgia and Modernity
The remastered collection attempts to bridge the gap between the clunky charm of the original games and the expectations of modern gamers. The introduction of updated controls is a welcome change, making exploration less of a chore and more of a joyride. Chaining jumps in “Angel of Darkness” feels particularly satisfying, and the inclusion of dual pistols without the need for mods is a nod to fans who love a bit of classic firepower.
However, not all is smooth sailing. The tutorial seems to have been written by someone who skipped the “how to grab ledges” class, leading to some frustrating moments. The absence of a 180° Quickturn in tank controls is like trying to parallel park a tank—awkward and potentially disastrous. And while the remastering of earlier titles like IV and V shines with improved object models and less obvious grid layouts, “Angel of Darkness” still grapples with bugs that can make Lara’s adventures feel more like a test of patience than skill.
Graphics: A Mixed Bag of Beauty and Blemishes
Visually, the remastered collection is a bit like Lara’s wardrobe—some outfits are stunning, while others could use a bit more tailoring. The updated textures and graphics are generally well-received, with many players appreciating the polished look that enhances the overall gaming experience. The environments in Tomb Raider IV, in particular, look beautiful with improved geometry and lighting.
Yet, there are areas where the graphics feel like they missed the memo on modern standards. The lighting in modern mode lacks the atmospheric punch of the originals, and the water effects could use a few more ripples to avoid looking like a static painting. Character models are inconsistent, with some remaining stubbornly low-poly, creating an uncanny contrast with their remastered counterparts. And let’s not forget the CG cutscenes, which seem to have been cropped by someone who thought black bars were a design feature.
Story: A Tale of Tombs, Trials, and Tribulations
The storytelling in the remastered trilogy is as ambitious as ever, with each game offering a unique narrative experience that keeps players engaged. “The Last Revelation” is a standout, with its complex story and focus on traditional tomb raiding. Meanwhile, “Chronicles” takes a different approach with its episodic structure, offering a series of shorter stories that highlight various gameplay aspects.
“Angel of Darkness” introduces RPG elements and a darker narrative, which, despite its initial bugs and incomplete nature, has been improved in the remaster. The story remains one of the best and darkest in the series, capturing the essence of classic adventure storytelling akin to Uncharted and Indiana Jones. However, technical issues and glitches can sometimes overshadow the narrative, disrupting the flow and immersion.
Final Verdict
The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection is a nostalgic journey that manages to capture the essence of the original games while offering some modern enhancements. However, persistent control issues and graphical inconsistencies, particularly in “Angel of Darkness,” prevent it from being a flawless revival. For fans of the series, it’s a worthwhile trip down memory lane, but newcomers might find the experience a bit rough around the edges.
Score: 6.5/10