[PlayStation 5] Review: Remastered Editions of Tomb Raider IV-VI

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, brought to life by Aspyr in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, builds on the success of the earlier Tomb Raider I-III Remastered edition released last year. This collection revives the second trilogy of the series, featuring Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation from 1999, Tomb Raider Chronicles from 2000, and 2003’s Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. Dive into our in-depth review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered!

Experience the next set of thrilling Tomb Raider exploits in this remastered edition of the Darkness Trilogy. You can switch between the nostalgic original visuals and the updated remastered graphics at any moment. Embark on globe-trotting adventures with Lara Croft to famous sites like Cairo, Rome, and Paris, as you delve into her most mysterious and dark adventures yet, unraveling secrets about her past.

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered package contains three cherished games: The Last Revelation and Chronicles, initially launched on PlayStation, and The Angel of Darkness, which marked the series’ debut on PlayStation 2. One feature that stood out to me was the game menu, which adjusts its backdrop to reflect the game you’ve chosen—quite a neat detail.

It’s crucial to note that these are remasters, not complete overhauls. You can seamlessly toggle between the original and remastered versions by simply pressing the Options button. I found myself frequently switching to compare the graphics, which retain the original game’s frame rate as a default—a detail die-hard fans will appreciate.

One challenge I encountered early on was the infamous ‘tank controls.’ Initially, all three games employ these clunky mechanics: turning left or right with the D-Pad before moving forward. It was only after a frustrating hour that I stumbled upon the option to switch to Modern controls, which I think should have been more prominent from the get-go. Even with Modern controls, the gameplay doesn’t quite reach the smoothness of newer titles like Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014). Additionally, the dual button press needed for the grab action isn’t clearly outlined anywhere in the game.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999 – PlayStation 1)

The Last Revelation takes Lara once more through Egyptian ruins filled with puzzles and peril. However, as a PlayStation 1 title, be prepared for some challenging camera angles and awkward animations that reflect its era. The remaster, however, breathes new life into textures and character models while preserving the original voice work.

Yet, I found the remastered lighting to be murky, often hindering my view of the pathway, and there’s no option to adjust the brightness. Consequently, I had to revert to the older graphics just to see where I was going—a technical hiccup I didn’t anticipate.

Aimless wanderings were also a theme, a reminder of its age, though there are guides aplenty online. This edition includes The Time Exclusive—a standalone bonus segment from The Last Revelation.

Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000 – PlayStation 1)

Chronicles picks up from The Last Revelation’s cliffhanger, with Lara presumed dead and beginning her new chapter in the sprawling, desolate streets of Rome. The game ups the ante by adding stealth mechanics and a more labyrinthine level design compared to its predecessor.

Exploration is more intricate, requiring a keen eye for hidden paths and keys, which introduces an extra layer of difficulty. Again, lighting issues persist, though less severely than in The Last Revelation.

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003 – PlayStation 2)

Bringing Lara to the PlayStation 2, The Angel of Darkness offers an impressive visual upgrade. The game starts dramatically on Parisian streets, as Lara becomes a fugitive after a murder discovery.

Though the levels are more straightforward than Chronicles, they are still riddled with obstacles requiring clever solutions. Fortunately, the ability to save at any point alleviates potential frustration.

Control-wise, it feels slightly improved over its counterparts, and innovative stealth elements add sophistication to gameplay. The soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, making exploration the highlight of the trilogy—this entry is easily my favorite.

For fans of the originals, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is a nostalgic trip well worth taking, with the feature to switch between old and new graphics being a highlight. However, newcomers might struggle with outdated mechanics and the occasional frustrating lighting hiccup, despite available Modern controls.

If you’re craving a rejuvenated Tomb Raider experience, I’d steer you toward the more refined Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014). This collection’s price tag of $29.99 grants you both the PS4 and PS5 versions, thanks to its Cross-Buy feature.

This review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered was conducted using a PlayStation 5 copy from Aspyr Media.