Review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered for PlayStation 5

Developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered edition follows hot on the heels of last year’s Tomb Raider I-III Remastered release. This collection brings the second trilogy of this iconic series to your gaming console, featuring Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Ready for another thrilling journey with Lara Croft? Dive into our review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered!

Imagine continuing Lara Croft’s gripping adventures through a remastered Darkness Trilogy. One of the standout features is the ability to flip between the classic visuals or enjoy the updated graphics with just a click. You’ll follow Lara across the globe, visiting stunning locations like Cairo, Rome, and Paris. Get ready to delve into some of Lara’s most enigmatic adventures as you uncover secrets from her past and explore the mystery behind her disappearance.

This remastered collection combines three legendary games into one exciting package: The first two, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Tomb Raider Chronicles, first graced the PlayStation back in the day, while Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness debuted on the PlayStation 2. One thing I truly appreciated was the game menu’s dynamic background that adjusts according to your game selection.

Now, it’s essential to note that these editions are remasters, not complete remakes. You can easily transition between the original and remastered visuals at any point, thanks to the Options button. I found myself frequently switching to compare graphics—a feature that brought a nostalgic smile to my face. Also, the original versions maintain their classic framerate, which is a delightful touch for purists.

Yet, I hit a snag with the controls early on. The default setup employs what some might call “tank controls,” wherein turning involves the left and right D-Pad buttons before moving forward. It took me over an hour of trials and tribulations to locate the Modern controls option. Although this alternative provides a more familiar feel, it’s still not as fluid as the controls in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014). The Modern controls, unfortunately, are somewhat hidden in the settings menu, a detail that could easily escape notice. Also, a heads-up: to grab, you need to press L2 + R2, a detail absent from any on-screen guidance.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation kicks off the collection, whisking Lara Croft away to the heart of Egyptian tombs where secrets await. The adventure comes alive with enhanced textures and character models, really breathing fresh life into this classic. The voice acting is original, offering fans an authentic experience. However, the lighting is noticeably darker than the original, often forcing me to revert to the classic visuals to navigate certain dark paths.

Next up is Tomb Raider Chronicles, which takes place right after the events of the previous game, with Lara presumed dead. Set initially in Rome, the game switches gears with stealth-focused gameplay. It features more complex levels, often feeling like a maze that you must skillfully navigate—a significant change from the straightforward paths of previous titles. Lighting issues persist here, albeit less severely.

Rounding out the collection, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness marks Lara’s debut on the PlayStation 2. The visuals, especially when compared to the other two remastered titles, show a marked improvement. Set in Paris, where Lara is on the run, the game introduces linear levels peppered with strategic stealth elements. The controls feel slightly more intuitive, and the soundtrack stands out, heightening the overall experience. Exploring in this game was the clear highlight for me, making it the standout entry of the trilogy.

For longtime fans of the series, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered edition offers a cherished trip down memory lane. The seamless graphics toggle easily stands out as my favorite feature. However, newcomers might find the dated mechanics and lighting issues off-putting, even with modernized controls. Those in search of a classic experience will find plenty to love, but if you’re a fresh player looking for a polished introduction to Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2014) remains the best starting point. At $29.99, the remastered trilogy even offers a Cross-Buy feature, allowing you to enjoy it on both PS4 and PS5 at no extra cost.

Disclaimer: This review of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by Aspyr Media.