Core Design’s Tomb Raider video games have been (and nonetheless are) an odd bunch. After the crucial success of the unique trilogy, which Aspyr introduced again with a robust 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. Nevertheless, 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 strategy to a bumpier second set of video games and what the imaginative and prescient behind the whole effort was. Up to now, we’re pretty assured this second remastered assortment will probably be each bit as fastidiously 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 entire basic Tomb Raider expertise, encompassing all six of the unique Core Design video games. Nevertheless, 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 based on 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 robust reminder of how a lot these video games actually imply to this passionate group,” which pushed the dev crew “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 right the chance to enhance them as a lot as potential whereas holding 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 await 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 a complete. Actually, 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 contemporary newcomers into Lara Croft’s “darkest adventures”?
“The stress that we really feel is self-imposed as we’re making an attempt to deliver these video games again into the marketplace for each veteran players and players as we speak,” Reese confirmed to us. Should you’re acquainted with Aspyr’s remasters, they’re recognized for being fairly conventional. Star Wars: Jedi Energy Battles is just the newest instance, and it seems like the corporate will probably be sticking to that strategy for the foreseeable: “Our major focus with these titles is to each protect the unique appear and feel whereas giving players 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 consists of the Tomb Raider I-III remasters.
“We work intently with Crystal Dynamics to verify we’re holding 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 unique classics so working with the IP holder helps ensure that we’re hitting that mark.” This additionally consists of the Embracer Group, the present rights holder, whereas Crystal Dynamics is the studio actively creating Lara Croft’s upcoming all-new journey.
Veterans followers may also 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 in the course of the transformation into retro video games with a extra trendy 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 components and tweaking issues till all of it comes collectively: “We spend many hours fine-tuning shade, 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 truly play in 2025, we have but to expertise the outcomes for ourselves, however contemplating how Aspyr has improved middling releases with a cult following prior to now (and we’re speaking about different IPs right here), we’re optimistic a couple of constructive reevaluation of Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness due to 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 Sequence X/S plus One, and Nintendo Swap on February 14.
