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Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Item: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Single Player

AvailableFeb 14, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperAspyr

Overview

Play the Original Three Tomb Raider Adventures: For the first time ever, play the complete experience with all expansions and secret levels on modern platforms in this definitive collection. Included Game Titles Tomb Raider I + The Unfinished Business Expansion Tomb Raider II + The Gold Mask Expansion Tomb Raider III + The Lost Artifact Expansion Solve Ancient Mysteries: Uncover treasures of the ancient world by solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries lost to the ravages of time. Globe-trotting Adventure: Follow Lara Croft around the world and face off against deadly foes and dangerous myths. Lovingly Restored: Experience the classics boasting upgraded graphics, with the option to switch to the original polygon look at any time.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise Tomb Raider I-III Remastered for iconic protagonist Lara Croft and adventurous narrative, but some criticize clichéd writing and flawed execution. Opinions are mixed on the preservation of original stories and gameplay experience, with emphasis on tomb raiding and puzzle-solving.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally praise the story of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft for its strong and iconic protagonist, Lara Croft, who is seen as a trailblazing character in gaming history. Digital Chumps highlights Lara Croft's role in paving the way for strong female characters in gaming, while Eurogamer Poland appreciates her dual expertise in history and firearms. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech notes the dramatic scenarios, challenging problems, and phenomenal scenery that add depth to the narrative, creating a sense of adventure and excitement. Adventure Game Hotspot also commends Lara Croft's portrayal as a smart, witty, and acrobatic treasure hunter, making the story engaging and immersive. On the other hand, some critics point out shortcomings in the storytelling of the remastered collection. CGMagazine criticizes the writing for lacking a timeless tone and relying on corny, cliché dialogues and outdated cultural clichés, indicating a lack of depth and originality in the narrative. GamingBolt expresses disappointment in the execution of the concept of Lara Croft exploring tombs for ancient artifacts, suggesting that the remastered collection falls short in delivering an engaging and immersive experience due to its flawed execution. This sentiment is echoed by GameCritics, who mention that while the games offer classic action-adventures with platforming and puzzle-solving elements, the execution of the gameplay and narrative leaves much to be desired. Overall, the critics' opinions on the story of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft are mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the iconic nature of Lara Croft and the adventurous tone of the narrative, others criticize the lack of depth in the writing and execution of the storyline. Despite the varying opinions, there is a consensus among critics that the original stories of the three Tomb Raider games are preserved in the remastered collection, with minor changes to enhance the gameplay experience. TheXboxHub and But Why Tho? both acknowledge the focus on raiding tombs and solving puzzles, which remains a core aspect of the storytelling in the remastered collection. Ultimately, the reception of the story in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is subjective, with some critics finding value in its nostalgic and challenging elements, while others find fault in its execution and narrative depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft impresses with its exploration, puzzles, and diverse locations, but faces criticism for frustrating controls and modernization issues. Critics appreciate the nostalgic feel and challenging gameplay, but mixed opinions arise due to dated mechanics and a lack of guidance for new players. The game offers a blend of nostalgia and modernization, appealing to both fans and newcomers seeking a classic action-adventure experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft has received praise for its focus on exploration, challenging puzzles, and diverse locations. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and Multiplayer.it commend the intricate environments and engaging elements that keep players invested in the game. The inclusion of health bars in boss fights, as noted by CD-Action, adds a layer of strategy and intensity to the gameplay experience. Additionally, Pure Nintendo highlights the emphasis on exploration and environmental puzzles, creating a sense of adventure and discovery for players. The option to toggle between remastered and original graphics, as mentioned by GameCritics, provides players with a nostalgic and customizable gameplay experience. On the downside, several critics have pointed out various issues with the gameplay mechanics of the remastered trilogy. Critics like Gaming Age and God is a Geek criticize the controls as frustrating and unrefined, impacting the overall gameplay experience. CGMagazine highlights clunky platforming controls and challenges with jumping and grasping far platforms, leading to a sense of frustration for players. The implementation of modern controls, as discussed by Digitally Downloaded and GameSpew, is seen as problematic, with issues in fitting well with the game's original design and causing difficulties in certain movements. The lack of guidance for new players, as mentioned by Voxel, may deter them from fully enjoying the gameplay due to the steep learning curve and precision required in platforming sections. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft leans towards a mixed reception. While the game excels in providing a nostalgic experience with its focus on exploration, puzzles, and challenging adversaries, the issues with controls, camera angles, and modernization efforts create a divisive opinion among reviewers. Some critics appreciate the faithful adaptation of the original titles, such as SpazioGames and PlayStation Universe, while others find the dated feel and clunky mechanics to be significant drawbacks, as noted by Softpedia and Guardian. The addition of modern controls seems to be a point of contention, with some critics feeling that it enhances the gameplay experience, like Pure Xbox and Player 2, while others believe it falls short of expectations, as seen in reviews by GameGrin and GameSpew. Ultimately, the gameplay of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft offers a blend of nostalgia and modernization, catering to both fans of the original series and newcomers looking for a classic action-adventure experience with some rough edges.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics have praised the remastered graphics of Tomb Raider I-III for updated textures, lighting, and water effects, while some criticize them for falling short of modern standards and resembling older games. The ability to switch between new and classic visuals adds to the experience, but opinions on the overall graphics are mixed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The remastered graphics and visual design of Tomb Raider I-III Starring Lara Croft have garnered praise from several critics for various positive aspects. CD-Action commends the enhanced graphics with updated textures and 3D modeling, improved lighting, particle effects, and water effects. COGconnected appreciates the graphical enhancements and detailed environments, while Dexerto highlights the modernized graphics that still retain the classic look of the original games. Meristation and Pure Xbox specifically mention improvements in floors, walls, water, flora, lighting effects, and character models, with the ability to switch between new and classic visuals in real-time adding to the experience. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out negative aspects of the remastered graphics in Tomb Raider I-III. God is a Geek criticizes the remastered graphics for resembling PS3 games and not being impressive in terms of a reskin. Xbox Tavern finds the visual remaster to be minor and insignificant, lacking substantial improvements that may not impress players. Noisy Pixel goes as far as to say that the remastered graphics resemble something out of a low-budget PlayStation 2 game and do not do justice to the art style at all. Guardian mentions that while the remastered graphics offer some improvements, they fall short of contemporary standards, visually placing them around 2005. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is mixed. While some critics like GameCritics and Digitally Downloaded praise the gorgeous remastered visuals with added details and improved assets, others like PlayStation Country and Radio Times feel that the graphics do not meet modern standards and appear outdated. The ability to switch between remastered and original graphics is a common positive point mentioned by several critics, adding a nostalgic touch to the gaming experience. Despite some drawbacks such as inconsistent lighting, awkward animations, and issues with texture stretching, the remastered graphics generally succeed in enhancing the original games while staying true to their classic aesthetic, catering to both nostalgic fans and newcomers to the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Positive feedback praises the faithful sound design and impactful music, while some criticize repetitive loops and missed opportunities for enhancement. Overall, critics appreciate the immersive atmosphere and gameplay improvements, making the remastered audio a hit with fans of the original trilogy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the positives, such as Pure Xbox, who appreciated how the sound design stayed true to the original blueprint and enhanced the overall experience. ZTGD also praised the subtle music cues and audio cues that aided in navigation, providing a fantastic gameplay experience. PlayStation Country specifically commended the grand soundtrack, noting that it elevated the atmospheric levels and stood out as a key feature of the game. These positive aspects indicate that the remastered sound design and music successfully captured the essence of the original games while enhancing certain elements for a more immersive experience. On the other hand, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. PC Gamer pointed out the presence of short artificial loops and irritating sound effects, which detracted from the overall audio experience. Noisy Pixel mentioned that while the voice acting was well done, there was a missed opportunity to remaster the cutscenes, potentially impacting the overall cohesion of the audiovisual presentation. Softpedia noted that while the audio was remastered to improve clarity in dialogues and sharpness in sound effects, the soundtrack remained unchanged, indicating a missed opportunity to further enhance the music aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the Sound Design and Music in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. While there were some criticisms regarding specific aspects like repetitive loops and missed opportunities for remastering, the majority of reviewers appreciated the faithfulness to the original sound design and the impact of the music on gameplay. The consistent praise for the atmospheric levels, subtle cues, and standout soundtracks indicates that the audio elements successfully contributed to the overall immersive experience of the game. By balancing the positives and negatives, it's evident that the Sound Design and Music of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered have resonated positively with critics, with the enhancements adding value to the nostalgic journey for fans of the original trilogy.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mixed feedback on technical performance for Tomb Raider I-III Remastered on different platforms: PC praised smooth gameplay and stability, Xbox noted lighting and frame pacing issues, while Switch had some graphical and performance concerns. Overall, opinions varied with some platforms showing improvements while others faced challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft received mixed feedback across different gaming platforms. On PC, critics like Digital Chumps and PC Gamer praised the smooth gameplay and stability of the game, with added control options and stable frame rates in both graphic modes, staying authentic to the original versions. However, COGconnected pointed out legacy camera issues and wonky weapon aiming, while Eurogamer Poland highlighted occasional technical glitches as downsides. Moving on to Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox and ZTGD noted issues with lighting and frame pacing when switching between visual modes, with ZTGD specifically mentioning the flawless 60fps performance on all platforms but suggesting improvements in the saving function. Xbox Tavern, on the other hand, criticized the awkward controls, unreliable movement, and lack of modern refinements, especially with default 'tank controls.' On Nintendo Switch, critics like Cubed3 and Pocket Tactics commended the remastered edition for its technical performance, running well in both docked and handheld modes. However, Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life raised concerns about graphical issues, frame rate drops, dark areas, and clipping problems, impacting the overall experience. Vooks stood out for praising the Switch port's perfect performance, full native resolution, and 60fps in modern graphics mode. Overall, while some critics like GameCritics and PlayStation Country appreciated the stability and improvements in technical performance, others like Adventure Game Hotspot and GamingTrend highlighted issues with camera angles, control problems, and lighting inconsistencies. The consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception towards the technical performance of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, with some platforms showcasing smoother gameplay and stability, while others facing challenges with graphical issues and control shortcomings.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Summary: Critics praise the high replay value of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered for features like bonus levels, graphic mode toggling, and challenging gameplay. While some mention drawbacks like technical glitches and lack of significant improvements, most agree that the collection's vast content, immersive experience, and nostalgic appeal make it worth revisiting. Overall, the remastered trilogy offers a rewarding replay value for fans of Lara Croft and retro gaming enthusiasts.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft has been positively highlighted by several critics. COGconnected appreciates the bonus levels and expansions that add to the replay value, while GameCritics mentions the ability to toggle between graphic modes, quality-of-life changes, and challenging gameplay as factors contributing to high replay value. Meristation notes the ability to switch between versions of each game in real-time, enhancing replayability, and Pure Nintendo suggests that the collection is worth exploring, especially for those with nostalgia for the original Tomb Raider games. Vooks also mentions the high replay value due to the inclusion of three massive games and expansions. On the other hand, some critics point out potential negatives affecting the Replay Value of the remastered trilogy. Eurogamer Poland mentions the lack of in-game guidance and occasional technical glitches as downsides that impact replay value. Xbox Tavern notes that the lack of significant improvements may limit replay value, while Hey Poor Player suggests that the limited enhancements or additions for replay value make the remastered collection only worth revisiting for nostalgic purposes. PlayStation Universe highlights the addition of collectibles, trophies, and a photo mode for replay value but does not delve deeper into the overall impact on replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Replay Value of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. Critics like Dexerto and Finger Guns appreciate the quality-of-life improvements such as the ability to save anywhere and the addition of trophies and cheat codes, which enhance replayability. Despite some criticisms regarding technical issues and lack of significant enhancements, the majority of critics acknowledge the vast content, challenging gameplay, and immersive experience offered by the remastered trilogy. The inclusion of all three games and their expansions, along with the ability to switch between versions and the addition of trophies and achievements, collectively contribute to a high replay value for fans of Lara Croft's adventures and retro gaming enthusiasts, making the collection a worthwhile experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The remastered version of Tomb Raider I-III Starring Lara Croft has garnered praise from several critics for various positive aspects. CD-Action commends the improved graphics, Polish localization, and additional content, catering to veteran gamers and fans of retro games. Dexerto highlights the modernized appearance, while Digital Chumps appreciates how the remastered games capture the magic of the original titles. Pure Xbox notes that the collection retains the feel of the original trilogy, making it worth playing, especially for Xbox users. Critics like Cubed3 and Pure Nintendo applaud the masterful beautification of the games, offering a complete experience with upgraded visuals and DLC for each game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns and negative feedback regarding the remastered collection. Impulsegamer criticizes the game for struggling with modern controls, impacting the experience for new players. Xbox Tavern describes the collection as best suited for a history lesson or a videogame museum, with limited substance and outdated gameplay mechanics. Hey Poor Player feels that the remastered version fails to update the flawed original games in a meaningful way, with new graphics and modern controls not significantly improving the experience. Softpedia criticizes the collection for feeling archaic in 2024, with dated gameplay and technical issues overshadowing the visual upgrades and modern control scheme. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is mixed. While the collection receives praise for its nostalgic value, improved graphics, and faithful homage to the original games, there are concerns about dated gameplay mechanics, technical issues, and the lack of modern quality-of-life features. Critics like GameSpew and PlayStation Universe recommend the remastered versions to both veterans and newcomers, acknowledging the quality collection and updated visuals. However, critics such as Hey Poor Player and Softpedia highlight the challenges the game faces in modern times and its failure to provide significant updates to appeal to a broader audience. Despite the mixed feedback, the remastered collection seems to resonate more with fans of the original Tomb Raider games and those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, rather than modern audiences looking for a fully updated gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Tomb Raider I-III Remastered for improved graphics and nostalgic appeal, but some criticize dated gameplay and technical issues. It caters well to fans of the original games but may not satisfy modern gamers seeking a fully updated experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

125 reviews found

100

Dexerto

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its modernized appearance and the level design and gameplay that have aged well.

Digital Chumps

Feb 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the remastered games for capturing the magic of the original Tomb Raider games and states that everything has been left the same in a positive way.

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Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Feb 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is praised as a masterfully beautified collection that offers the whole experience of the original games in a brand new coat of paint. The remastered edition is considered one of the best upgrades of old-school classics.

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COGconnected

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the remastered trilogy as a great time capsule and a way to experience the evolution of action/adventure games.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Feb 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tomb Raider Remastered is praised as a fantastic collection that captures the essence of the original games, recommended for those nostalgic for the original titles.

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the remastered versions of the games and recommends them to both veterans and newcomers.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall positive review highlighting the value of the remastered collection, despite some control and technical issues.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the collection for offering three excellent games with DLC for each game at a reasonable price. It suggests that the collection is a great fit for the Nintendo Switch.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 5

Feb 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The remastered collection is praised for respecting the original material, offering a nostalgic experience, and providing a balance between preservation and modernization. Some gameplay elements have aged better than others, but overall, the remaster is well-received.

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GameCritics

Mar 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is an excellent collection that allows fans to experience Lara's earliest adventures, despite some graphical issues and difficulty spikes in TR3.