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Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
Item: Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Puzzle and Logic, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableFeb 14, 2025

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

DeveloperAspyr

Overview

Remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy includes: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation – Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecy—one that plunges mankind into darkness. Tomb Raider: Chronicles – Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and is presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past. Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The remastered collection of Tomb Raider IV-VI shines with The Last Revelation, praised for its engaging Egyptian narrative and rich lore. However, Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness fall flat, suffering from coherence and pacing issues, leading to criticisms of a creative decline. While The Last Revelation captivates, the overall collection showcases uneven storytelling that struggles to capture the original franchise's essence.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The remastered collection of Tomb Raider IV-VI has garnered a mix of positive feedback, particularly for its standout title, The Last Revelation. Critics like Push Square and Guardian highlight the engaging narrative set in ancient Egypt, where Lara battles the deity Set, showcasing interesting lore and a serious tone that resonates well with fans. Eurogamer Germany and CGMagazine also commend the historical significance of the collection, particularly in relation to Lara's backstory. The distinct personality of each game is noted by Areajugones, who emphasizes the varied tones—from the serious narrative of The Last Revelation to the lighter, episodic storytelling in Chronicles. This diversity in storytelling provides a rich tapestry for players, allowing them to experience different facets of Lara Croft's adventures. However, the collection is not without its shortcomings. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Digital Chumps point out a noticeable decline in narrative quality across the trilogy, particularly in Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness. Many reviews highlight issues with coherence and pacing, with The Angel of Darkness being criticized for its identity crisis and experimental mechanics that fail to deliver a compelling experience. The lack of engaging content and the disjointed narratives are echoed by multiple reviewers, including PC Games and Multiplayer.it, who argue that these titles reflect a creative decline in the franchise during this era. The overall sentiment suggests that while The Last Revelation shines, the other two titles struggle to maintain the same level of engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the remastered collection presents a mixed bag of narratives. While The Last Revelation receives praise for its engaging story and classic tomb raiding experience, Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness face criticism for their lack of coherence and depth. The remastered collection showcases the potential of Lara Croft's adventures but ultimately highlights the challenges faced by the franchise during this period. Critics like Eurogamer and Vandal encapsulate this sentiment, noting the varying degrees of engagement and the overall feeling that the remaster does not fully capture the essence of the original Tomb Raider experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered receives mixed reviews, praised for modern controls and nostalgia but criticized for awkward gameplay and inconsistent level design. While some titles like The Last Revelation shine, others falter with clunky mechanics and frustrating puzzles. Overall, the remaster struggles to balance classic charm with modern expectations, leaving critics divided on its success.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

16%

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

The gameplay of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the introduction of modern control schemes and quality-of-life improvements. Critics like Digital Chumps highlight enhancements such as new animations and the option to choose between original tank controls or a modern scheme, which aim to maintain the challenge and precision of classic platforming. Eurogamer Germany and Hobby Consolas also note the retention of classic elements, praising the engaging puzzles and exploration found in titles like The Last Revelation. The remaster has been recognized for its attempt to balance nostalgia with contemporary gaming expectations, allowing players to experience the essence of the original titles while benefiting from some modern conveniences. However, the gameplay has faced significant criticism, particularly concerning control schemes and level design. Metro GameCentral and PC Games express frustration over the awkward controls, which can detract from the overall experience, making platforming and combat feel cumbersome. Critics like Loot Level Chill and TechRadar Gaming echo these sentiments, pointing out that both the classic and modern control options have their drawbacks, leading to inconsistent gameplay. The level design, especially in The Angel of Darkness, has been described as sluggish and uninspired, with many reviewers noting that the puzzles can be frustrating and poorly explained, as mentioned by Areajugones and Checkpoint Gaming. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered offers some nostalgic value and improvements, it struggles with significant control and design issues that hinder the gameplay experience. Many reviewers, including Guardian and GamingBolt, agree that the remaster varies in quality across the different titles, with The Last Revelation standing out positively, while Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness are seen as lacking in execution. The mixed reception indicates that while the remaster attempts to appeal to both old fans and new players, the execution of gameplay mechanics remains a contentious point, leaving some critics feeling that the remaster does not fully succeed in revitalizing the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The remaster of Tomb Raider IV-VI impresses with stunning graphics and a nostalgic toggle feature, receiving praise for visual enhancements, especially in The Last Revelation and Chronicles. However, it faces criticism for technical issues like texture pop-in and uneven graphical quality, particularly in The Angel of Darkness, which some reviewers found bland. Overall, while the remaster showcases technological progress and retains original charm, it also reveals significant areas needing improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

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

The remastering of Tomb Raider IV-VI has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly regarding the advancements in graphics and visual design. Many reviewers, such as Areajugones and Digital Chumps, highlight the spectacular high-definition textures and modern lighting effects that breathe new life into the environments and character models. The ability to toggle between original and remastered graphics is frequently praised, with critics like GamingBolt and Eurogamer noting that this feature enhances the overall experience by allowing players to appreciate both the nostalgic charm of the originals and the polished visuals of the remaster. Furthermore, titles like The Last Revelation and Chronicles have been singled out for their noticeable improvements, with Eurogamer Germany specifically mentioning how these enhancements make the environments appear more realistic. However, the remaster is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers point out persistent technical issues, such as texture pop-in and inconsistent graphical quality across the titles. For instance, Metro GameCentral acknowledges the impressive graphical overhaul but notes that the underlying game design feels outdated. Critics like Guardian and Vandal express disappointment with The Angel of Darkness, describing its visuals as bland and inconsistent, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, including Hobby Consolas and Worth Playing, mention lighting issues that affect gameplay visibility, particularly in certain areas, and criticize the remastered FMVs for being darker than the originals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the remastered graphics for Tomb Raider IV-VI present significant improvements and modern enhancements, they are accompanied by notable shortcomings. The remaster successfully showcases the evolution of technology and retains the original's charm, as highlighted by critics like TechRadar Gaming and PC Games. However, the mixed bag of graphical quality, particularly with The Angel of Darkness, and ongoing technical issues suggest that while the remaster is a step forward, it may not fully satisfy all fans of the series. The general sentiment leans towards appreciation for the visual updates, but the criticisms indicate that there is still room for improvement in future remastering efforts.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The sound design and music of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered receive mixed reviews. While some critics praise the immersive audio and atmospheric score—comparing it to Howard Shore's work—others highlight major flaws like poor voice acting and audio bugs that hinder the experience. Players are advised to manage their expectations regarding the remaster's audio quality, as it showcases both impressive elements and notable shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

The sound design and music of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered have garnered a mix of praise from several critics, highlighting the immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. Digital Chumps commends the effective use of audio cues, noting that they heighten tension and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Similarly, Eurogamer appreciates the score in 'The Angel of Darkness,' likening it to the work of Howard Shore and emphasizing how it aligns with the game's darker tone. GamingBolt echoes this sentiment, stating that the music and art direction create a suspenseful atmosphere that complements the narrative, ultimately enhancing the player's experience. However, not all reviews are favorable, as several critics point out significant drawbacks in the remaster's sound design. Metro GameCentral criticizes the unchanged pre-rendered cut scenes, which feature poor scripts and amateurish voice acting, detracting from the overall experience. Multiplayer.it raises concerns about audio bugs in 'The Angel of Darkness,' which affect the clarity of dialogue and environmental sounds, indicating that these technical issues hinder the immersion that other critics have praised. This inconsistency in quality suggests that while some aspects of the sound design may shine, others fall short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics presents a divided view on the sound design and music of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. While some reviewers, like Digital Chumps and GamingBolt, highlight the effective audio elements that enhance immersion, others, such as Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it, point out significant flaws that detract from the experience. This dichotomy suggests that while the remaster succeeds in certain areas, it also suffers from notable shortcomings that could impact players’ enjoyment. The mixed feedback indicates that potential players should approach the remaster with tempered expectations regarding its audio fidelity.

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

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered shows mixed performance across platforms. PC users enjoy solid performance and fast load times, especially for "The Angel of Darkness," while the Steam Deck runs smoothly. However, PS5 and Xbox Series X versions suffer from lingering technical issues, buggy controls, and lack of polish, leaving critics disappointed. Overall, the remaster feels rough and fails to fully utilize the potential of these classic titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive highlights noted by critics. On PC, several reviewers, including Areajugones and Digital Chumps, praised the collection for its excellent performance, fast load times, and improved framerate, particularly for "The Angel of Darkness," which was previously plagued by issues. The ability to switch between remastered and original graphics was also highlighted by Hobby Consolas as a notable feature that enhances the experience. On the Steam Deck, Worth Playing reported a steady framerate and resolution, indicating that the remaster is well-optimized for portable gaming. On the PS5, Push Square acknowledged improvements in technical issues from "The Angel of Darkness," suggesting that some progress has been made in enhancing the overall experience. Despite these positives, the remaster is not without its shortcomings, particularly on the Xbox Series X and PS5. Eurogamer Germany and Metro GameCentral both pointed out that many technical issues from the original games persist, with Metro GameCentral stating that the remaster does not significantly improve performance. Critics on the PS5 noted buggy swimming controls and lighting problems (CGMagazine), as well as broken core mechanics (Push Square), which detract from the overall experience. On PC, while performance is generally strong, issues such as audio bugs (Multiplayer.it) and minor graphical errors (Vandal) were mentioned, indicating that the remaster is not entirely free from flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are some technical improvements across all platforms, the remaster fails to deliver a consistently polished experience. Many reviews indicate that the Xbox Series X and PS5 versions struggle with lingering issues from the originals, while the PC version, though better optimized, still faces some notable glitches and control problems. Critics like Eurogamer and Metro GameCentral emphasize that the remaster feels rough around the edges, with a lack of innovation and polish expected from a modern remaster. The mixed responses highlight a sense of disappointment that the remaster does not fully capitalize on the potential of the classic titles, leaving players with a somewhat uneven experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise the nostalgic appeal and modern features of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, making it enjoyable for longtime fans. However, concerns about limited replay value persist, with dated mechanics and insufficient improvements leaving newcomers underwhelmed. While the collection offers around 50 hours of gameplay and engaging modes, many argue it lacks enough fresh content to warrant repeated playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions of various critics on the replay value of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered reveal a generally positive sentiment among fans of the series. Several reviewers, such as Pure Xbox and Push Square, highlight the nostalgic experience and modern enhancements, like updated controls and visuals, that make the collection appealing to longtime players. Digital Chumps and TechRadar Gaming note that features like Photo Mode and the ability to toggle between remastered and original graphics further enhance replayability. Additionally, GamingBolt emphasizes the value for money, suggesting that the diverse locales and achievements available can attract both fans and newcomers, while Hobby Consolas points out the substantial gameplay time offered, with around 50 hours for a standard playthrough. On the flip side, many critics express concerns regarding the limited replay value of the remastered collection. Metro GameCentral and CGMagazine argue that the games fail to engage players sufficiently, even with the addition of previously cut content. Critics like Loot Level Chill and Worth Playing suggest that nostalgia alone may not be enough to entice new players, as the dated mechanics and lack of significant improvements may leave them underwhelmed. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while achievements and New Game Plus modes are present, the repetitive nature of gameplay could deter players from returning. This sentiment is echoed by Multiplayer.it, which notes that the quality of the later episodes may dissuade replaying. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered offers a nostalgic experience and some engaging features for fans, its replay value is limited, particularly for newcomers. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Vandal acknowledge the collection's appeal to dedicated fans, but many also caution that the remaster does not provide enough new content or improvements to justify extensive replaying. The mixed opinions suggest that while the collection may serve as a delightful trip down memory lane for some, it may not hold the same allure for all players, particularly those unfamiliar with the original titles.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection reveals a blend of nostalgia and appreciation for the classic titles, particularly among long-time fans. Critics like Areajugones and Digital Chumps highlight the successful modernization of these classic games, noting that the remaster manages to preserve the core elements while enhancing the overall experience. Hobby Consolas echoes this sentiment, describing the remaster as a respectful effort that maintains the original identity of the games. Additionally, Push Square and GamingBolt commend the collection for providing modern options and improvements, making it a worthwhile revisit for fans eager to relive Lara Croft's adventures, especially citing The Last Revelation as a standout title. Conversely, a significant portion of the reviews expresses disappointment regarding the remaster's inability to fully overcome the flaws of the original games. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Loot Level Chill describe the collection as a missed opportunity, emphasizing that nostalgia alone cannot compensate for outdated mechanics and design flaws. PC Games and Checkpoint Gaming also point out that while the collection may appeal to fans, it lacks the innovation and excitement found in contemporary action-adventure titles, which may alienate newcomers. Furthermore, Eurogamer Germany and CGMagazine suggest that the remaster feels like a bare minimum effort, which could dissuade those unfamiliar with the original series. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered serves as a nostalgic trip for dedicated fans, but it struggles to attract new players due to its outdated mechanics and uneven quality across the titles. While some reviewers, such as Vandal and Worth Playing, recognize the collection's merits in capturing the highs and lows of the series, they also note that it falls short of modern gaming standards. The remaster is generally viewed as a valuable preservation effort rather than a definitive reimagining, making it a more compelling choice for those with a fondness for the classic games rather than a must-play for the uninitiated.

TL;DR

The Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection evokes nostalgia among long-time fans, praised for modernizing classic titles while maintaining their essence. However, many critics highlight its inability to overcome original flaws, calling it a missed opportunity that may alienate newcomers. Ultimately, it's a nostalgic trip for devoted fans but lacks the innovation to attract a broader audience, serving more as a preservation effort than a definitive reimagining.

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