Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered - Even more Lara Croft goodness

Welcome to the XPN Gaming website! My name is Ash and I am back again with another remastered video game release review. This time it's yet another date with that famous British archaeologist Lara Croft! Last year, developer Aspyr released a remastered collection of the first three Tomb Raider games. I cant lie, it was one of the very few games I picked up day one because I was so excited to play through them again, with the original trilogy being some of my favourite childhood gaming memories from the Playstation One era. I was not disappointed in the slightest, being able to re-experience those classics again, in their best possible version was such a joy - especially locking the butler in the freezer... (yes that was the first thing I tried). Now Aspyr are back with another collection of Tomb Raider games, although instead of the proven classics of the original trilogy, this collection contains a selection of games which ranged from pretty good, to what could be described as the death knell of the franchises original run of form. At this point the franchise was starting to feel abit fatigued, so unlike the originals, I only played these at launch and have never gone back to them, so I have been looking forward revisiting them to see if they were as bad as I remembered.

So what three games are included?

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation – Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecy—one that plunges mankind into darkness. This is arguably the standout title of the trio in the remastered collection. Its atmospheric adventure, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, is given new life through updated textures and improved lighting effects. The game still offers intricate puzzles and expansive temple explorations, but now with an added layer of visual splendor. The updated character models and environmental details help modernize the game without sacrificing its original charm.

That said, some of the combat sequences—and even the pacing during certain puzzle segments—can feel a bit uneven. The option to toggle between modern and classic controls can mitigate these issues, though the decision often boils down to personal taste

Tomb Raider: Chronicles – Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and is presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past.

In Chronicles, the remaster takes what was once a somewhat unconventional anthology of Lara’s exploits and smooths out many of its rougher edges. The narrative device—where Lara’s friends recount her adventures—remains intact, providing varied gameplay segments set in different environments. The remaster’s strength here is in its eclectic design: each fragment of the story now benefits from enhanced graphics and refined details that make even brief encounters more memorable.

However, the episodic structure that once set it apart now feels somewhat disjointed when compared with the more unified storytelling of modern games. It’s a double-edged sword.

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts.

Perhaps the most contentious of the trio, The Angel of Darkness has long been a polarizing entry in the series. With its ambitious narrative and complex environments, the original was always burdened by control issues and awkward camera work. The remaster addresses many of these by implementing updated animations, improved control options, and a more responsive combat system.

Yet, despite these substantial upgrades, The Angel of Darkness struggles to shed its notorious reputation entirely. Even with modern control schemes in place, some of the inherent flaws in level design remain evident. The experience offers a markedly different perspective on Lara’s character—one that is darker, grittier, and, at times, unsettling—but this new direction is as much a breath of fresh air as it is a reminder of the game’s troubled past. For fans of cerebral, risk-taking game design, it’s an intriguing experiment that both challenges and captivates; for others, it remains a reminder that even a remaster cannot fully expunge legacy issues

The Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered collection introduces several gameplay enhancements and features to modernize the experience while retaining the charm of the originals. Here are some key changes:

Control Options: Players can choose between modern controls and the classic tank controls, catering to both new players and nostalgic chunky turning fans.
New Animations: Lara's movements have been updated with smoother animations, such as sliding into a run after descending slopes.
Photo Mode: A revamped photo mode allows players to capture cinematic shots with customizable camera paths and settings.
Ammo Counter: A new on-screen ammo display helps players manage resources during combat.
Cheat Codes: Classic cheat codes, like infinite ammo and level skipping, make a return.
Enhanced Graphics: The remaster supports 4K resolution at 60 FPS, along with improved lighting and textures.
Quality-of-Life Features: Options like cutscene skipping, enemy health bar toggles, and item pickup highlights enhance gameplay

One of the most immediately noticeable changes is in the visuals. The remaster updates textures to 4K resolution and enhances lighting effects. What was once a mosaic of dated polygonal models is now illuminated by a modern lighting engine that casts shafts of sunlight into mysterious tombs and bathes ancient walls in a warm glow.

Sound design, while not radically overhauled, benefits from subtle improvements. The ambient noises, echoing footsteps, and environmental soundscapes are recalibrated to immerse you even deeper into the forgotten labyrinths and mystic corridors. Whether it’s the low rumble of a hidden trap or the gentle pluck of a distant melody, the audio enhancements complement the visual upgrades nicely.

The remastered version of The Angel of Darkness goes beyond simply polishing graphics and smoothing out control issues—it also restores and introduces several pieces of content that were either cut, unfinished, or underutilized in the original release as well!

Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered is a celebration of an era that defined an entire genre. For fans who grew up exploring ancient tombs, deciphering cryptic puzzles, and reckoning with a resourceful yet flawed Lara Croft, this collection is both a time machine and a testament to the enduring legacy of these adventures. The visual and audio overhauls, paired with a collection of modern conveniences and restored gameplay elements, invite you to relive—or discover for the first time—the unique atmosphere that made these games so memorable.

Yet, this remaster is not without its challenges. The inherent design limitations and occasional control inconsistencies may leave some players frustrated. The Angel of Darkness, in particular, may continue to divide opinion between those who appreciate its ambitious narrative and those who recall its original shortcomings.

Ultimately, if you’re a nostalgic fan looking for a polished window into the Tomb Raider legacy, or a newcomer curious about the origins of one of gaming’s most legendary heroines, this release is a commendable effort.

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)