The legacy of Lara Croft is set to shine brighter with the remastering of the next trio of Tomb Raider titles. Hot on the heels of the Tomb Raider 1-3 remasters, a fresh revival is underway for Tomb Raider IV-VI. Gamers can expect revamped versions of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel Of Darkness, set to release on February 14th. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with a little nostalgia and adventure?
The remastering process is in the capable hands of Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics, a duo that has been fine-tuning these classic adventures for today’s technology. Known for their dedication to maintaining the series’ original magic while injecting modern enhancements, the team guarantees a dual nostalgia trip with options for classic graphics or upgraded high-poly visuals. Other contemporary tweaks include improved camera controls, quality-of-life enhancements, and new photo modes, ensuring a seamless blend of old and new.
The Trials and Tribulations of The Angel Of Darkness
The original Tomb Raider games were churned out yearly between 1996 and 2000 by Core Design, with the torch later passed to Crystal Dynamics. The Angel Of Darkness, an ambitious venture, aimed to propel the series into the PlayStation 2 era. However, its journey was riddled with development hurdles, leading to a final product that was, let’s say, less than polished. Critics panned the game’s control issues and bugs, while fans were left scratching their heads. Despite its flaws, the game sold relatively well, but it wasn’t enough to keep Core Design afloat.
The remaster offers a unique opportunity to dust off The Angel Of Darkness and reveal any hidden gems lurking under its chaotic surface. Some enthusiasts have long speculated about its untapped potential, eagerly anticipating a cleaner, enhanced experience.
Modern Adaptations vs. Classic Control Schemes
Despite all the exciting updates, not everyone was charmed by modern elements within previous remasters. Players now have the option to navigate the adventures with either the traditional, tank-like controls or opt for a more fluid modern control scheme. While some find this new way accommodating, others, like a critic named Katharine, found it nearly blasphemous, dismissing the revitalized control scheme as a “travesty.”
And about those quirky titles! While the last remaster bore the unwieldy name Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft, this batch simplifies things with the concise Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Sure, it’s less flashy, but rest assured, Lara Croft is firmly at the helm of these adventures.
Closing Credits
So mark your calendars for this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re single, taken, or just in love with climbing walls and solving ancient puzzles. These remasters promise more than just a stroll down memory lane; they offer a fresh lens on classics, ready for discovery and re-discovery. With release just around the corner, the countdown is on to see if The Angel Of Darkness can shed light on its troubled past and emerge stronger than ever. As they are set to launch at £25, it’s a wallet-friendly adventure too. Keep an eye on Steam for more updates.