Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered Reviews: Nostalgia vs. Improvements Divide Fans

by

Summary

  • Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered reviews vary among players & critics, highlighting updated mechanics, features, and graphics.
  • The remastered collection includes classic Tomb Raider games, but critics are divided on nostalgia vs. improvements.
  • Some reviewers praise the updated controls & features in Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, while others critique the gameplay design.

Recently, I got my hands on Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, and I must say, the feedback is quite diverse! As a dedicated Lara Croft fan, I’m finding myself caught between my nostalgia for the original games and the refreshing changes in gameplay mechanics, new features, and undeniably improved graphics. The Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered experience is proving to be quite diverse for those who have had a sneak peek so far.

On Valentine’s Day, 2025, the official launch of the remastered versions of Tomb Raider 4, 5, and 6 took place. This new version is playable on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The remastered collection includes three classic Tomb Raider games: The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness, which were originally released from 1999 to 2003. This latest release serves as a continuation of the remastered collection of Tomb Raider 1-3, also developed by Aspyr, that was launched exactly one year ago.

Although final user opinions are yet to be gathered, a compilation of 10 professional assessments (one without a scored rating) have been amassed on OpenCritic thus far. The remastered game bundle has elicited mixed reactions, ranging from a delightful nostalgia trip to a clumsy-feeling trilogy that may not warrant a reboot and shows minimal improvement. Some critics have been enamored with the new features in Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered, such as an enhanced photo mode and the implementation of an on-screen ammo indicator, but even many favorable reviews have voiced concerns about the game’s responsiveness to player input, regardless of whether using its original or modern control settings. Here’s what critics across the web are discussing:

The Gamer (James Troughton):

As a passionate admirer, I find myself struggling to accept that additional content or improved movements could have salvaged this game. The base structure, at best, is wobbly. Even for a newcomer, its flaws are glaringly obvious, and I believe the nostalgia will fade swiftly for long-term fans. Adding it here only weakens the 4-6 bundle compared to the previous one. To be frank, after sampling a few hours of each game, I’m at a loss as to why Aspyr didn’t simply include The Last Revelation in the initial collection and label it a quadrilogy.

Score: 3/5

Eurogamer (Christian Donlan):

These three games may not showcase Lara Croft at her peak performance, but they have been treated exceptionally well, reflecting what an excellent remaster should achieve. In some instances, as with this series, they continue to sparkle.

Score: 4/5

Xbox Achievements (Josh Wise):

Among the pieces in this collection, the standout is “Angel of Darkness,” and it’s not surprising that it received the most meticulous polishing. The graphics receive a subtle enhancement, but the main focus was on restoring features such as unused voice lines, items, an early training area, and even the option to buy items from a pawn shop. These additions are delightful touches, but the significant improvement lies in the upgraded controls.

Score: 80%

Metro GameCentral (Nick Gillett):

Despite boasting contemporary features, the controls and camera function frustratingly poorly. The game transports you through iconic Egyptian locales like Karnak, the pyramids at Giza, Cleopatra’s submerged palaces, and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo. However, the gameplay disappointingly falls short of the grandeur these locations offer. The puzzles, though set in ancient Egypt, are obscure and insufficiently explained, often seeming more intended to frustrate than engage, making it challenging to appreciate this game.

Score: 2/5

Try Hard (Erik Hodges):

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered offers an updated version of three beloved Tomb Raider games, enhancing controls, graphics, and various features. However, these improvements can be turned off for those who prefer a more authentic experience reminiscent of the original versions, making it ideal for both nostalgic fans seeking a modern refresh or dedicated enthusiasts desiring to play the games as they first appeared.

Score: 10/10

Worth Playing (Cody Medellin):

If you’re hoping for enhancements that improve your gaming experience, it might be a letdown. The game lacks an autosave function, so unless you save frequently, be prepared to encounter unexpected deaths without continues, forcing you to revert back to your last saved game. Additionally, there are no customization options for graphics, limited only to switching between the original and remastered styles. Furthermore, there are no bonus features available, which is unfortunate given the popularity of these games within the series, regardless of their position in the rankings.

Score: 5/10

At present, the game on OpenCritic is evenly divided with a 50% positive rating, as five out of ten reviews have praised it. However, this may not be the jubilant reception that the developers at Aspyr had hoped for when they released their second compilation of remastered Tomb Raider trilogies, in tribute to Lara Croft’s legacy.

In summary, it appears that critics are praising Aspyr for successfully recreating the authentic atmosphere of the classic Tomb Raider series. The option to toggle between the original controls or updated ones designed for the remaster has been particularly well-received by many reviewers, as they seem to have a personal preference for one over the other. Notably, the Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered collection received more positive feedback, earning an average professional review score of 75 on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Some critics suggest that this favorable reception might not be solely due to Aspyr’s modernization efforts but rather because the original trilogy offers a more enjoyable gaming experience overall.

Read More

2025-02-16 01:34