Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Review: Nostalgic Upgrade
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered brings back the classic adventures of Lara Croft with a fresh coat of paint, offering updated graphics while preserving the essence of the original gameplay. Priced at £24.99, the remastered collection includes Lara's first three expeditions from 1996-98, providing fans with a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The graphical overhaul enhances the visual experience, with improvements in lighting, water effects, and textures. While the graphics may not match contemporary standards, they breathe new life into Lara's world, making environments more immersive and detailed. However, the remasters still retain the polygonal look and blocky characters reminiscent of the original games.
One notable feature of the remastered collection is the ability to switch between the original and upgraded graphics at any time, offering players the flexibility to experience the games in their preferred visual style. Additionally, players can choose between the original tank controls and a modern control scheme, providing options for both purists and newcomers alike.
Despite the graphical enhancements, some iconic moments from the series lose their impact in the remasters. Technical improvements alter the atmosphere of certain scenes, diminishing their effectiveness compared to the original versions. However, the option to toggle between original and upgraded graphics helps preserve the integrity of these memorable moments.
An issue that remains unresolved in the remastered collection is the presence of problematic content, including racial stereotypes and cultural insensitivity. While the remaster includes a warning about these elements, they remain unchanged, serving as a reminder of the need for ethical considerations in game development.
Overall, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered offers a nostalgic journey for fans of the original games, with updated visuals and familiar gameplay mechanics. While it may not compete with modern titles in terms of graphics and gameplay innovations, it retains the confidence and challenge that made the original Tomb Raider series iconic.
