Core Design’s Tomb Raider video games had been (and nonetheless are) an odd bunch. After the important success of the unique trilogy, which Aspyr introduced again with a powerful remastered re-release final yr, Tomb Raider: The Final Revelation did properly sufficient, after which Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness crashed the IP (and the studio) till Crystal Dynamics got here alongside. Nonetheless, Aspyr says the plan at all times was to refresh all of them with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered.
We talked to Jordon Reese, Product Supervisor at Aspyr, to study a bit extra concerning the firm’s method to a bumpier second set of video games and what the imaginative and prescient behind the whole effort was. To this point, we’re pretty assured this second remastered assortment shall be each bit as rigorously crafted as the primary one.
The next Q&A has been editorialized, trimmed, and rearranged for readability and cohesion.
“From the beginning, we at all times envisioned giving followers the whole traditional Tomb Raider expertise, encompassing all six of the unique Core Design video games. Nonetheless, the overwhelmingly constructive response to Tomb Raider I-III Remastered actually solidified our dedication to this imaginative and prescient,” Reese defined. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered exceeded expectations final yr in accordance with Embracer, which undoubtedly explains this second assortment being fast-tracked… in addition to the thrill surrounding the Soul Reaver 1+2 remaster that arrived again in December.
Reese added the reception was “a strong reminder of how a lot these video games actually imply to this passionate group,” which pushed the dev workforce “to inform an entire narrative.” Whereas Aspyr acknowledges that the fifth and sixth entries aren’t practically as beloved, the corporate additionally determined this was the proper the chance to enhance them as a lot as attainable whereas retaining the unique imaginative and prescient alive. “It simply did not really feel proper coming from Tomb Raider I-III Remastered to solely do IV,” the product supervisor added.
Whereas we look forward to the subsequent Tomb Raider to be unveiled, all eyes are set on the upcoming TV present from Amazon and this new remastered assortment. For sure, the OG Tomb Raider followers are extraordinarily protecting of Lara Croft and the IP as an entire. In actual fact, a lot of them would argue returning to Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness is a waste of time for everybody concerned. How does Aspyr plan to win them over whereas inviting recent newcomers into Lara Croft’s “darkest adventures”?
“The stress that we really feel is self-imposed as we’re attempting to deliver these video games again into the marketplace for each veteran avid gamers and avid gamers at this time,” Reese confirmed to us. In the event you’re acquainted with Aspyr’s remasters, they’re identified for being fairly conventional. Star Wars: Jedi Energy Battles is barely the most recent instance, and it seems like the corporate shall be sticking to that method for the foreseeable: “Our main focus with these titles is to each protect the unique feel and look whereas giving avid gamers one thing extra to be enthusiastic about with up to date graphics and performance.”
Core Design is, in fact, no extra, however what about Crystal Dynamics? Have they lent a hand to make sure consistency throughout all Tomb Raider video games, outdated and new? Aspyr admits they’re “a collaborative effort all through,” suggesting communication has been fluid from begin to end, and that additionally contains the Tomb Raider I-III remasters.
“We work intently with Crystal Dynamics to ensure we’re retaining true to the unique imaginative and prescient of the sport whereas additionally including enhancements the place we are able to. It is of the utmost significance to keep up the visible tone and magnificence of those authentic classics so working with the IP holder helps be sure that we’re hitting that mark.” This additionally contains the Embracer Group, the present rights holder, whereas Crystal Dynamics is the studio actively growing Lara Croft’s upcoming all-new journey.
Veterans followers may additionally keep in mind, even when they have not replayed these installments as many instances as the primary three, that issues get very bizarre very quick, presenting quite a few challenges throughout the transformation into retro video games with a extra fashionable sensibility. This impacts degree and character design throughout the board, and I requested Reese about such difficulties. The key to getting it proper? Going backwards and forwards on many parts and tweaking issues till all of it comes collectively: “We spend many hours fine-tuning coloration, lighting, ambiance, and constancy so the expertise we’re offering is the expertise folks keep in mind from all these years in the past.” However, you recognize, much less blocky and pixelated.
On the matter of how these three revisited entries will really play in 2025, we have but to expertise the outcomes for ourselves, however contemplating how Aspyr has improved middling releases with a cult following previously (and we’re speaking about different IPs right here), we’re optimistic a couple of constructive reevaluation of Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness because of this second journey down reminiscence lane with Ms. Croft.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is coming to PC (Steam, Epic Video games, and GOG), PS4/5, Xbox Collection X/S plus One, and Nintendo Swap on February 14.
