Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Review – Giving Fans What They Want

If you enjoyed the enhanced versions of Tomb Raider I-III, this new installment builds upon those improvements and adds a few minor extras as well. There’s not much to dissuade you from buying it if you appreciated the original trilogy. However, it is important to mention that this collection includes some of the less favorably received games in the series. The way Aspyr and Saber handle these lesser-known titles has sparked a lot of intrigue among fans. So, let’s discuss how this remaster collection tackles Tomb Raider IV-VI?

Let’s delve into the overall quality of life upgrades across all three games first. Here are some returning features with a twist: the traditional tank controls now coexist with a contemporary control scheme option, switchable at your convenience in the menu as before. The standout remaster feature is still the flexible option to switch between classic and modern graphics instantaneously. Similar to the previous collection, the modern visuals of VI-VI are presented in 4K resolution at a fluid 60 frames per second, while classic visuals maintain a steady 30 FPS. Enhancing the updated visuals is the Photo Mode, which includes new settings and outfits this time around. Depth of field, zoom settings, and camera angle changes are added, along with new outfits for Lara to pose in. Fortunately, these outfits can be worn during gameplay, not just in the Photo Mode, unlike the initial release of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.

“Brand new to IV-VI Remastered are boss health bars, which can be toggled on or off.”

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My second favorite aspect of the remaster is the convenience of saving anywhere with just a button press. In the brand new version of IV-VI Remastered, you can choose to display boss health bars or turn them off. Additionally, collecting the 168 achievements adds an extra layer of challenge; there are fewer than in the I-III Remaster, but they’re still challenging to obtain. All in all, these enhancements and features make for a solid overall improvement. The updated control scheme and smoother framerates help eliminate much of the awkwardness typical in games like Tomb Raider VI.

Next up, let’s delve into the three main games themselves. The fourth installment, Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation, commences with a tutorial set as a flashback featuring a young Lara Croft accompanied by her mentor Werner Von Croy, traversing Angkor Wat in pursuit of an artifact. Post the tutorial, Lara predominantly navigates through Egypt’s tombs. The narrative of The Last Revelation is pivotal to the classic series, bridging together Tomb Raider V and VI, as the fate of both Lara and Von Croy remains unclear. However, it’s worth noting that the way the story unfolds leaves room for improvement in some aspects. Transitions between scenes aren’t always clearly explained, and events occur without explicit exposition or on-screen guidance at times. Yet, these are issues that persist throughout all games within this collection.

Instead of jumping from one location to another as some games do, “The Last Revelation” focuses on the labyrinthine complexities found within Egypt’s numerous tombs.

Among all the settings in the series, I find The Last Revelation’s concentrated Egyptian backdrop to be my personal favorite. Unlike other games that frequently switch locations, The Last Revelation immerses us in the labyrinthine complexities of Egypt’s numerous tombs, making some sections feel reminiscent of the best dungeons in a Zelda game. The indoor environments in Tomb Raider IV can sometimes give that sensation. The updated visuals bring to life the intricate hieroglyphics on the crypt walls, which were less defined in the original version. Lara also explores the outdoors, and it’s impressive how the enhanced draw distance of the modern graphics allows you to see expanses of desert dunes in the distance during these scenes.

In the fourth installment of Tomb Raider, the control scheme remains similar to earlier games, mainly focusing on traversing environments, solving puzzles, and platform navigation. Players finding their footing with IV should be relatively straightforward since it’s the most traditionally structured among the three games in this collection, making a seamless transition from the previous titles.

In Tomb Raider V: Chronicles, the narrative style is uniquely crafted. The game serves as a recollection of some of Lara Croft’s thrilling escapades not previously explored in other games. This storyline is presented as a flashback due to Lara being presumed dead following the events of the last game. Players seeking diverse locations and gameplay will find it here, with four distinct chapters detailing various stages of Lara’s life. Moreover, each chapter is narrated from the perspective of one of Lara’s trusted associates, adding an interesting twist to the storyline.

“The environmental design of the game’s Rome segment is evocative.”

I really like playing the opening chapter set in Rome, as it offers the most traditional gameplay among the four locations. The controls are similar to earlier games, but if you need a refresher, there’s an optional tutorial area featuring an opera backstage that gently walks you through the controls. The design of the Rome segment is very immersive. Transitioning between classic and contemporary graphics within this level is intriguing because the skybox changes dramatically in both visual settings.

In the game “Chronicles”, certain areas like diving underwater in the second location can have some navigation problems. However, the diversity of the four locations compensates for these individual issues. For example, searching for the Spear of Destiny on the ocean floor of a Russian submarine is thrilling and engaging, while the Ireland adventure with its occult elements brings Lara face to face with supernatural forces. The final part set in a NYC skyscraper incorporates stealth gameplay and provides insights into Lara’s relationship with her mentor, Von Croy. Despite some inconsistencies in delivery, “Chronicles” offers a lot of content.

In the concluding game of the Tomb Raider series, we find an unusual addition – often referred to as the black sheep, “Angel of Darkness”. Having never experienced this title prior, I was quite impressed with my initial encounter with its remastered version. However, it’s important to note that some aspects might displease dedicated fans: the stamina meter from the original game remains untouched. This led me to take a few tumbles from high scaffolding when the stamina bar depleted during a hang, and unfortunately, the remaster does not address this issue.

On the positive side, it significantly improves upon the original’s poor frame rate and awkward controls that were directly influenced by the frame rate issues. I appreciate how walking near edges now prevents falls, which was different from earlier games in the series. Moreover, the streamlined climbing mechanics feel more fluid compared to other Tomb Raider games.

“The stamina meter is kept from the original Angel of Darkness release”

In essence, it seems that the game “Angel of Darkness” has a different pace compared to its predecessors, appearing slower and more rigid. The animations for opening drawers or picking up items are lengthy, which lengthens overall gameplay. Additionally, the tutorial in this game is unskippable, with Lara explaining game mechanics to herself, leaving no room for movement during these explanations. This was not a feature in previous games.

Moreover, I find the “getting stronger” mechanic from the original game rather disliked. In this installment, Lara is unable to move heavy boxes or jump long distances if she hasn’t met certain requirements that temporarily increase her strength. These requirements are often finding a hidden room or unlocking a door.

Furthermore, it can be easy to miss the progression flag where Lara gains increased strength, which can hinder gameplay in instances such as the poison gas apartment at the beginning of the game.

One aspect where “Angel of Darkness” stands out is its tone. The narrative delves deep into darkness and intrigue, being one of the darkest stories in the series. Lara Croft is falsely accused of murdering her former mentor and must navigate secretively through Paris to evade capture. The music and visual direction create an atmosphere of suspense that perfectly complements the story.

As for the art direction, this is where the boundary between modern and classic aesthetics becomes indistinct. While I sometimes prefer the original graphics due to their lush foliage, the addition of detail to signage in the updated visuals cannot be ignored.

The remaster brings back some content that was missing from the initial game, such as new weapons for Kurtis and a shop called Rennes’ Pawnshop. This added material solidifies this version as the definitive experience of the game.

Among these three games I’ve been playing, “Tomb Raider IV” feels the friendliest to me. However, I must admit that each one has its own charm that keeps me coming back.

In summary, the remastered version of games IV to VI, dubbed IV-VI Remastered, builds upon what the earlier games I-III provided, but doesn’t entirely address the tedious aspects found in games V and VI. There is still some movement inconsistency, particularly noticeable in the slow animations of game VI. Additionally, all three games have moments where guidance is lacking or level flow is poor, leaving you to solve puzzles with minimal help. Among the trio, Tomb Raider IV is the most approachable, but each game has its charm. These games present a distinctive blend of locations within the franchise, offering more diverse settings than before. If you’re seeking something beyond just tombs, this collection should appeal. Overall, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered provides excellent value for money and is strongly suggested for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

2025-02-14 19:42

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