Lara Croft’s Comeback: Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Collection Announced
As Tomb Raider celebrates its impressive milestone of 100 million units sold, Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr are diving deeper into Lara Croft’s history with the announcement of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Collection. Set for release on February 14, 2025, this collection revisits a trio of titles from the late 90s and early 2000s: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003).
These games mark a period when the franchise was struggling with declining popularity. While Lara Croft remained an iconic figure, many fans felt the series had begun to stagnate. Of the three, Angel of Darkness is particularly infamous for its buggy, incomplete release, marking a low point before the series' eventual revitalization with the 2013 reboot. Yet, this remaster offers a chance to give these underappreciated entries a second wind.
The Games: A Brief Look
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): In this adventure, Lara unwittingly releases the Egyptian god Set, setting off a race against time to prevent global darkness. Set across the tombs and deserts of Egypt, the game is known for its complex puzzles and the return of Lara's rival, Werner Von Croy.
Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): Picking up where The Last Revelation left off, Chronicles explores Lara’s “lost” adventures. The game introduced new mechanics like stealth and tightrope walking, offering variety but failed to make a huge impact due to its recycled gameplay.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003): This game presented a darker tone, with Lara on the run after being framed for murder. It introduced new RPG elements and was ambitious in scope, but technical issues plagued the experience, leading to disappointment among fans.
What’s New in the Remastered Collection?
Aspyr’s remaster of these three titles promises improved visuals, modernized controls, and a suite of new features, including trophies, achievements, and a Photo Mode. Following the successful Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Collection earlier this year, which received praise for its thoughtful updates and fan-driven enhancements, this latest collection aims to offer a similar level of polish and care.
The remasters will also include seamless switching between original and upgraded graphics, offering players the flexibility to relive the nostalgia or enjoy modern enhancements. Aspyr is setting the price at $29.99, a reasonable deal for three fully remastered classics.
A Milestone Achievement for Tomb Raider
The announcement of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Collection coincides with a momentous achievement for the franchise: surpassing 100 million units sold across all its titles. Crystal Dynamics expressed gratitude to the fans, developers, and artists who have contributed to nearly three decades of Tomb Raider adventures. This milestone places Tomb Raider in a rare echelon of gaming franchises, highlighting Lara Croft’s lasting impact on the industry.
The remastered collection will launch on all major platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch, bringing the nostalgia of Lara’s late 90s and early 2000s adventures to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.