The upcoming Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered collection, set for release on February 14, 2024, shared a host of new features aimed at enhancing the classic gaming experience for modern audiences. Read on to know more.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Collection New Features
Releasing on February 14, 2024
Developed by Aspyr in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, the remastered collection maintains the original look and feel of the classic 90's Tomb Raider titles while introducing several updates. Tomb Raider follows protagonist Lara Croft as she explores various locations to complete quests in search of artifacts.
Tomb Raider 1 was first released on the Sega Saturn in 1996, and subsequently released for the PC and PS1. Following the success of the first game, development on Tomb Raider 2 began and concluded after around six to eight months, releasing the following year in 1997.
Tomb Raider 3 soon followed after, and was built on an upgraded engine that its predecessors used. It launched in 1998 on the PC and PS1 and became a worldwide success with 6 million copies sold. The Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Collection, along with the expansions, Unfinished Business, Golden Mask, and The Lost Artifact, are coming out on February 14.
Aspyr Director of Product Chris Bashaar highlighted their commitment to preserving the timeless gameplay of Tomb Raider while introducing thoughtful additions to surprise and delight fans. Aspyr focused on two primary categories, gameplay, and game graphics/art, to freshen up the Tomb Raider experience. Some highlighted improvements include:
Gameplay Enhancements
● Modern and Classic Controls: Players can toggle between the original tank-style controls from the earlier game era and modernized controls inspired by the Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld era of Tomb Raider. Modern controls enable players to use the left analog stick for moving, and the right analog stick for changing camera orientation. In tank-style controls, pressing the up arrow key moves the character forward in the direction they face, pressing down makes the character move backward, and the left and right keys rotate them.
● Over 200 Trophies/Achievements: Players can strive to collect over 200 trophies, expanding the content and challenges within the games.
● Photo Mode: A new addition that allows players a way to capture memorable moments. Players can toggle between classic and modern graphics during gameplay.
● Graphics Toggle: At any point during gameplay, including in Photo mode, you can swap between the original and modern graphics.
Graphics/Art Updates
● Boss Health Bars: To make challenging encounters less frustrating, the remastered games now feature health bars for bosses.
● 3D Item Sprite Replacements: In-game items such as medipacks and relics are upgraded from 2D to 3D.
● Baked and Real-time Lighting Effects: Enhancements to lighting effects are added for a more visually appealing experience.
● New Models: Updated models for characters, including Lara Croft, environments, and enemies, are implemented in the remastered collection. Likewise, Aspyr made adjustments to the classic look of the animations, textures, and VFX to look consistent with the updated models.
The Tomb Raider 1, 2, and 3 Remastered Collection will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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