Tomb Raider I-III Remastered: Preserving the Legacy, Modernizing the Adventure
This February 14, nostalgia meets modern gaming as Tomb Raider I-III Remastered hits the shelves. The iconic adventurer Lara Croft is back in action for every dedicated fan and new player ready to explore ancient tombs and solve challenging puzzles in a fresh, immersive experience. But what does this remastered collection bring to the table? Let’s dive into the improvements, the callbacks to the original games, and what we can expect from this ambitious release.
Visual Overhaul and Quality-of-Life Improvements
The most glaring issue that players would face when trying to dive back into the original Tomb Raider trilogy is the dated graphics and the cumbersome controls. Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics have worked tirelessly not only to bring the visuals up to date, but also offer two graphical options: updated graphics for those craving a current-gen experience and the ability to switch to the original 90’s textures for a nostalgic throwback.
Moreover, Aspyr has replaced the 2D sprite-based items with impressive 3D models, injecting a sense of depth and realism to item pick-ups.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is coming to PC and consoles on Feb 14th!
Lovingly restored with features such as switching between enhanced or original graphics, classic or modern joystick controls, camera lock-on, and achievements.
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Modernized Controls and Boss Health Bars
While the original games were praised for their intricate level design and engaging gameplay, one of the major pain points was the tank controls. The Tomb Raider Remastered perfectly addresses this concern by providing modernized control options with camera movements similar to that of modern third-person action titles. Additionally, a camera lock-on system is introduced, ensuring smoother gameplay. However, players who want to relive the original trilogy can still opt for the tank controls if they fancy a nostalgia trip.
Another significant improvement is the addition of boss health bars, helping players to keep track of their progress during boss fights, which previously felt like damage sponge battles.
Trophies, Photo Mode, and Fans New and Old
Tomb Raider Remastered offers more than 200 trophies (or achievements on Xbox), rewarding players not only for completing levels and beating the game, but also for shining a light on fan-favorite Easter eggs, such as locking the creepy butler in the mansion’s freezer.
Aspyr has also introduced a full photo mode, allowing players to take in-game screenshots and toggle between the classic and modern visuals during any gameplay moment.
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A Respecting Legacy For All Gamers
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered stands as the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gaming. The graphical enhancements, updated control options, and quality-of-life improvements show genuine devotion from the developers to offer a product that truly respects the impactful legacy of this iconic gaming series.
With these changes, longtime fans will be able to relive their memories and even find new discoveries, while newcomers will no longer feel alienated by dated mechanics and graphics. All in all, Tomb Raider Remastered is set to offer an enticing experience for everyone, and there’s no doubt that both fans of the original series and new players will find immense joy in exploring Lara Croft’s thrilling adventures once again.