Review: Remastered Editions of Tomb Raider IV-VI for PlayStation 5

Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics have joined forces once again to deliver a nostalgic journey with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, following last year’s successful Tomb Raider I-III Remastered launch. This revamped collection includes the second trilogy in the beloved series: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Dive into our comprehensive review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered!

The Darkness Trilogy remaster invites fans to relive the iconic adventures of Lara Croft with the option to explore in classic or updated graphics. Seamlessly transition between original polygonal models and the newly enhanced visuals as you navigate through breathtaking locations such as Cairo, Rome, and Paris. The collection promises to unveil some of Lara’s most enigmatic and gripping escapades, shedding light on her intriguing past and mysterious disappearance.

Bundling these three classics into one convenient package, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered lets players choose between The Last Revelation and Chronicles, both originally gracing the PlayStation, and The Angel of Darkness, which made its debut as the series’ first foray onto PlayStation 2. The dynamic menu cleverly reflects your game selection, immersing you further into the Tomb Raider universe.

From the outset, it’s important to emphasize that these offerings are remasters, rather than full-fledged remakes. One standout feature is the ability to seamlessly toggle between original and refreshed graphics using the Options button, which I found particularly enjoyable for visual comparisons. The original versions maintain their classic framerate, providing an authentic touch.

However, the gameplay experience was initially hampered by outdated tank controls, requiring patience to maneuver. Thankfully, a switch to Modern controls is an option, albeit somewhat hidden in the settings menu, which may cause some players to miss it. While this alternative improves the playability compared to the classic scheme, it’s still not as fluid as more recent titles like Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014). Note that the game doesn’t explicitly mention that grabbing requires the simultaneous use of L2 + R2 buttons with Modern controls.

Jumping into Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, players accompany Lara on a thrilling quest through Egyptian tombs filled with secrets, puzzles, and treacherous traps. True to its PlayStation 1 roots, the game can present some challenging camera angles and stiff animations. Nevertheless, the remastered visuals breathe new life into the game, enhancing environmental textures and character models while retaining the original voice acting for an authentic nostalgia trip. A downside, however, is the darker lighting, prompting me to frequently revert to the old graphics style for better visibility as gamma adjustments were not possible.

Despite occasional moments of confusion due to unclear objectives—a common trait in older games—guides are plentiful should you need assistance. Notably, this package includes The Time Exclusive, a bonus level from The Last Revelation, adding another dimension to the experience.

Moving on to Tomb Raider Chronicles, the narrative continues with Lara presumed dead, immersing players in the streets of Rome. Unlike its predecessor, this installment introduces a stealthier approach, avoiding detection to advance. The intricate level design adds complexity, requiring exploration and resourcefulness to discover keys and secret paths. Though action-packed, some levels remain cloaked in dim lighting, albeit less so than The Last Revelation.

The trilogy rounds off with Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, Lara’s debut on PlayStation 2. Here, players follow Lara through perilous situations, including a dramatic escape in Paris. With improved visuals, this entry is a tad easier to navigate, offering a mix of linear and trial-and-error challenges. A standout feature is the game’s unexpectedly impressive soundtrack, enriching the overall experience. Among the collection, I found this installment to be the most enjoyable.

For aficionados of the series, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered serves as a satisfying trip down memory lane, enriched by the clever switching feature between remastered and original visuals. However, newcomers might find the aged mechanics and persistently dark areas frustrating, even with modernized controls. I’d suggest Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014) for a fresher dive into the franchise.

Available as a Cross-Buy title for $29.99, the collection allows access on both PS4 and PS5 without extra cost. In conclusion, while it caters well to long-time fans, new players seeking a polished experience might prefer other options within the Tomb Raider saga.

(Review written based on a PS5 copy provided by Aspyr Media.)