Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
- February 13, 2024
- Crystal Dynamics
- 25h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft" is a definitive collection of the original Tomb Raider adventures, including all expansions and secret levels. This remastered version offers upgraded graphics and the option to switch to the original polygon look. Join Lara Croft in her globe-trotting adventures, solving ancient mysteries and facing dangerous foes.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Reviews
- The remaster brings classic Tomb Raider games to modern hardware with stunning graphics and quality of life improvements.
- Players can switch between original and updated graphics seamlessly, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
- The inclusion of all expansions and a wealth of achievements adds significant replay value and challenge.
- The controls, especially the modern control scheme, can be clunky and frustrating, making gameplay difficult for newcomers.
- Some areas in the remastered version are too dark, making it hard to see important items and requiring frequent toggling between graphics modes.
- Post-launch censorship of certain content has disappointed many fans, leading to concerns about the integrity of the remaster.
- graphics1,268 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The remastered graphics of the Tomb Raider collection have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual upgrades while maintaining the original aesthetic. Players appreciate the ability to seamlessly switch between modern and classic graphics at any time, enhancing both nostalgia and gameplay experience. However, some critiques highlight issues with lighting and visibility in the remastered mode, which can make certain items difficult to see, necessitating frequent toggling back to the original graphics.
“The ability to switch between modern and original graphics mid-game is an amazing feat that I still don't quite understand how they managed to pull off so seamlessly.”
“The remastered graphics beautifully enhance the original graphics, offering improved lighting, textures, and smoother animations while retaining the charm and engaging gameplay that defined the series in the 90s.”
“The graphics are absolutely stunning and Aspyr have been incredibly faithful to the originals.”
“The new graphics are too dark to see parts of the levels, with no way I can find to adjust the gamma.”
“The modern graphics will make it tolerable for newcomers, switching to the old graphics will reveal to you why it's so soulful.”
“The classic graphics mode is limited to 30fps, resulting in noticeable judder.”
- gameplay267 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the "Tomb Raider I-III Remastered" collection has been largely praised for its faithful preservation of the original mechanics, allowing players to toggle between classic and modern controls, as well as updated graphics. While the remaster enhances visuals and includes quality-of-life improvements, many players note that the core gameplay remains rooted in the 90s, which may feel dated and frustrating for newcomers. Overall, the remaster successfully evokes nostalgia while providing an engaging experience for fans of the series, though some modern players may struggle with the old-school controls and design choices.
“Without much exaggeration, this is one of the best remasters of classic games I've come across, mostly because even if for some reason you don't like the new graphics, you can switch back to the original ones at the press of a button in the middle of gameplay.”
“The gameplay can also be switched around to be either like the tanky controls of the original or switched with modern gameplay.”
“Overall, 'Tomb Raider I-III Remastered' is an engaging tribute to the franchise's legacy, blending classic gameplay with modern enhancements, making it a worthy addition to any gamer’s library.”
“The gameplay is shit and unfinished; what remaster is supposed to mean?”
“The modern controls are intended to streamline gameplay but often clash with the original design, leading to frustration in navigation and combat.”
“Despite a visual overhaul, the series at its core (i.e. gameplay, puzzles, cutscenes, sounds, controls, and overall feel of the game) remained unchanged.”
- music87 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the remastered Tomb Raider collection has been widely praised for its nostalgic quality and emotional impact, effectively transporting players back to their original gaming experiences. Many reviewers appreciate the remastered soundtrack, which retains the essence of the original compositions while enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some players noted a lack of continuous music during gameplay, with tracks only triggering in specific areas, which detracted from the immersive experience.
“The music in these games is more than just a collection of tunes; it's an evocative tapestry of sound that weaves its way through every moment of your adventure.”
“The remastered soundtrack is a masterpiece that will transport you back to those thrilling moments, sending shivers down your spine and igniting your adventurous spirit.”
“They've kept the original flavor of the game, and the original music, voices, and sounds so it is like greeting an old friend once more!”
“There is way less music compared to the newest games, only an occasional sound cue and the rare soundtracks.”
“Environments feel boring and uninteresting, the music feels incredibly slapped on and just doesn't fit the game at all when in the midst of caves.”
“I feel like this game was not play tested, and whilst it is a faithful adaptation, it is seriously let down by execution.”
- stability84 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The stability of the remastered game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while it runs well on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, it still suffers from numerous bugs and glitches inherited from the original titles. Some players appreciate the nostalgic presence of classic glitches, while others express frustration over game-breaking issues and inconsistent performance, particularly with modern controls and camera angles. Overall, while the remaster is visually impressive and generally stable, it remains a work in progress with ongoing stability concerns.
“Looks great, runs great on the Steam Deck, very faithful and in-good-faith remaster.”
“This remaster is beautiful and runs great!”
“The remaster effort is astounding, it's probably the best retro conversion I've ever seen, it looks and runs great and it's fully featured.”
“Even after the latest round of patches, the game is a buggy mess.”
“It turns out there are known game-breaking glitches in this level which will cause it to softlock and make it impossible to finish the level.”
“And there are still bugs - controller freezes are my main issue, but then you have stuff like the camera clipping through the walls or the character in confined spaces, etc. stuff that would have been fixed in a 'lovingly restored' version of these games - but isn't here.”
- story74 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story across the Tomb Raider remastered collection is generally seen as simplistic and lacking depth, particularly in the first installment, which many reviewers found frustratingly vague. However, sequels like Tomb Raider III introduce more engaging narratives filled with ancient mysteries and adventures, although some players still describe the overall storytelling as convoluted or disjointed. While the remaster retains the core story elements, it struggles to match the narrative sophistication of modern games, leaving some players feeling nostalgic yet underwhelmed.
“The engaging storylines of Tomb Raider I-III are as captivating as ever, weaving tales of ancient mysteries, mythological artifacts, and sinister adversaries.”
“With its stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and captivating storytelling, this remastered collection is a must-have for anyone with a penchant for exploration, puzzle-solving, and daring escapades in the vein of gaming's most iconic archaeologist.”
“The narrative starts to shape into a proper story, a huge bonus and improvement compared to the first entry for anyone who likes proper storytelling being a part of their games.”
“There's hardly any narrative in part 1; the sequels start to add a stronger emphasis on story, with part 3 being the most narrative-heavy of the three.”
“In the newer Tomb Raider games of the reboot trilogy, I felt like I was working through a chore in order to continue a rather bland story I couldn't get into and see characters that I didn't like.”
“While the first game is a classic and a stepping stone of the Tomb Raider franchise, its story lacks the details of the latter installments, making it a less-than-ideal story-based game today.”
- atmosphere59 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the remastered Tomb Raider games has received mixed reviews, with many praising the nostalgic elements and immersive soundscapes that evoke a sense of adventure and danger. While some players appreciate the updated graphics and lighting that enhance the experience, others feel that certain changes detract from the original's claustrophobic and mysterious ambiance. Overall, the remaster successfully retains much of the original's charm, though opinions vary on whether the new visuals improve or alter the game's atmospheric integrity.
“Awesome graphics, atmosphere, sound, gameplay... whether you're returning like me or thinking about trying out the original for the first time, it's well worth it!”
“Those haunting melodies and adrenaline-pumping action cues perfectly capture the atmosphere of each location, from the eerie silence of ancient tombs to the heart-pounding intensity of a desperate escape.”
“The atmosphere and level design are top notch, and Aspyr did such a fantastic job at keeping the style of the originals while adding a fresh coat of paint.”
“The lighting, for instance, while visually appealing due to the new ceiling openings, really takes away this claustrophobic atmosphere of the tombs.”
“The games feature a different visual style than they used to have, but I can't really say that the change is for the better; some of the atmosphere has been lost in the translation.”
“Ai upscaled textures, missing textures, misaligned textures, tiny/near invisible key items rotated in a way that barely telegraphs what the item actually is to the player, bad modern controls, major lighting changes that ruin the feel and atmosphere the original games give, changes to the geometry for the sake of 'adding detail' that doesn't really make sense to the original level design, weird sound reverb, a terrible camera system that flies around and gives pretty awful angles forcing you to toggle back to original to see properly, etc.”
- optimization36 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and high frame rates on various systems, including the Steam Deck, others experience significant stuttering and frame drops even on high-end PCs. The ability to switch between retro and modern graphics is praised, and visual enhancements are generally well-received, but some users note that certain control settings and performance issues require manual adjustments. Despite these inconsistencies, many find the remastered collection enjoyable and accessible, with solid performance on current hardware.
“The game runs smoothly on my PC (AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 64GB RAM, 3060Ti) at 144fps with the new style.”
“The models and textures look gorgeous, everything runs smoothly.”
“These remasters are absolutely phenomenal in terms of quality and performance.”
“Additionally, the performance is weird - I get constant framerate drops, even on a Ryzen 7950X3D and an RTX 4090!”
“Refunded, stutters like crazy on a high-end PC and it's completely unplayable considering you have to be accurate with moving Lara into position for the most part. I mean, the controls I can live with, but when it stutters and you're taking a jump, it's impossible... just makes the game highly irritating and I played the original. Still no patch to fix the performance, not recommended at this point.”
“The only criticism I can give of the game is that the modern control settings are a little poorly optimized in certain areas in levels where the camera will want to fight with you, not unlike the PS2 era games.”
- replayability35 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is significantly enhanced by the introduction of nearly 300 achievements, which encourage players to explore different playstyles and complete multiple playthroughs. The combination of modern controls, new game+ modes, and visually appealing environments further enriches the experience, making it more engaging and challenging. Overall, players find that these features not only add depth but also keep them returning for more.
“The added achievements are a nice touch, which adds replayability to the game by trying new challenging ways to play.”
“Tons of achievements (almost 300!) add replayability and depth, and a good portion of the achievements require multiple playthroughs to get.”
“The touched-up visuals are gorgeous, and the achievements add a lot of replay value and challenges to tackle.”
“The different achievements also need you to play the game differently, which gives the different titles replayability.”
“Secrets are so hard in TR3 that it feels like being punished for going after them, but they do add replayability.”
“The touched up visuals are gorgeous and the achievements add a lot of replay value and challenges to tackle.”
- humor21 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often derived from nostalgic elements, such as the amusing contrast between original and remastered graphics, and the quirky bugs that lead to unexpected moments, like Lara's awkward animations or invisible walls. Players find joy in the game's retro charm, with funny achievements and references that resonate with long-time fans, while also enjoying the lightheartedness of in-game mishaps and developer quirks. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gameplay experience, making it both entertaining and reminiscent of the past.
“It's funny, because you can switch back to OG and see that the texture is there, then you switch to remastered - invisible wall, haha.”
“In-game cutscenes are a joy to watch, as the old animations are still present, even with the new graphics, resulting in wacky but funny hand placements and head bobbing.”
“And holy moly there's 269 achievements like beating any of the games with only Lara's pistols, getting 'unreachable' pickups using freaking corner bug, some of them are just hilarious, I love it!”
- grinding18 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often frustrating, with many describing it as requiring excessive time and effort for minimal reward. While some improvements have been made, such as a better save system, the level design and mechanics still contribute to a repetitive experience that can lead to burnout. New players may struggle with the controls, but with persistence, they can adapt to the game's demands.
“When new gamer generations were praising the 'difficulty' of soulslikes after decades of handholding, Tomb Raider was already there to punish you for any mistake and rub it in, with no grinding or self-imposed challenges to boot.”
“Most of the time it felt tedious to play rather than fun.”
“I burned out with Tomb Raider 3 as the tedious level design continues.”
“While the remaster is aimed at old players like me, the modern controls leave a lot to be desired; the camera remains as tedious as ever, they didn't improve anything.”
- monetization9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of this remaster has been widely criticized as a "lazy cash grab," with reviewers expressing disappointment over the high price for what they perceive as minimal effort and misleading marketing regarding features. While there are no ads or microtransactions, the overall sentiment suggests that the game prioritizes profit over genuine enhancement or storytelling, leading to a lack of recommendation from users.
“This 'remaster' is a lazy cash grab, it's as simple as that.”
“Although this package should be a welcome remaster package, the price tag for such a poor work which includes trick advertising regarding 'modern' controls cannot be justified.”
“Seems to be nothing more than a lazy, cynical cash grab with no effort applied, and certainly doesn't deserve your money.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed emotional response to the game, with some players expressing joy over the upgraded visuals and character design, particularly praising the new incarnation of Lara. However, others feel disconnected due to a lack of emotional depth in the story and gameplay, which may frustrate newcomers unfamiliar with the series. Overall, while the visual enhancements evoke nostalgia, the emotional engagement appears limited for some players.
“I can't express how happy this made me feel.”
“And it's not just about new assets and visuals: this is the best Lara model/incarnation ever made, so my heartfelt thanks to the artists who brought her to life again.”
“No awesome cinematic angles, no emotional damage, no epic story.”
