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Review of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered on Xbox Series X/S

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Feb 2024
Cover image of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Released: 14 Feb 2024
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Aspyr
Publisher: Aspyr

Introduction

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered has arrived, bringing players back to the '90s when pixels were king and Lara Croft was the talk of the town - mostly about her astonishing ability to leap 24 feet up to grab a ledge. Developed by Aspyr, this compilation serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane and introduces a whole new generation to the joys of awkward platforming and furious button mashing.

Gameplay

There's a certain charm in controlling Lara through different levels across three iconic games, and you'll certainly get your fair share of that with this remastered collection. Players can seamlessly toggle between new and original graphics. Want to see what edges, jagged polygons, and textures that look like a block of cheese used to look like? Be my guest! The original gameplay mechanics have made a return, but with some enhancements to make it less of a frustrating experience. Gone are the days of tank controls that would make a military commander weep; instead, the remastered features modern controls while still allowing the option for those who enjoy channeling their inner '90s gamer. Add in some cute new features - like health bars for bosses and a ridiculously fun photo mode - and now we're talking about a whole new way to experience Lara's breathtaking escapades.

Graphics

In general, the remastered graphics look pretty snazzy. Aspyr has put in the elbow grease to make sure that Lara Croft appears both elegant and formidable, even if some of the enemies still resemble lumpy potatoes. Thanks to smart use of AI upscaled textures and modern lighting, these old-school environments can evoke a certain level of nostalgia while looking like they've just come back from a makeover at a fancy spa. If only they could do something about Lara's questionable wardrobe choices - some of those outfits are about as outdated as dial-up internet.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered offers a fantastic nostalgic experience for long-time fans and a fun introduction to newcomers. It masterfully mixes the charm of the original titles with a sprinkle of modern enhancements. While it won't be winning any awards for groundbreaking gaming mechanics or visual splendor, it's like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold day; comforting, enjoyable, and just familiar enough to make you feel all warm inside. However, be aware that the age of certain mechanics may raise some eyebrows, but for many, the trade-off between nostalgia and some technical bumps is well worth it. So, grab your controller, gather your adventurous spirit, and prepare to solve puzzles in ancient tombs - I mean, who wouldn't want to warehouse a lifetime of emotional baggage in a crypt, right?

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