Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
" Faithful action-adventure remaster with modern controls and DLCs but frustrating tank controls "
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft Review
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a faithful remaster of the original trilogy, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements. Players appreciate the updated graphics, improved lighting, and enhanced character models that bring new life to classic environments. The remaster preserves the original sound design and music, with re-recorded voice lines adding freshness while respecting the source material.
Gameplay improvements such as refined controls, including optional modern control schemes and quality-of-life features like auto-save and better camera handling, make the experience smoother. However, some players find the tank controls challenging, and the puzzles remain tough and sometimes frustrating. The storylines are minimalist but engaging, and the inclusion of DLCs adds replay value. Despite minor bugs and the absence of brightness adjustment, the remaster is widely recommended for fans and newcomers seeking to experience Lara Croft’s early adventures.
Highlights
Players praise the remaster for its visual overhaul, including higher resolution textures and improved lighting that enhance immersion while retaining the original art style.
The gameplay mechanics benefit from refined controls and modern options, making platforming and combat more accessible. The inclusion of both original and modern control schemes is highly appreciated.
The storyline, though minimalist, successfully captures the essence of Lara Croft’s first three adventures, complemented by well-preserved audio and atmospheric soundtracks.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the frustrating tank controls and occasional input lag that detract from gameplay fluidity. Some players find puzzles and level design in Tomb Raider 2 and 3 to be confusing or poorly thought out.
The absence of brightness or gamma adjustment is a notable oversight, making some areas too dark and challenging to navigate. Texture stretching and graphical inconsistencies are reported, especially in Tomb Raider 2. Additionally, some bugs from the original games persist, and censorship changes post-release have upset some fans.
Pros
- • Faithful remaster preserves original game charm with modern graphics and sound enhancements.
- • Option to toggle between original and remastered graphics enhances player preference.
- • Modern control scheme improves fluidity while retaining classic tank controls option.
- • Quality-of-life features like auto-save and improved camera controls reduce frustration.
- • Engaging puzzles and platforming that challenge players and offer rewarding experiences.
- • Inclusion of DLCs adds significant replayability and content variety.
- • Nostalgic appeal for longtime fans rekindles love for the classic trilogy.
Cons
- • Tank controls remain frustrating for some players, impacting gameplay enjoyment.
- • No brightness or gamma adjustment limits visibility in darker areas.
- • Texture stretching and graphical inconsistencies notably present in Tomb Raider 2.
- • Persistent bugs from original games detract slightly from polish.
- • Censorship changes post-release upset fans expecting unaltered content.
- • Some puzzles and level design in later games feel poorly executed or confusing.
- • Input lag reported with certain controllers affects responsiveness.
Rating Criteria
Play the original three Tomb Raider adventures with all expansions and secret levels in this definitive collection.