Following the successful remastering of the original Tomb Raider trilogy earlier this year, fans can look forward to the upcoming release of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, which will include the much-discussed entry The Angel of Darkness. The remastering project is once again spearheaded by Aspyr in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, building on the work done for the first three titles.
The remastered collection features Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000), and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003). Players will have the option to experience the games with their original graphics or switch to enhanced models featuring improved lighting effects.
Additionally, the remasters will incorporate new camera controls, quality-of-life updates, and a photo mode, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Scheduled for release on February 14, 2024, the remastered collection will be priced at £25 and is currently available for pre-order on Steam.
A troubled legacy: The story behind The Angel of Darkness
The first five Tomb Raider titles were released on an annual basis from 1996 to 2000. However, The Angel of Darkness was intended to modernise the franchise and transition it to the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, the game faced significant development challenges, leading to the scrapping of large portions of content to meet deadlines.
As a result, the final product was riddled with bugs and suffered from poor controls. Although it performed moderately well at retail, critical reviews were harsh, prompting a shift in development to Crystal Dynamics and the eventual closure of Core Design, the studio behind the original games.
Given its troubled history, The Angel of Darkness is considered an ideal candidate for a remaster. While some critics argue that the game may hide a hidden gem beneath its many flaws, skepticism remains regarding its potential.
Controversial controls and confusing title
While the previous remasters garnered attention, not all feedback has been positive. Some players, including noted critics, expressed concerns about the modern control schemes, which were described as a “travesty” compared to the original tank controls.
Interestingly, the upcoming remaster is titled simply Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, in contrast to its predecessor’s clunky title, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. The omission of Lara Croft’s name in the new title has led to confusion among fans, leaving them wondering about the character’s significance in this latest release.
With the remaster set to rekindle interest in the franchise, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered aims to deliver a nostalgic yet improved experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
