Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Review - The Final Verdict

The debut of Lara Croft in 1996 was a massive success for the developers, revolutionizing third-person games as we know them.

Nearly three decades later, a remastered collection of the first three games is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch courtesy of Aspyr. Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered offers Modern controls, revamped visuals in keeping with the original's aesthetic and even Photo Mode.

The collection retains the original titles' compelling level design but also carries over many of their flaws, particularly with the camera and controls. Unfortunately, Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered is best suited for the hardest of the hardcore rather than newcomers looking to get into the genre.

[CritStanley]

1:05

"The platforming suffers from input lag or straight up ignoring pressed buttons"

I can't help but feel like this is due to the reviewer not getting the mechanics that Lara can only jump with her step and not whenever the jump button is tapped. That's why the ingame tutorial Lara across all 3 games states to _hold down_ the jump button. You're in essence que-ing Lara to jump on her next step.

I don't know about the Modern scheme. But the tank controls are actually flawless when you *_actually know_* how to use them. You will literally _never_ miss a jump and ledge if you learn how the game functions.

[zinky]

There is no input lag. The fact that you don't jump right away was designed that way on purpose. The game is designed around the tank controls. There is a delay so you jump after Lara runs over at least one square block. That way Lara will jump at the very edge of a platform making it so you cross the maximum amount of distance.

[itsbwfilm]

Something a bit off about this review. For one, saying the camera misbehaves and ends up directly above your character sometimes is "exactly like the original trilogy of Resident Evil games" was hilarious as those games are famous for having a fixed camera. Secondly I had to chuckle at the "one level on the streets of Rome" over blatant / famously Venice footage. There's a lot to suggest that the reviewer is probably in their 20s and has had a quick Google of a few things to sound like they played the originals when it makes it pretty clear they didn't. The game looks to be like everything I wanted it to be and the team behind it seems to have done the impossible by pulling off the sort of remaster we're always asking for.

[kyleskinner]

You have to understand how to play the grid system and demands patience of the player. Modern gamers do not have patience like the reviewer.

[ekgoalie]

"I cant shoot the bats that are right in front of Is actively locked onto the dead bat in the back

[akvalues]

They should have had someone do the review who actually played the originals!!😂😂

[gordothewanderer]

Don't listen to the reviews. Those that played these games inside out back in the 90's you are all in for an absolute treat! It is so good! 👍

[MrChrisGrizzly]

Just like I remember…. A very tough game kids today would not understand lol

[goopah]

I am SO glad these games can be played with original controls. I cannot imagine playing them any other way.

[Frey_]

6:25
Rome? No wonder you can't figure out tank controls

[SaithMasu]

This remasters is a faitfully recreated experience where a lot of fans of thr old days were involved. Fans/Modders that actually know what they are doing.
Giving it a 6 is so damn disrepectful for the work they have done.

[kierengallagher]

So its a real graphical upgrade of the classic games. And im so glad i got it 😁😁😁

[Cybrpunk]

After reading the comments, I'm not watching the rest of this review 😂

[TheEmanueleCastelli]

Are we playing the same games dude?! 🤔 They did an outstanding job!

[jamesclancy]

Grew up with the originals so the controls are exactly how I expected them to be! The tank controls I find are easier to use than the modern controls!I can see why people who never played the originals would be frustrated but I love the trip down memory lane! This trilogy in my opinion is better than the current trilogy

[AncestorEmpire]

Still protecting Crystal Dynamics ever since Marvel’s Avengers

[matthewhatherley]

5:23 There is actually a very thorough tutorial on the the controls via "Lara's Home" in the menu.

[AddRaider]

I don’t know if it’s just because I grew up playing the games in the late 90s and early 2000s but it honestly baffles me as to how so many people seem to complain so much about the tank controls being clunky or frustrating. I feel because the levels are designed using a grid system that requires a lot of platforming, the way Lara moves around the environment actually makes a lot of sense.

If I could master the controls by the time I was about 6, I feel a lot of people are being a bit harsh perhaps 😂.

All in all Aspyr has done a wonderful job of giving the classics a breath of new life whilst maintaining the absolute magic and nostalgia of the original Tomb Raiders. New game developers, take notes!

[CritStanley]

5:24

"The remaster also does nothing to explain the controls."

Uh.... in your defense the game doesn't tell you to play Lara's home in Tomb Raider 1 before you start the adventures. But the tutorial for the controls are there. This reviewer clearly did not play Lara's Home in TR1, because they definitely tell you the controls there more than they do in the other games.

And of course, nor did they return to her home-gym in Lara's home in TR2 or 3, because I'm pretty sure Lara covers controls there as well.

This review is misleading and definitely not play the game in its entirety before giving it this undeserved score.

[angrywalrus]

Jumps aren’t ignored or delayed, she jumps at a particular time during her run cycle, it helps with the tank control. Its weird to explain to someone who obviously hasnt played them before. Thats not a criticism, i would feel sorry for anyone playing it the first time. No game moves quite like it, but its like that for a reason. I recommend doing the tutorials at laras home, itll slowly fall into place. Beware those controls tho if you have no patience