Tomb Raider has enthralled avid gamers for many years with its thrilling adventures, iconic protagonist, and groundbreaking gameplay.
Now, a brand new remaster is about to reintroduce Lara Croft’s traditional exploits to a brand new era, following on from that of the wonderful Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft.
We sat down with Matthew Ray, Model Supervisor at Aspyr, to debate the upcoming launch of Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, delving into the challenges, the triumphs, and the enduring legacy of this beloved franchise.
Are you able to please introduce your self and your function within the improvement of Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered?
I’m Matthew Ray, Model Supervisor at Aspyr who oversees the Tomb Raider franchise. My function is to make sure that this remaster stays true to Lara Croft’s legacy whereas discovering new methods to interact each longtime followers and first-time gamers.
From working with the event group to collaborating with Crystal Dynamics and group groups, I’m deeply concerned in shaping how Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is offered to the world.
How would you pitch this recreation to gamers unfamiliar with Lara’s early adventures?
This traditional sequence helped outline the action-adventure style at its inception. They’re the origins of Lara Croft and showcase her iconic grit, mind, and athleticism, taking her to beautiful places throughout the globe.
For IV-VI Remastered particularly, there’s a HUGE cliffhanger on the finish of Final Revelation. On this bundle, gamers get to right away choose up the place the story left off by enjoying Chronicles after which transfer on to what has develop into a cult traditional amongst followers in Angel of Darkness.
With up to date visuals, trendy controls, and quality-of-life enhancements on all video games, that is the right entry level for newcomers to expertise the traditional sequence.
Speak us via the enhancements revamped the originals. What are the largest variations that gamers will discover?
We’ve launched a number of key enhancements to gameplay with out compromising or taking away from the unique video games in any method. The addition of recent controls makes the sport extra accessible to gamers who’re newer to the sequence, however we’ve additionally stored the traditional tank controls for longtime followers.
We’ve included boss well being bars (additionally toggleable), which assist gamers strategize throughout robust encounters with out taking away from the fun of the problem.
Lastly, we’ve made the uncommon “Instances Unique” stage from The Final Revelation obtainable to all gamers for the primary time ever, giving everybody an opportunity to expertise this distinctive chapter in Tomb Raider historical past. There’s lots extra to be enthusiastic about, however we gained’t spoil all of it right here–pre-order at the moment and discover out your self!
I actually loved my time revisiting the unique trilogy in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Nonetheless, the fashionable controls clashed with the restrictions in recreation design at instances. What adjustments have been made on this space you can inform us about?
We perceive that integrating trendy controls into traditional stage design is usually a problem, and we’ve refined this stability for Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. The fashionable management scheme has been additional optimized to really feel smoother and extra intuitive whereas nonetheless respecting the unique design.
Moreover, we’ve stored the traditional controls intact for many who need the genuine expertise. It’s all about offering choices so gamers can have interaction with the video games in the best way that feels greatest to them.
Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness is a famously divisive entry within the sequence. With its inclusion in Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, are you hoping this can change?
“Completely. Angel of Darkness was an bold recreation that confronted challenges throughout its unique launch, however it additionally launched compelling concepts and a darker, extra advanced narrative that many followers appreciated. To not point out its present cult traditional standing as one of the crucial common traditional video games within the franchise..
With the remastered model, we hope to optimize the expertise, permitting gamers to re-evaluate its strengths and rediscover its distinctive place in Lara’s journey.
Did you collaborate with the unique group as a part of this challenge? If that’s the case, how?
Followers should wait and see who all was concerned when the sport releases on February 14th, 2025!
Was it at all times the plan to re-release Tomb Raider IV – VI, or did it hinge on the success of the primary trilogy?
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 optimistic response to Tomb Raider I-III Remastered really solidified our dedication to this imaginative and prescient. It was a strong reminder of how a lot these video games actually imply to this passionate group, and it motivated us to convey that very same stage of care and keenness to Lara Croft’s darkest adventures.
What has the response been from the Tomb Raider group for the reason that announcement of this newest remastering?
The response has been overwhelmingly optimistic. Followers are thrilled to see The Final Revelation, Chronicles, and Angel of Darkness getting the remaster therapy. There’s been a whole lot of pleasure concerning the visible enhancements and the inclusion of the Instances Unique stage.
The group’s ardour for Lara’s early adventures continues to encourage us, and we are able to’t wait to see their reactions after they dive into the remastered assortment.
Should you might select any recreation which has had the largest affect on you as a participant, what would it not be and why?
For me, it’s The Legend of Zelda II: The Journey of Hyperlink. It’s a recreation that dared to take dangers, mixing motion, RPG parts, and side-scrolling gameplay in a method that was utterly distinctive on the time. The difficult problem, mixed with its sense of exploration and development, taught me endurance and problem-solving.
It’s additionally a recreation that left an enduring impression with its world-building and atmospheric storytelling, proving that video games might be extra than simply enjoyable—they might be immersive, emotional experiences. That willingness to innovate and experiment has at all times impressed me, particularly as a fan of daring, adventurous franchises like Tomb Raider.
Are you able to give us a glimpse into the longer term? Do you will have plans to revisit every other Tomb Raider titles?
Proper now, we’re absolutely centered on delivering the very best expertise with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Nonetheless, we’re at all times listening to the group and exploring methods to have fun Lara Croft’s legacy. Whether or not it’s revisiting different titles or new surprises, we’re enthusiastic about what the longer term holds for the franchise.
And eventually, out of the three video games bundled right here in Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, which is your private favorite and why?
It’s arduous to decide on, however I’d need to go along with The Final Revelation. It’s such a pivotal second in Lara Croft’s story, with unimaginable stage design and a darker tone that basically stood out. The sport’s Egyptian setting is fantastically immersive, and its narrative complexity left an enduring impression on me. It’s a testomony to how adventurous and daring the sequence may be.
Enormous thanks exit to Matthew at Aspyr for permitting us a while.
With Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, Aspyr is poised to ship an expertise that honours the sequence’ roots, all whereas embracing trendy developments. We’ll learn how issues go in full evaluation upon launch, however regardless of whether or not you’re a longtime fan desperate to relive Lara’s early adventures or a newcomer able to embark on an exciting journey, this subsequent remaster guarantees to be an unforgettable expertise.
As we eagerly await its launch, one factor is definite: Lara Croft’s legacy continues to thrive, inspiring and thrilling avid gamers worldwide.
You’ll discover Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered releasing on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Swap and PC (Steam) come February 14th 2025.