[PS5] Review of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Collection

Last year’s release of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered set the stage, and now Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics bring us the sequel trilogy with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. This collection revisits Lara Croft’s iconic adventures in Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Let’s dive into what this remastered collection has to offer!

If you’re eager for a nostalgic journey, this package lets you experience Lara’s escapades through a fresh lens. You can seamlessly switch between classic polygonal graphics and remastered visuals, which showcase enhanced textures and character models. Adventure through famous destinations like Cairo, Rome, and Paris, as you unveil secrets from Lara Croft’s mysterious past.

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered bundle offers a convenient menu that lets you choose which title to play, with each selection transforming the background to match. I found this feature quite engaging and appreciated the effort to make each game feel distinct even from the start screen.

It’s crucial to highlight that these are remasters, not full remakes. A standout feature is the ability to flip between original and updated graphics with ease by pressing the Options button. I thoroughly enjoyed testing this out repeatedly, marveling at the differences. Just a heads-up: the original versions stick to their lower frame rates, maintaining authenticity.

One hurdle I encountered early on was the control scheme. Initially, all three games default to the outdated tank controls, which require you to pivot with the D-Pad’s left and right buttons before moving forward with the up button. It took me a frustrating hour to find the ‘Modern’ control option. Although this alternative is more intuitive, I feel it should have been highlighted more prominently in the settings to prevent players from missing it. Those who find it will discover that the grab action needs simultaneous pressing of the L2 and R2 buttons, a detail the game never mentions.

Let’s take a closer look at each game in the collection:

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
In this title, you guide Lara Croft through ancient Egyptian ruins, unraveling mysteries, solving puzzles, and navigating lethal traps. The camera angles, a relic from its PlayStation 1 origins, add a layer of challenge, especially in platforming segments. Updated textures and models breathe new life into the visuals, while the original voice acting keeps the nostalgic vibe intact. However, the game’s lighting is noticeably darker, often pushing me to revert to the old graphics to see paths more clearly—a surprising technical hiccup in a remaster.

The game’s open-ended nature sometimes left me without clear objectives, a design choice that echoes its 25-year-old roots. For those who feel adrift, numerous guides are available online. Plus, the collection includes "The Time Exclusive," a bonus level from the original game.

Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000)
Following the events of its predecessor, Chronicles begins with Lara presumed dead. The setting shifts to quieter climes, like the eerily deserted streets of Rome. Stealth becomes vital here as you evade detection and proceed through intricate levels. The maze-like layouts add complexity, demanding exploration for keys and hidden paths. In terms of action, Chronicles feels more dynamic compared to the earlier installment, though lighting issues persist but are somewhat less severe.

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
Venturing onto the PlayStation 2 with this entry, the series sees a notable upgrade in visuals. You start in Paris under tense circumstances, evading police after a murder. The linear structure contrasts with its predecessors’ maze-like designs, but it’s fraught with dangers that require careful navigation. Thankfully, it allows saving anytime, a feature worth using liberally to safeguard your progress.

The controls here feel more refined, providing a slightly smoother experience. Stealth sections introduce new gameplay mechanics, requiring you to outsmart threats without getting caught. The game’s soundtrack is a pleasant surprise, heightening the atmosphere and enhancing exploration—making it my favorite of the trilogy.

For longtime fans, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered offers a delightful walk down memory lane, especially with the ability to switch visuals effortlessly. However, newcomers might find the dated mechanics and occasional control hiccups off-putting. The first two games suffer from lighting issues that can make areas challenging to navigate. If a definitive Tomb Raider experience is what you seek, I’d suggest starting with Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014) for a more polished adventure.

Priced at $29.99, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is available as a Cross-Buy title, giving you access to both PS4 and PS5 versions without extra cost. A special thanks to Aspyr Media for providing a PlayStation 5 review copy for this dive into a remastered classic.