Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered: Why You Should Play Again?

Key Highlights

Here are the key takeaways from the triumphant return of a gaming icon:

• Stunning Visual Overhaul: Experience the classic Tomb Raider trilogy with completely updated visuals or switch back to the original polygon look with the press of a button.
• Complete Collection: This package includes the first three Tomb Raider games along with all their expansion packs and secret levels, fully remastered by Aspyr Media.
• Dual Control Schemes: Play with the original classic Tomb Raider tank controls for a pure nostalgia trip or try the new modern controls designed for analog sticks.
• Faithful to the Originals: The level design, puzzles, and secrets are perfectly preserved, offering the same challenging experience you remember.
• Modern Conveniences: The remastered collection introduces new features like a Photo Mode and the ability to save your game at any point.
• Lara Croft is Back: Relive the adventures that made Lara Croft a global phenomenon, exploring ancient tombs and battling fearsome enemies.

Introduction

Get ready to go on an adventure back in time. The legendary adventurer Lara Croft is back in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, a lovingly restored collection of her first three iconic journeys. For many, this Tomb Raider trilogy was a defining moment in video games, introducing a powerful female protagonist and groundbreaking 3D exploration. Whether you’re a veteran explorer ready for a nostalgia trip or a newcomer eager to see what started it all, this collection invites you to rediscover the magic. Are you prepared to raid some tombs?

What Makes Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Unique?

This isn’t just a simple port of the classic Tomb Raider games. The team at Aspyr Media, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, has carefully rebuilt the visuals from the ground up while preserving the soul of the original titles. The result is a remastered collection that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s the definitive way to experience these foundational adventures on modern hardware.

So, what exactly is new? The collection is packed with thoughtful enhancements and new features that aim to please both longtime fans and first-time players. From a graphical facelift to modernized control options, these changes make the trilogy more accessible than ever before, while new additions like a Photo Mode allow you to capture Lara’s iconic moments in style.

Upgraded Visuals and Audio Enhancements

The most immediate change you’ll notice in the remaster is the incredible visual upgrade. The teams at Aspyr have given the environments, enemies, and Lara herself a complete makeover with high-definition textures and models. The new lighting system adds a stunning layer of realism and atmosphere to the tombs you’ll explore. But how does this audio-visual overhaul enhance the experience?

The updated visuals make the world feel more immersive and believable. However, if you ever feel that wave of nostalgia, you can instantly switch back to the original blocky graphics with a single button press. This “before and after” comparison is a fantastic feature that lets you appreciate just how much work went into the remaster. The audio has been preserved, meaning all the classic sound effects and the iconic musical score return to perfectly set the mood.

• Real-Time Graphics Switching: Swap between remastered and original graphics at any time.
• Improved Lighting and Textures: Environments are more atmospheric and detailed than ever before.
• Classic Audio: The original music and sound effects remain, preserving the tense and mysterious atmosphere of the originals.

Preserving Classic Gameplay with Modern Touches

While the visuals are new, the core gameplay is pure classic Tomb Raider. The developers made the wise decision to leave the level layouts, puzzle solutions, and enemy placements exactly as they were. This ensures that the challenging, methodical gameplay that fans fell in love with remains perfectly intact. Have the remastered editions managed to keep the nostalgic feel while introducing improvements? For the most part, yes.

One of the biggest modern additions is the choice between two control schemes. You can use the original grid-based tank controls for an authentic 90s experience or opt for the new modern controls designed for today’s controllers. This allows you to choose the playstyle that suits you best. If you’re new to the series, Lara’s mansion serves as an excellent tutorial area to get the hang of her moves.

• Unaltered Level Design: All levels, secrets, and puzzles are exactly as you remember them.
• Dual Control Options: Choose between classic tank controls and new modern controls.

Revisiting Lara Croft’s Iconic Adventures

This collection is your ticket to reliving the adventures that cemented Lara Croft as a gaming legend. From the lost city of Vilcabamba in the original Tomb Raider to the Great Wall of China in Tomb Raider II and the jungles of India in Tomb Raider III, you’ll travel the globe in search of the treasures of the ancient world. The journey is filled with unforgettable moments.

You will guide Lara as she uncovers ancient mysteries, outsmarts villainous corporations, and battles everything from bats and tigers to dinosaurs and mythical creatures. These original three games laid the foundation for the entire action-adventure genre, and playing them today reveals just how ambitious and creative they were.

Memorable Levels and Puzzles That Stand the Test of Time

The heart of any Tomb Raider game is its intricate level design and brain-teasing puzzles. The remastered trilogy brings these classic challenges to life with stunning new detail. Do you remember the first time you stumbled upon the T-Rex in the Lost Valley? Or the breathtaking scale of St. Francis’ Folly? These memorable levels are even more impressive with the graphical overhaul.

Navigating treacherous platforms, finding hidden switches, and solving environmental puzzles are as rewarding as ever. The game expertly builds a sense of isolation and discovery, making you feel like a true explorer. Facing down deadly foes and uncovering the secrets behind dangerous myths still provides a genuine thrill. Which puzzles and environments remain fan favorites?

• The Lost Valley: The iconic encounter with the T-Rex is a standout moment.
• Venice: Boating through the canals of Venice in Tomb Raider II remains a fan-favorite sequence.
• St. Francis’ Folly: This towering, multi-layered puzzle room is a masterclass in vertical level design.

Storytelling and Character Development Evolution

Long before modern cinematic games, the original Tomb Raider trilogy told its story through exploration and brief but effective cutscenes. In the remaster, these cinematic moments are enhanced with fully updated character models, giving more life to Lara and the cast of characters she meets. How has Lara’s story and character grown throughout the trilogy?

While often compared to a female Indiana Jones, Lara quickly established her own identity. She is cool, capable, and fiercely independent. The trilogy shows the early days of her character development, from a hired adventurer to a hero taking on supernatural forces to save the world. Watching her journey across these three games reveals her evolution into the icon we know today.

The stories may be simple by today’s standards, but they provide the perfect backdrop for Lara’s globe-trotting adventures. The remastered cutscenes do a great job of bridging the gap between the original presentation and modern expectations, making the narrative more engaging without altering the classic plot.

Comparing Original vs Remastered: Is It Worth Another Playthrough?

So, is it worth diving back in? If you’re a veteran of these classic Tomb Raider games, the answer is a resounding yes. The ability to switch from the remastered graphics to the original polygon look on the fly is a fantastic feature that highlights the incredible work that has gone into this collection. The substantial difference is immediately apparent.

For those who have fond memories, the updated visuals and quality-of-life new features are more than enough to warrant another playthrough. However, the experience is not without its challenges, as some aspects of the original design have aged better than others. We will explore the improvements and the nostalgia factor in more detail.

Improvements in Controls and Accessibility

One of the most debated aspects of the remaster is the controls. The games offer two distinct schemes: the classic tank controls and new modern controls. For many, the classic controls, while clunky by today’s standards, are the only way to play, as the grid-based levels were designed around them. The modern scheme attempts to offer a more fluid experience but has been a source of frustration for some players, feeling imprecise during critical platforming sections.

How have controls been enhanced for modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X? The addition of the modern scheme is the main enhancement, but remapping buttons and adjusting sensitivity also help. However, the core design can still feel unintuitive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ultimately, improved accessibility comes down to player choice. Having both options is a plus, but you may find yourself switching between them to see what works best for each situation.

Nostalgia vs. New Experience: For Veterans and First-Time Players

This collection exists in a strange space between a faithful port and a full remake, balancing nostalgia with modern expectations. For veterans, it’s a treasure trove of fan service. According to Matt Gardner at Forbes, “The best way to play Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered is demastered: a dependable, true-to-form, 60fps port of the originals.” [Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2024/02/15/tomb-raider-1-3-remastered-review-the-old-ways-are-the-best/] This speaks to how well the core experience holds up.

However, the ravages of time are undeniable. For players trying the games for the first time, the unforgiving difficulty and dated gameplay mechanics can be a major hurdle. Will longtime fans and newcomers find equal enjoyment?

• For Veterans: It’s a beautifully restored time capsule. The experience is exactly as you remember, just prettier. Be prepared for the controls and difficulty to feel harsher than your memory suggests.
• For Newcomers: It’s a challenging history lesson. If you can overcome the steep learning curve, you’ll find a rewarding adventure, but it may not feel as intuitive as modern titles.

As Ash Parrish of The Verge puts it, “Tomb Raider II was exactly as I remembered it — but what didn’t return was my affection for it.” [Source: https://www.theverge.com/24072216/tomb-raider-i-iii-remastered-impressions-switch] This perfectly captures the conflict between fond memories and modern sensibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered offers a delightful journey for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. With upgraded visuals and audio enhancements, the remaster successfully revitalizes Lara Croft’s iconic adventures while preserving the classic gameplay that made the franchise a staple in gaming history. The combination of memorable levels, intricate puzzles, and evolved storytelling ensures an engaging experience that stands the test of time. Whether you’re revisiting these legendary titles or discovering them for the first time, there’s no better moment to dive back into this thrill. Embark on your journey with Lara Croft!