Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered for PlayStation 5: A Comprehensive Review

Developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection continues the legacy of its predecessor, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered which we saw last year. With this release, we’re welcomed back to Lara Croft’s exhilarating adventures, spanning Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Here’s what we’ve found in our deep dive into Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered.

Get ready to embark on the next chapter of Tomb Raider journeys with the remastered Darkness Trilogy. Witness a fascinating transformation with the option to switch between classic polygonal graphics and remastered visuals whenever you like. Lara’s adventures set you on a globetrotting escapade through iconic places like Cairo, Rome, and Paris. Along the way, you’ll uncover intriguing secrets from Lara Croft’s past and finally unravel the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

This collection unites three nostalgic games: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Tomb Raider Chronicles, which first graced the original PlayStation, alongside Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, the series’ maiden venture on PlayStation 2. I found the dynamic game menu particularly delightful—each selection changes the accompanying background scene, adding a nice touch to the experience.

It’s essential to highlight these releases as remasters rather than remakes. A standout feature allows players to toggle between original and revamped graphics instantaneously using the Options button, creating an avenue for comparing the evolution of visuals. At default settings, the original versions retain their framerate authenticity, which enhances nostalgic vibes.

Initially, I had a bit of a struggle grappling with the controls. The trilogy defaults to the rather outdated “tank controls,” where left and right movements rely on the D-Pad, often causing frustration until I unearthed the option to switch to Modern controls. While this alternate setup offers a more intuitive experience, it still doesn’t quite match the fluidity we’ve come to appreciate in modern titles like the 2014’s Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. Frankly, the controls should have been more conspicuous within the settings. Also, a heads-up: the grab action in Modern controls is mapped to L2 + R2, a detail the game omits.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation transports Lara Croft to ancient Egyptian sites filled with puzzles and perilous traps. Camera angles could be a nuisance, especially during platforming sections. But enthusiasts will appreciate the game’s preserved charm alongside enhanced textures and character models. Original voice acting remains intact, preserving nostalgia, though lighting occasionally appeared too dim, a flaw I found required reverting to older graphics for visibility.

Navigating through Tomb Raider Chronicles, we’re thrust into a world where stealth is paramount due to complex level designs resembling a maze more than a straightforward path. This environment engages players in exploring every nook and cranny for keys and hidden passages. Although dimly lit areas were less of an issue compared to the previous game, the overall ambiance leaned more on action.

In The Angel of Darkness, we traverse Lara’s inaugural PlayStation 2 journey with marked improvement in visual quality. The narrative kicks off in the bustling streets of Paris, fraught with dangers and requiring strategic stealth to avoid detection. It slightly edges ahead in terms of controls, contributing to a smoother experience and a catchy soundtrack that heightens engagement. Out of the three, it stood out as my personal favorite, thanks to its engrossing exploration and atmosphere.

Overall, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans, with the nifty feature that lets you switch between old and new graphics mid-game. However, for newcomers, the dated gameplay and control schemes might not impress as much, with lighting troubles posing additional challenges. If you’re in the mood for some classic Lara Croft action, dive right in. Yet if you’re a first-timer seeking a Tomb Raider entry point, consider opting for the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition from 2014 for a more refined adventure. With a Cross-Buy offer, one $29.99 purchase lets you enjoy both PS4 and PS5 versions of this bundle without extra cost.

And a quick note—this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Aspyr Media.