By definition this is actually an exact example of a remaster. It was mastered (balanced audio, picture, gameplay) and then they mastered it again with new tech used on the original source code. That’s the difference between a remake and a remaster. I hear a lot of people debate this as though it’s not actually clearly defined, which is okay. But, that’s the definition.
Yup! I love this feature. I had the same effect with Halo. I was playing through it for a while before I realized that these are not the old graphics because this was how I visualized them in my head!
This is one of those franchises that was hard to play as a kid. Now that im older and played tons of games in my life I have the skills to tackle it now.
You're in for a suprise me thinks, if anything gaming has been so easy/handholding for so long in general going back to games like this is actually much harder than it was before ...
Tank controls in these games are perfect for me, especially with a keyboard, they were specifically tailored for the grid shaped worlds. The modern controls introduced in this remake are horrendous.
lol that's a copout. if it was made for ''fans'' they could have gave it away for free, or just left it alone. it was made for modern audiences cause they put it on modern consoles.
The seamless transition between old gen graphics and new gen was beautifully done. I ran around smashing the button for 30 minutes just looking at how smooth it is and it makes you appreciate how good the graphic updates are
I loved Tomb Raider. What I remember the most, it's just how hard it was. No walkthroughs or videos on the internet, no internet actually, no maps or hints in games, You had to buy a gamer magazine with a walkthrough and all in-game secrets. When I see new games, they just seem so easy
Aye, I haven't bought this, but I had the PC port of the original game on Steam and (after applying a fix patch to make it run properly) committed myself to playing through it old-school style. That is, using the D-pad on my controller (because the game predated the Dual Shock) and not looking ANYTHING up online unless I got COMPLETELY stuck for ages (although I did take full advantage of the unlimited saves of the PC port, rather than artificially limiting my saving to replicate the PSX original's item-based saving). And hell yeah, the game IS hard. But it's hard in the way that games used to be hard- demanding you to think, to explore, to experiment, to learn from failure. It's a reminder to me that, once upon a time when I was young and fresh-faced, I used to be a goddamn GAMER!
This is like being nostalgic for shitty point and click adventure games. Back then when you got stopped by a really fucking obtuse puzzle it was harder to justify abandoning it so eventually you got through it by persistence rather than skill or cleverness. That kind of game design sucks ass and I'm glad it's gone.
@@Scroolewse I am not saying it was perfect, it could be very frustrating and sometimes solutions were illogical. Also combat was very repetitive and boring. And yet, nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you find a solution on your own and beat the game. Now everything is marked on map: Where to go, where is the missing part/person, even how to get there... like I said, to easy,
@@mrne1988 (TL;DR play Cruelty Squad if you haven't. more recommendations in paragraph 2) Yeah I won't argue with that. I don't like how so many big games are completely idiot-proof. I especially hate the ones that give you """hints""" to puzzles by having your character literally just say aloud what you're supposed to do. But I just ignore those games. Play Cruelty Squad if you haven't yet, that's a thinking game. also got Shadows of Doubt, Spelunky 2, Cultist Simulator, Disco Elysium ofc, Noita, Outer Wilds, Pathfinder, Baldur's Gate, Psychonauts 2, Neon White, Streets of Rogue, System Shock Remake. I guess that's a fairly small list covering a wide range of time but I'm sure I've missed lots, I didn't even touch the many metroidvanias coming out all the time. Look for smaller youtube reviewers that think like you, you can find some great recommendations from these types of guys. Spend more time looking through the latest Steam games in your genres, add a few of the interesting indies to your wishlist and you'll get them for $5 eventually.
I fondly remember playing the second game with my cousin when I was little. We always ran away from the butler. We would scream "Murder butler" (or often "Murdler buter" for some reason) whenever he suddenly appeared. Those were some good times. I'll be getting these versions just for the nostalgia factor.
The fact that a lot of the dev team were actually members of the TR creative community shows just how much of a passion project it was, thank you Saber and Aspyr. Now to boot up Stella’s site and beat all 3 😎
Yeah and they did perfectly, this and GTA SA is how remasters should be done, stay as close as possible to the original engine with movement and graphics, the jankyness and all that, a remake should be like how Anniversary was done, or even the newer TR games, but for a remaster, THIS IS IT.
The toggle between the old and new graphics had me running back and forth between rooms just toggling it on and off and was in awe in levels for like 20 minutes. Aspyr knocked it out of the park with this remaster
Yeah and they did perfectly, this GTA SA and Resident Evil are how remasters should be done, stay as close as possible to the original engine with movement and graphics, the jankyness and all that, a remake should be like how Anniversary was done, or even the newer TR games, but for a remaster, THIS IS IT.
More than anything else the OG tomb raider games are about exploration, and the way secrets are implemented to reward exploration and clever thinking underscores this. If you fully explore the levels and gather even half of the secrets they contain, you'll have more than enough firepower and med-packs to deal with the enemies. The one thing that stands out to me about these games replaying them now is how consistently amazing the level design is. Levels and sections of levels are designed to loop around on themselves, often focusing on a core set piece. At it's best, this design leads to an incredible sense of place and anchors you in the world. I think 3 the Egypt levels in the first game are the best example of this. The tank controls were built for movement using a D-pad/keyboard, and they work very well for that purpose. When you're on a high ledge trying to make a jump, you don't want to be running around quickly or at the mercy of the camera. You want to be pivoting in place, waking to the edge of a ledge, and jumping backwards precisely to set up a running jumps. Once you get used to how the controls work and how exact they are, and you can start positioning Lara very quickly and precisely. Many secrets and later game jumps/obstacles/traps are entirely built around the finer details of Lara's surprisingly large move set. A common complaint with the controls is that "Lara has a delay when you press the jump button!" But when when viewed in the context of precise, lined up jumps, the jump button is actually quite forgiving. There's a fairly long timing window for when you can press the jump button while running towards a ledge that will result in Lara jumping off the very edge of the ledge, giving you the maximum distance. One other thing to note is how incredibly minimal the in games' UI is. The only screen overlays are status bars (health, breath, sprint, cold) that appear when relevant, and a simple ammo count when wielding anything other than the base pistols. Other than that, there are absolutely no UI elements on the screen most of the time. I personally like the action indicators in the remaster, but you can even toggle those off if you want a "pure" experience. These games have definitely aged and are far from perfect, but they are have some brilliant level design and unique gameplay ideas that aren't really seen in modern games.
@secondchance6603 The limited save points made you afraid of dying / tense for each jump you had to do though, and it made going from one save point to another some kind of sublevel. It may have been annoying at the moment, sure, but looking back, the limited saves added to TR1. In the PS1 version of TR3 it was hell though.
The tank control was the ideal approach for a grid based environment, otherwise you'll experience the same problems this video explains. Tank controls wouldn't be suited for more geometrically complex levels like the ones we have in modern games, so each feature makes sense in its original context
@@cardenasr.2898 I think the only game with modern dual analog controls that got a kind of grid-based platforming right is HAYDEE. It is way slower paced than classic tomb raider though when trying to line up jumps.
I played the trilogy when they first came out on PC mid 90s, I will say it took me roughly 20 min to remember how to play keyboard as that is how I grew up playing them, so tank controls no issue.
Playing with controller. I kept tank controls, swapped the jump and action buttons, bumped deadzone to 5. Works well for me. Still use left analog stick to move. Just have to remember to not instinctively fiddle with the right analog stick, as I was initially fighting the camera without knowing it.
Every game should do what this game did. Just put a statement at the beginning saying This is a work of fiction, its not reality so just enjoy the story
They are trying to fool you because they didnt remaster anything. Its the same shitty game with modern day price tag, but fools like you would buy anything.
As a classic TR fan I am absolutely thrilled with this package. I love the puzzle-like levels and I love the tank controls. The fact that we finally get to play the add on packs is really exciting to me.
@@14ElmStreet28 once you spend more than 30 seconds with them and actually apply yourself a little, you understand how they work and exactly how far and in what direction Lara will move. Modern controls don’t really give you that and you lose the ability to back/side flip without weapons drawn as well
I agree but for people like me that I simple don't have the patience to deal with it every time having an option is awesome. There were multiple times that I want to jump in after a tuff day at work only to be stopped by the mere thought of the tank controllers. I like that they give us options, just like the one tap graphics change.
Im having a blast with this, playing it as what it is: a grid based, methodical puzzle game. The tank controls are great as they are designed around the grid system. The modern controls are not well implemented. You lose some vital movement precision. Combat is tedious for sure, but serviceable all the same. Definitely requires patience, but I reckon that patience is well rewarded, perhaps more so than many modern streamlined games.
Yeah, the modern controls have been annoying from time to time, and amazing other places. Being able to lure the Swords of Damocles and easily dodge them felt super good. But dying in Neptune's room because the camera wouldn't let me swim up/down was infuriating.
@BrainHurricanes I'm not sure mate. I'm on console and that version uses a basic rotating wheel system for the various option categories. For that it's a retro controller icon and it's the first changeable option.
The weirdest moment I had was driving around and just could not help but think about the snow level I played as a kid and wanting nothing more than to play it again. I logged into my Xbox and bam, the remastered Tomb Raider 1-3. Amazing. I remember it being super hard but hopefully now as an adult I'll be able to get through it!
I miss when games required a new mastering of controls. Tomb raider is fine, resident evil is fine. The awkwardness added tension sometimes. When was the last time you played a game where you stressed about a couple of simple jumps? To me, it made every moment feel like an achievement.
@@Bran.man24 well i understand but this trilogy is mandatory so close your eyes and bought it like i did 😅 i dont like digital too but it is what it is and it is mandatory like i said and nostalgic xD
@marcelolopes4049 this was the first game I played on my PS1 when I got it for Christmas in the 90's, so the nostalgia is immense with this one. But digital has to many problems for me to support. If they would pass legislation on digital media to start protecting the consumers, then I could accept digital. But as of now, I can't support such a problematic issue that is digital
I must say the upgraded graphics look exactly how we imagined the game to look back then which I have to no problem with it. It actually works and it's favor rather than trying to Make it hyper realistic
I’m absolutely loving it so far, love that you can switch between old and new graphics. I just love the environments in the levels and how they added so many little details like the snow falling through the holes in the caves, the environment looks so great. Also I love that they didn’t change it too much and stayed faithful to the originals.
The people who don't have time for the controls and hate the visuals, never grew up with them. They were a moment in time, you made do with what you had. Amazing games and the upgrades are a welcome change of pace. It's very cool seeing Tomb Raider be what you remember it as being.
I grew up with them as a massive fan of Tomb Raider. I didn't mind the visuals but hated the controls. Modern control in the remaster is a joke. Lara can't even perform some of the actions and it doesn't say much for the control scheme if you have to switch back to the other controls just to perform a jump. The remaster leaves a lot to be desired.
This is the way to bring back classics. Great effort towards video game preservation- keep the classic unchanged and add some modern features on top with refreshed graphics if you want to turn them on
I frickin love these games maaan...I remember when I was playing Tomb Raider 2 on my cousin's PC and it blew me away. The long jump, the backflips, the rolls, and the "sexy pullup" over the edge of a cliff, the amazing huge areas, the brutal deathscenes, the collectibles and the accomplishment that you felt when you finished a level after 45 or more minutes... all so precious memories that were a huge impact on how and why I play videogames today. My heart is overjoyed seeing these and it breaks for not seeing anymore games like these. I've played them when I was 7-10, and replayed them at the age of 23 and now I'm 31....and I'm still up for the adventure.
I feel like the only person who really LIKES and maybe even LOVES the controls of Tomb Raider. The tank controls are part of the charm, and the jumping, physics of a jump, the little touches like the dive and the handstand only makes the movement way better in my opinion. To me, they're peak. I just enjoy them so much! Definitely buying this.
Tank controls are my favorite control scheme of any game ever, I didn’t even play a lot of these classic games and I really wish I did because of how much tank controls just works, I’m a really big Resident Evil fan and the new remakes all make me wish there was an option for fixed camera and tank controls because that’s how I will always remember these classic games
Once you are used to the tank controls, you have a lot of control over lara, her jumps, actions feel so natural. After a minute playing it came all back to me and remember the first time loading up tr2 (was my first tr game) and seeing the helicopter fly away
I pre-ordered this set. The nostalgia for me is real. I beat Tomb Raider 1 and 2 back on original PS1, and I played most of the way through Tomb Raider 3. It's easy for me to get back into my kid self when remasters like these come along, so I'm in.
I’m 47 now, so I’m right behind you. These three games and the first two original resident evil games played with modern controls… Talk about a nostalgia trip… and with a bit less frustration even! 😁🤙🏼
@@danieljohn9257 resident evil was the first game I ever played on the og ps1. For me it was all the Square Soft games we were getting on the console that is still in my opinion the golden era of JRPG’s.
@@jaydeebow6431 Oh man, I have such a hankering to play the games I missed back then! There are so many incredible ports and remasters that I’m looking forward to getting ahold of and playing on my PS5 and Switch!
Love the remasters. Since I started with 4 when I was a kid and missed the first 3 games, this is perfect for me. To be able to play this in 4k 120fps is absolutely insane!
Im so happy they made these, I just built my mom her first gaming pc and will be getting this (her fav games of all time) for her as a bundled in game for her surprise new SFF build.
Definitive controls is tank controls. Once you learn how to use tank controls, you are in FULL control. There is no guess work, you know exactly what Lara Croft is capable of with the tank controls.
I agree. I played the original a few months ago and once you get used to the original tank controls you start to wonder if the game would actually be harder using modern controls.
The “modern controls” are so bad imo. Esp swimming , cause the camera gets stuck and Lara doesnt know where to swim. Combat can be bad because Lara doesnt do the backsteo so she cant shoot while backing away. And the platfoming is so imprecise because Lara may jump too soon or too late and jump from the wrong angle The classic tank controls are def stilll clunky and difficult to adjust to, but these games are def designed with these controls in mind and they just work so much better imo
@@solidkwon The old controls cannot be better since now you can do a 360 degree and jump instantly from any square. That's skill issue here, 2 hours of gameplay and it goes like water.
Lara Croft was my first video game hero. I remember always asking for help and the controls were so hard to get used to especially without analog sticks. But I loved the atmosphere. I've been a TR fan my whole life almost.
This is such a poor review. You fail to mention the developers used the original source code, which enabled them to accurately recreate the original game. Their aim was to make a faithful adaptation of the original game, with a few quality of life improvements. As for the tank controls, they are how the game is meant to be played. In order to pull off the more intricate platform elements these controls are essential and if you don't like it then this game isn't for you. This collection has been reviewed as if it's a 2024 AAA title and it's not. At the end of the day for 10 dollars each I can play 3 of the best Playstation games in HD at 60fps which is perfect for me.
Guy really said Tomb Raider 4 is definitely worse than the first 3. I'm not saying it's definitely better, but for a lot of folks who started with TR 2 or 3 we don't have that nostalgia switch that gets us to say that 1 was better. I personally put it joint second with 3.
The tank controls feel so much better, I started playing with them for around 2 levels and then checked the settings and saw the modern toggle and I tried and holy hell it feels so weird to play and the combat (which ive heard people saying is the resson for the toggle to be there) feels jankier with the modern controls which is ironic, the game is hard for a begginer but with patience it feels that the tank controls are the better way
Tomb Raider 2 was my first Tomb Raider game. Getting past Venice was a real milestone. I had to get the stratagy guide to beat it and it still took me a few years to beat it.
I remember jumping out of the boat just before it blew up, then suddenly realising there was a second boat... obviously for exactly this situation. Was at a friend's house. Mind blown!
Tomb Raider 4 was my first game (it was advertised on Sony PS box) and it seems to be the best (9.3 vs 8.7 user score for Tomb Raider 2 on metacritic), Tomb Raider 2 was my second game (very good, it was my second favourite game) because Tomb Raider 1 was difficult to find at those days. Tomb Raider 3 was also good but considerably worse than 4th.
I don't want to bully him for that brain fart, but... that was such an oblivious take that it made me question my own mind for a moment. "On climbable surfaces(...) it's supposed to be a bare wall texture here." Climbable surfaces should be bare walls? What??
Loved this back in the day. When you were running and climbing in caves and then it opens up showing to show ruins or statues etc. An the music starts playing and its just a really good feeling. Really felt like you had discovered a hidden city or some hidden ruins. Though you do wonder how those wolves etc survived in the ruins. lol.
I came to the comments as a LONG time fan of these games and I'm so happy to find that 95% of you guys feel the same as I do. I'm so happy these games are back. Dark souls is the Tomb Raider 3 of the 7th gen lol.
Already finished TR 1 with the tank controls I played it first in 1996 🙈it directly fits again to control Lara digital I loved it overall great remaster on Saturday TR2 😊
I'm old enough to have played those games when they first came out. I loved them. So much in fact that I popped $300 for a 3DFX Voodoo board and $60 for a game pad.
As someone who grew up with these games, I can see the people who made this collection had fondness for the original games and took a lot of care while remaking the assets. As it says in name, it's a "remaster", not a remake. It was a very welcome way to preserve these games that made part of history, and that Crystal and people seem to have forgotten. Also, some developers from Tomb raider community that created fan patches for the original games helped Aspyr with the remaster.
I never got to play the TR1 besides anniversary TR 2 ,3, and 4 or angel of darkness. I never thought I'd get to play them ever, but at least I get the first 3
I'm honestly surprised by how measured this review is. This remaster is incredible and faithfully done, with such love and care towards the originals. If you love a slower style platformer, more methodical exploration with hardly any HUD, no map, no objective icons, no loot boxes, no quick time events, none of that... then do yourself a favour a give this a go.
I’ve been waiting for this since I was in grade school, grew up watching my dad play this on PlayStation in the 90s. So for me this is a dream come true and I’m loving playing these games again
Ah the nostalgia. I'm gonna get it so my son can experience it just as I did. Closing the door, turning the lights off and playing quietly after my parents went to bed. Yes, the tank controls take getting used to but from what I remember, the OG Ps1 controller didn't have thumb sticks. I can't remember how many times I beat these games so I wonder if it'll flood back to me, like riding a bike.
@@majorgear1021 I was a teenage girl playing the originals on PC. I'd set up a CD player next to the family computer and play whatever music CD I was into at the time while playing. I miss those days.
The Venice speed boat - literally one of my top 3 gaming highlights ever. Yes these games are hard but the payoff is sooo worth it. Can't wait to try and fail many times at these games again
Back in the days completing a level in Tomb Raider used to be a point to brag to your friends and family. I felt like mf badass when i did perfect flips, backflips and scaled the platforms. Modern gamers who are used to the same wasd and mouse to control camera that has been like a go to control system would have a hard time to get used to tank controls but i would still insist to give it a try, you'll feel so good when you master the controls trust me. I love this game!
Part of my game history. The pain of seeing the save points on the first one then dying inches from it. My 2 year old daughter would sit quietly hypnotized until she'd decide to sabotage a crucial puzzle. So many memories.
I played the OG Tomb Raider on the Sega Saturn back in the day, I think I was a teenager back then. I am now 47years old lol. Just bought this for my Steam Deck and as soon as I booted the game up. I straightaway remembered everything the controls & where to go. It must be muscle memory or something lol. If you are an old girl like me I recommend this, if your young though you might get bored. I love it!
Absolutely adored these games growing up and still do 🖤 And maybe its just me, but the TANK controls are super easy for me to manage especially with this grid format. Its how I prefer to play it 😅
Slightly midleading, you actually can take steps back with modern controls, as well as back/side jumps. You just need to draw your gun. The only issue is camera isn't great in tight spaces, but I was always able to solve that by just pressing the look button, which sets it to whichever direction Lara is facing
Remasters are controversial because instead of simply making quality of life adjustments and ensuring the game will continue to work on future platforms, studios decide to REMAKE beloved franchises or do it half-assedly. This Tomb Raider remaster is perfect. it's literally a remaster and not a remake which i highly respect.
0:12: 🎮 Exploring iconic cultural heritage sites in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered brings back nostalgia and divisive opinions. 2:56: 🎮 Remastered Tomb Raider games capture nostalgic 3D aesthetic but have odd visual choices and abstract environments. 5:47: ⚠️ Challenges arise with modern controls in Tomb Raider remastered games due to camera issues. 8:34: 🎮 Nostalgic music, limited saving, and rudimentary CGI in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered collection. 11:21: ⚔️ Critique of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered focusing on limited modernization, steep learning curve, and slow pace. Timestamps by Tammy AI
He didn't say limited saving. He said no auto saving. You can save anywhere manually. Which brings on the fun of panic saving and saving seconds from disaster.
Oh boy dear Falcon, there were a lot of games with controls working that way, esp. with regards to jumping directions (anybody remembers Drakan: Order of flame? Would love to see that remastered too btw). You're just not old enough to remember. At least those were the days when the player was fully in control where he/ she wanted to go, not part time in control.
Its funny, i've never really had an issue with tank controls in platformers at least, because typically the level design was built with it in mind. I think the only time i can think of where that control scheme ever got in the way of me enjoying playing was the classic Resident Evil games. But then again i havent played those since i was a kid and i never really went back lol.
@ThundagaT2 I also never had issues with it and most importantly I loved the freedom those games have but only in modern day I realised how much I want that freedom was important.
It's rare to find someone who'd mention Drakan. Though I never played Order of the Flame, I did spend a few hours with The Ancients' Gates. Dragon riding was fun.
Man i remember playing this when I was a kid, I was a pre-school that time. I was excited to pop in some Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, AND Tomb Raider. This was such a great game and still is to this day in my opinion. I actually never played the modern Tomb Raider games, I have yet to give them a shot. But this one! Takes the bag for me, the remastered version is pretty decent I mean, it's better than the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection.
Tomb Raider is a huge part of my childhood and to me so far it's just been so much fun. The biggest draw for me is completing these games I never could when I was little since now you can save anywhere across all three games, so I'm really enjoying every bit of this.
I honestly believe if they made new tomb raider games in this format they’d sell so well because the gameplay is timeless. It’s like part puzzle/action and collectathon!Alongside it not taking them that long to create. If a group of less than 10 people could make these types of games in the 90s in less than a year, then think what they could achieve nowadays. Keep all the same puzzle and control elements, but create some new stories/tombs. Could even do Metroid type tombs that cover vast areas. Tomb raider like many others is probably by fondest childhood memory. The sheer panic when a velociraptor would jump from behind a corner. TR3 was my favourite. But here’s hoping they do the 4th and 5th as well to make it a full collection. Then maybe some new tomb raiders in this style after.
0:24 "Released in 96 97 and 98 respectively" See this was an era I could get behind. The era where sequels came out only one year appart... that weren't called Assassin's Creed or Call of Duty.
@@DontGiveUp_Skeleton Still. Jeg miss when sequels didn't take 5 years to make, and new IPs weren't a decade in the making. Like, everyone thought that Tears would be another Majora's Mask case. That because it was a direct sequel to Breath with much of the same map re-used, that the game would surely take 2 years at max. But nope, took the same time as its predecessor if not more. Santa Monica studio of GoW fame even said that the reason the new GoW wouldn't be a trilogy, was that the team were tired after literally spending a decade on making two games. Had this been back in the good ol days where games weren't nearly as huge, maybe we'd have gotten a trilogy?
@@saalok Ten years to make sounds like development hell especially when the developers are playing catch up with new tech and trends that come out every year.
All of the great franchises of old came out back to back. I'm immediately reminded of Syphon Filter and Tenchu. With the engines out today, you'd think they'd drop faster now. But, no. They've learned that anticipation makes them alot of money.
Note that you can take a back step/back jump with modern controls. Just draw the guns and keep them drawn to do the back moves… also, for ease, remap the tank controls to the same buttons as the modern controls… that way, in a tight spot, you can switch control modes with minimal or no muscle memory loss for jumps
So long as it has "Lara Plays in the snow", the best Tomb raider song ever, I will be a happy man. (It's in the TR2 expansion if anyone cares.) I also like you saying the controls don't go far enough as you utterly miss a starter jump. Get used to ye olde platforming where you actually have to nail the jump.
Pre-ordered 3 days ago. I remember playing Tomb Raider 2 and 3 but never 1 so it feels good to go back and play it. A little janky still (I died to same trap because camera trapped me) but other than that I still love the game even after all these years. I also like going back to older graphics.
9:47 - The reason they kept the braid in the Remastered is because she was always supposed to have a braid. They just couldn't get the mechanics to work in the first game at the time, so they gave her a bun instead! 🤪
I absolutely love these games. I grew up playing them with my dad and the remasters are perfect. The way the game works, controls and all is exactly like it’s meant to be. It’s so nostalgic to the point I remember what we had for lunch while stuck on certain levels lmao. My dad did call Lara a “stupid b*tch” when the controls wouldn’t work tho 😂
I disagree, it's a fair review. Fans of the genre might be expecting modern improvements. New people might expect it to play like a modern platformer. There's no way to know unless someone tells you.
I am so in love with the remasters. I've been tempted to try a bit of each one but I think I'm going to savor them and play through them chronologically. This is what Anniversary should have been like. It's perfect. I was weary at first but Aspyr has done a beautiful job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I downloaded it last night and was literally in tears due to the nostalgia. This is a dream come true to me and I hope that we get remastered versions of 4, 5 and 6.
On the subject of modern controls i've seen some people throw around the idea that they should have meshed the two control schemes together, as in have the tank controls on dpad, and the modern controls on analog stick, or vice versa with an option, so that we can use the modern controls when just freely moving around open spaces, and the tank controls for the precise jumps/platforming.
Now we need the same done to The Last Revelation and Chronicles, then a complete remake of Angel of Darkness. AoD is my favorite even though it’s a literal broken unfinished game, it would be amazing to have it be fully realized and given the love it deserves.
Or wait how about this... A new game. An actual, new tomb raider game. Can you imagine if they took the time and the tech and made, just hear me out, something new?
@@krissalkond If I remember Chronicles is not fans favorite but not so bad. I think the general perception was from 5 to 7 out of 10. About a personal opinion, I played just a few levels and I got bored, but maybe it was me and the fact I played on Steam with no patches or just the wrong time.
Just picked it up on the switch for $15. Well worth the money. Finished the first game and heading into the second now. 4, 5, & 6 remastered will be coming out soon. Glad I get to have a shot again at these games with modern controls/ better graphics, seeing as I was not very good at them when I was a kid. These games have a New Game+ option also so keep that in mind for replay ability.
I found out you can take a step back with the modern controls. Pull out your guns with L2 and then press down on the dpad to take a step back. Kinda weird you have to pull put your guns to do it, and sometimes the camera still won't make it work. But overall it's made the modern controls more usable
Still too awkward; def sticking with tank controls Which is a shame, i was rly looking forward to the controls being more modernized and streamlined, but the way modern controls is designed just doesnt fit well with the game’s tight corridor spaces and sequences requiring precision platforming
I'm watching it after buying it. Loving the original games and I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm used to tank controls. Modern controls feels weird with this one, but I get it might be a better option to new audience.
Classic TR games using block/cube level design like minecraft. So all platforms and distances calculated for classic control actions. Go to the edge, press back and run/jump. It’s hard to repeat with “free” modern control without level rework. So use only classic.
with moder controls the look buttton is your friend. You can tap backwards or make sitestepps with them and its repositioning the camera when she clips
The controls are perfect. I'll never understand why people say Tomb Raider controls poorly. It is perfectly designed to work within the grid structure of the level design. I tried switching to the 'modern controls' and instantly switched back - they're disgusting. Classic controls work PERFECTLY, and they've made analog movement work really well as well as adding some camera control to the right stick. For anyone who reads this, I know it might sound like gatekeeping but I promise you that it isn't. You just have to get used to the controls, they do not need improving. Also, I don't understand what the reviewer is talking about with the player model. The models are all based on how Lara looks in the FMVs and therefore is an accurate representation. They even show the change in her leotard between the first two games. That's attention to detail. I really think the reviewer does NOT understand the difference between a remake (Tomb Raider: Anniversary) and a remaster (this).
I think they're referring to Lara's "old" (i.e. in "original mode") model being the same in all three games despite there being major differences between 1 and 2 and minor between 2 and 3. I'm guessing if you switch to the original mode in TR2, you are seeing Lara's TR1 model while playing TR2, which really is odd. I wholeheartedly agree with the controls though. I don't get why anyone would want to change the controls of TR1-4. If you stop and think about it, if you ACTUALLY did something as crazy as raid an ancient temple in nothing but your hot pants and hiking boots, you'd damn well be taking it slow, calculating every jump and movement so as to not, well, break your freakin neck. I love the "grid puzzle" mechanic. Standing jump is 1 block. Running is 1.5 or 2 depending on grab or not. Backwards hop is half a block and so on. The precision and premeditation is built into the control scheme and the way I see these "modern" controls implemented it just doesn't gel with the environments at all.
@@jakacresnar5855 But they aren't. The character models in 'original' mode look spot on to the games. Lara doesn't have her ponytail in the first game, ect.
By definition this is actually an exact example of a remaster. It was mastered (balanced audio, picture, gameplay) and then they mastered it again with new tech used on the original source code. That’s the difference between a remake and a remaster. I hear a lot of people debate this as though it’s not actually clearly defined, which is okay. But, that’s the definition.
Based
I feel like they could've updated the movement though. That slow turn and jump is so tedious nowadays 😂
@@troysills425 Lara is a tank so she handles like one, lol
@@LetHimRead I know but it brings back so many angry memories 😂
its not about the definition itself its about wanting a remake which is good instead of a remaster which is lazy bullshit
The visuals capture how the games look inside my head. The toggle to what they ACTUALLY looked like is mind bending.
Reminds me of the halo remastered collection. The toggle to see what it looked is always a crazy feeling.
Remember that we were playing on CRT TVs back then. It helped to smooth out the visuals.
Same here!! I remember TR the way the Remake looks!
@@nothanksnoname7567 I wanna buy a huge CRT so bad and do a retro gaming setup. Would be so fun.
Yup! I love this feature. I had the same effect with Halo. I was playing through it for a while before I realized that these are not the old graphics because this was how I visualized them in my head!
This is one of those franchises that was hard to play as a kid. Now that im older and played tons of games in my life I have the skills to tackle it now.
I genuinely thought the same way, until I started playing. Man, it is still pretty hard to this day, even with all the gaming experience lol
I'm the opposite, I had no problems playing as a kid, but I no longer have the patience to deal with those controls.
You're in for a suprise me thinks, if anything gaming has been so easy/handholding for so long in general going back to games like this is actually much harder than it was before ...
same here, except for the tackling it now part 😂
I always think that before I play. Then it's like "how the fuck did I do it as a kid!?!?!"
This remaster was made for fans, not modern audiences and I love it for that. Not every game should be dumbed down for everyone to play.
Agreed!!!
you can thank Saber Interactive. They are very based developers. Unlike Crystal Dynamics.
Tank controls in these games are perfect for me, especially with a keyboard, they were specifically tailored for the grid shaped worlds. The modern controls introduced in this remake are horrendous.
Exactly. Even as someone who sucks at tomb raider and has only just started playing, I seriously agree.
lol that's a copout. if it was made for ''fans'' they could have gave it away for free, or just left it alone. it was made for modern audiences cause they put it on modern consoles.
The seamless transition between old gen graphics and new gen was beautifully done. I ran around smashing the button for 30 minutes just looking at how smooth it is and it makes you appreciate how good the graphic updates are
The world in the 3 original games seems dull and just a mix of ruins and stuff as explained,some games after those were good actually
Too late. Already bought it.
Ur prob
@@demigodgaming4417 I can still get a refund. :)
@@demigodgaming4417 That’s definitely not a problem. One of the best games ever made.
@@demigodgaming4417 I can still get a refund :)
lol, looks pretty good
I played these games so much as a kid. I beat them with my babysitter reading me the walkthrough. R.I.P Denise G.
rest in pis
@@EazyDuz18did the best part of you fall down your mother ?
RIP Denise
A G indeed
damn bro that's crazy but did i ask
No one wanted any new changes other than the graphics. It’s amazing
This. The reviewer doesn't seem to understand who this was aimed at. We already have Anniversary and don't need it again.
PLENTY of people did, and so they made Anniversary, and it was fun.
@ZlothZloth then they weren't actually fans of the original series.
Falcon in this review sounded as someone born after the 2000.
Totally disagree with some stuff he said
@@ZlothZloth to be fair, we don't need anniversary twice though.
I loved Tomb Raider. What I remember the most, it's just how hard it was. No walkthroughs or videos on the internet, no internet actually, no maps or hints in games, You had to buy a gamer magazine with a walkthrough and all in-game secrets. When I see new games, they just seem so easy
Aye, I haven't bought this, but I had the PC port of the original game on Steam and (after applying a fix patch to make it run properly) committed myself to playing through it old-school style. That is, using the D-pad on my controller (because the game predated the Dual Shock) and not looking ANYTHING up online unless I got COMPLETELY stuck for ages (although I did take full advantage of the unlimited saves of the PC port, rather than artificially limiting my saving to replicate the PSX original's item-based saving). And hell yeah, the game IS hard. But it's hard in the way that games used to be hard- demanding you to think, to explore, to experiment, to learn from failure. It's a reminder to me that, once upon a time when I was young and fresh-faced, I used to be a goddamn GAMER!
Yep me and my dad used to buy the magazines together and had a folder with them in until like 2012!
This is like being nostalgic for shitty point and click adventure games. Back then when you got stopped by a really fucking obtuse puzzle it was harder to justify abandoning it so eventually you got through it by persistence rather than skill or cleverness. That kind of game design sucks ass and I'm glad it's gone.
@@Scroolewse I am not saying it was perfect, it could be very frustrating and sometimes solutions were illogical. Also combat was very repetitive and boring. And yet, nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you find a solution on your own and beat the game. Now everything is marked on map: Where to go, where is the missing part/person, even how to get there... like I said, to easy,
@@mrne1988 (TL;DR play Cruelty Squad if you haven't. more recommendations in paragraph 2)
Yeah I won't argue with that. I don't like how so many big games are completely idiot-proof. I especially hate the ones that give you """hints""" to puzzles by having your character literally just say aloud what you're supposed to do. But I just ignore those games.
Play Cruelty Squad if you haven't yet, that's a thinking game. also got Shadows of Doubt, Spelunky 2, Cultist Simulator, Disco Elysium ofc, Noita, Outer Wilds, Pathfinder, Baldur's Gate, Psychonauts 2, Neon White, Streets of Rogue, System Shock Remake. I guess that's a fairly small list covering a wide range of time but I'm sure I've missed lots, I didn't even touch the many metroidvanias coming out all the time.
Look for smaller youtube reviewers that think like you, you can find some great recommendations from these types of guys. Spend more time looking through the latest Steam games in your genres, add a few of the interesting indies to your wishlist and you'll get them for $5 eventually.
I fondly remember playing the second game with my cousin when I was little. We always ran away from the butler. We would scream "Murder butler" (or often "Murdler buter" for some reason) whenever he suddenly appeared. Those were some good times. I'll be getting these versions just for the nostalgia factor.
The fact that a lot of the dev team were actually members of the TR creative community shows just how much of a passion project it was, thank you Saber and Aspyr. Now to boot up Stella’s site and beat all 3 😎
Yeah and they did perfectly, this and GTA SA is how remasters should be done, stay as close as possible to the original engine with movement and graphics, the jankyness and all that, a remake should be like how Anniversary was done, or even the newer TR games, but for a remaster, THIS IS IT.
Cringe you need walkthroughs
@@TransitionedToAShark not at all, just nostalgia for all secrets, pickups and kills
@@cherryhead124 I’ve got 35 hours on it. With cheats I’d have 10. Stop cheating lol
Don't listen to this other dude. Use a guide if it makes play more enjoyable for you. Also, Stella rules.
The toggle between the old and new graphics had me running back and forth between rooms just toggling it on and off and was in awe in levels for like 20 minutes. Aspyr knocked it out of the park with this remaster
I have been asking for a toggle graphics button on remakes for years now. I might have to buy it just for that
@@ethangonzalez9265 Monkey Island Special Edition in 2009 did that, maybe, for the first time.
Me too!!! A few levels I had to toggle back to the 96 graphics to remember what to do LOL
Grim Fandango does the same. I love it...
Yeah and they did perfectly, this GTA SA and Resident Evil are how remasters should be done, stay as close as possible to the original engine with movement and graphics, the jankyness and all that, a remake should be like how Anniversary was done, or even the newer TR games, but for a remaster, THIS IS IT.
I've never been so excited to hear a game called "a bare bones port"
Hell yes. Gimme my OG Tomb Raider back.
The gfx toggle is a dream
You mean a bare bones remaster?
Swan diving into solid ground was so oddly satisfying. I was so happy to see you do it too.
Now all that's missing is standing on Midas' hand and being eaten by a T-rex
More than anything else the OG tomb raider games are about exploration, and the way secrets are implemented to reward exploration and clever thinking underscores this. If you fully explore the levels and gather even half of the secrets they contain, you'll have more than enough firepower and med-packs to deal with the enemies. The one thing that stands out to me about these games replaying them now is how consistently amazing the level design is. Levels and sections of levels are designed to loop around on themselves, often focusing on a core set piece. At it's best, this design leads to an incredible sense of place and anchors you in the world. I think 3 the Egypt levels in the first game are the best example of this.
The tank controls were built for movement using a D-pad/keyboard, and they work very well for that purpose. When you're on a high ledge trying to make a jump, you don't want to be running around quickly or at the mercy of the camera. You want to be pivoting in place, waking to the edge of a ledge, and jumping backwards precisely to set up a running jumps. Once you get used to how the controls work and how exact they are, and you can start positioning Lara very quickly and precisely. Many secrets and later game jumps/obstacles/traps are entirely built around the finer details of Lara's surprisingly large move set.
A common complaint with the controls is that "Lara has a delay when you press the jump button!" But when when viewed in the context of precise, lined up jumps, the jump button is actually quite forgiving. There's a fairly long timing window for when you can press the jump button while running towards a ledge that will result in Lara jumping off the very edge of the ledge, giving you the maximum distance.
One other thing to note is how incredibly minimal the in games' UI is. The only screen overlays are status bars (health, breath, sprint, cold) that appear when relevant, and a simple ammo count when wielding anything other than the base pistols. Other than that, there are absolutely no UI elements on the screen most of the time. I personally like the action indicators in the remaster, but you can even toggle those off if you want a "pure" experience.
These games have definitely aged and are far from perfect, but they are have some brilliant level design and unique gameplay ideas that aren't really seen in modern games.
@secondchance6603 The limited save points made you afraid of dying / tense for each jump you had to do though, and it made going from one save point to another some kind of sublevel. It may have been annoying at the moment, sure, but looking back, the limited saves added to TR1. In the PS1 version of TR3 it was hell though.
Learn to love the geometry grid. You'll feel the flow once it clicks.
It's rly not as bad as they describe it, love the old school mechanics
The tank control was the ideal approach for a grid based environment, otherwise you'll experience the same problems this video explains. Tank controls wouldn't be suited for more geometrically complex levels like the ones we have in modern games, so each feature makes sense in its original context
@@cardenasr.2898 I think the only game with modern dual analog controls that got a kind of grid-based platforming right is HAYDEE. It is way slower paced than classic tomb raider though when trying to line up jumps.
The modern controls are disgusting. Classic controls are perfect. Loving this release!
The amount of complaints about these controls makes me wonder if I'm some sort of shaolin master for playing them just fine
There are a lot of dumb dumbs out there with zero patience to get better
I played the trilogy when they first came out on PC mid 90s, I will say it took me roughly 20 min to remember how to play keyboard as that is how I grew up playing them, so tank controls no issue.
Skill issue
I played this in the 90s as a teenager. It’s a * SKILL * issue…. Lack of patience and brain computation skills.
Playing with controller. I kept tank controls, swapped the jump and action buttons, bumped deadzone to 5. Works well for me. Still use left analog stick to move. Just have to remember to not instinctively fiddle with the right analog stick, as I was initially fighting the camera without knowing it.
I am happy that they avoided remaking these for a 'modern audience'. Will be buying these for sure.
Every game should do what this game did. Just put a statement at the beginning saying This is a work of fiction, its not reality so just enjoy the story
That statement in the beginning will push people from playing it
Yea well I guess gameranx isn’t with as much as they shit on this remaster
They added “modern” control scheme that breaks the camera tho 😅
The first one was already remade for a modern audience, it was called Tomb Raider: Anniversary.
Nobody was trying to “fool anybody” the game looks absolutely incredible and is a god damn love poem to fans of the original.
They are trying to fool you because they didnt remaster anything. Its the same shitty game with modern day price tag, but fools like you would buy anything.
Love this
As a classic TR fan I am absolutely thrilled with this package. I love the puzzle-like levels and I love the tank controls. The fact that we finally get to play the add on packs is really exciting to me.
Tank controls or nothing. Honestly, more games need them.
The tank controls are perfect because they’re connected to the level design in a way no other games have really done since.
This. At the end of the day, the PS1 Tomb Raiders have always been grid puzzle games.
how, most of the time you just slowly hobble your way onto a platform
@@14ElmStreet28 once you spend more than 30 seconds with them and actually apply yourself a little, you understand how they work and exactly how far and in what direction Lara will move. Modern controls don’t really give you that and you lose the ability to back/side flip without weapons drawn as well
💯
I agree but for people like me that I simple don't have the patience to deal with it every time having an option is awesome. There were multiple times that I want to jump in after a tuff day at work only to be stopped by the mere thought of the tank controllers. I like that they give us options, just like the one tap graphics change.
Will definitely be getting this. Huge part of my childhood and I miss the original games. True form of exploration and puzzles. Love it all.
@Joe-no7gsThe remaster is excellent.
Ah yes. The original Tomb Raiders. When you had to figure out puzzles before the internet. 🙃
@@williamyoung9401Yesss, it was very rewarding as a kid. 👧🏾
Im having a blast with this, playing it as what it is: a grid based, methodical puzzle game. The tank controls are great as they are designed around the grid system. The modern controls are not well implemented. You lose some vital movement precision. Combat is tedious for sure, but serviceable all the same. Definitely requires patience, but I reckon that patience is well rewarded, perhaps more so than many modern streamlined games.
Yeah, the modern controls have been annoying from time to time, and amazing other places. Being able to lure the Swords of Damocles and easily dodge them felt super good. But dying in Neptune's room because the camera wouldn't let me swim up/down was infuriating.
@LeonardoBramante Neptune's room axed me a few times too. Just a bit finicky swimming from the lever to the key then back out and up.
How do you switch between modern and classic controls (and grapics)?
I just bought the PC version and it plays like classic controls.
@BrainHurricanes I'm not sure mate. I'm on console and that version uses a basic rotating wheel system for the various option categories. For that it's a retro controller icon and it's the first changeable option.
I thought modern controls would be good, like Anniversary, but it's lame, feels off, weird camera, not responsive
The weirdest moment I had was driving around and just could not help but think about the snow level I played as a kid and wanting nothing more than to play it again. I logged into my Xbox and bam, the remastered Tomb Raider 1-3. Amazing. I remember it being super hard but hopefully now as an adult I'll be able to get through it!
I miss when games required a new mastering of controls. Tomb raider is fine, resident evil is fine. The awkwardness added tension sometimes. When was the last time you played a game where you stressed about a couple of simple jumps? To me, it made every moment feel like an achievement.
Already bought it. No regrets.
Isn't this digital only?
@@Bran.man24yes, only digital
@@marcelolopes4049 that is just dogshit. Looks like I won't be playing this.
@@Bran.man24 well i understand but this trilogy is mandatory so close your eyes and bought it like i did 😅 i dont like digital too but it is what it is and it is mandatory like i said and nostalgic xD
@marcelolopes4049 this was the first game I played on my PS1 when I got it for Christmas in the 90's, so the nostalgia is immense with this one. But digital has to many problems for me to support. If they would pass legislation on digital media to start protecting the consumers, then I could accept digital. But as of now, I can't support such a problematic issue that is digital
I must say the upgraded graphics look exactly how we imagined the game to look back then which I have to no problem with it. It actually works and it's favor rather than trying to Make it hyper realistic
This game needs to be in every gamer collection.
It's one of those
Yup indeed 👍
It was about 27 years ago and it can stay there
Not any more. Games age like milk.
Already got it, loving it.
Tip for everyone - play with the "tank" controls. Modern is lacking big time!
I’m absolutely loving it so far, love that you can switch between old and new graphics. I just love the environments in the levels and how they added so many little details like the snow falling through the holes in the caves, the environment looks so great. Also I love that they didn’t change it too much and stayed faithful to the originals.
The people who don't have time for the controls and hate the visuals, never grew up with them. They were a moment in time, you made do with what you had. Amazing games and the upgrades are a welcome change of pace. It's very cool seeing Tomb Raider be what you remember it as being.
I hated them back then. You can't generalize something like preference.
Because we had no choice back then and technology was limited. Doesn’t excuse terrible controls today.
Tank controls have always been a pain, but this game is build around them and its almost harder to play without them
Yeah, they aren't remakes
I grew up with them as a massive fan of Tomb Raider. I didn't mind the visuals but hated the controls. Modern control in the remaster is a joke. Lara can't even perform some of the actions and it doesn't say much for the control scheme if you have to switch back to the other controls just to perform a jump. The remaster leaves a lot to be desired.
This is the way to bring back classics. Great effort towards video game preservation- keep the classic unchanged and add some modern features on top with refreshed graphics if you want to turn them on
Pre-ordered a few months ago and have been playing Tomb Raider 1 lots today. Loving it, no regrets :)
I frickin love these games maaan...I remember when I was playing Tomb Raider 2 on my cousin's PC and it blew me away. The long jump, the backflips, the rolls, and the "sexy pullup" over the edge of a cliff, the amazing huge areas, the brutal deathscenes, the collectibles and the accomplishment that you felt when you finished a level after 45 or more minutes... all so precious memories that were a huge impact on how and why I play videogames today. My heart is overjoyed seeing these and it breaks for not seeing anymore games like these. I've played them when I was 7-10, and replayed them at the age of 23 and now I'm 31....and I'm still up for the adventure.
I feel like the only person who really LIKES and maybe even LOVES the controls of Tomb Raider. The tank controls are part of the charm, and the jumping, physics of a jump, the little touches like the dive and the handstand only makes the movement way better in my opinion. To me, they're peak. I just enjoy them so much! Definitely buying this.
Agree, the dives and handstands never get old
No. We are many.
Tank controls are my favorite control scheme of any game ever, I didn’t even play a lot of these classic games and I really wish I did because of how much tank controls just works, I’m a really big Resident Evil fan and the new remakes all make me wish there was an option for fixed camera and tank controls because that’s how I will always remember these classic games
Once you are used to the tank controls, you have a lot of control over lara, her jumps, actions feel so natural.
After a minute playing it came all back to me and remember the first time loading up tr2 (was my first tr game) and seeing the helicopter fly away
Countless people are just like you. They are precise and perfect, once you get the hang of them.
I pre-ordered this set. The nostalgia for me is real. I beat Tomb Raider 1 and 2 back on original PS1, and I played most of the way through Tomb Raider 3. It's easy for me to get back into my kid self when remasters like these come along, so I'm in.
These are great games I remember playing them back in the 90's as a 23-year-old, man I love these games.
I’m 47 now, so I’m right behind you. These three games and the first two original resident evil games played with modern controls… Talk about a nostalgia trip… and with a bit less frustration even! 😁🤙🏼
@@HuntersBlueMonkeysnah fr, he's a 2000s baby, I had to check my dates again when I was born
@@danieljohn9257 resident evil was the first game I ever played on the og ps1. For me it was all the Square Soft games we were getting on the console that is still in my opinion the golden era of JRPG’s.
@@jaydeebow6431 Oh man, I have such a hankering to play the games I missed back then! There are so many incredible ports and remasters that I’m looking forward to getting ahold of and playing on my PS5 and Switch!
@@King_Dan_Manhe was saying he was 23 in the 90’s
I was 3 years old and only vaguely remember playing one of these on PS1. 23 years later..
Love the remasters. Since I started with 4 when I was a kid and missed the first 3 games, this is perfect for me.
To be able to play this in 4k 120fps is absolutely insane!
Im so happy they made these, I just built my mom her first gaming pc and will be getting this (her fav games of all time) for her as a bundled in game for her surprise new SFF build.
That’s awesome that your mom games. I wish my parents did!!!
@@glennelmer4407 my retired grandfather even games. After he quit logging and drinking he found sports boring, now he plays Skyrim. Lol
@@wateryevents960 Wow, even your grandfather? How old are you and your family, I wonder?
@@xdddre I'm in my early 30's. Mom early 50's, grandpa mid 70's. But he started gaming around PS2 era.
I love the remaster it's awesome. And 30 bucks for three remastered games is a good deal. Worth buying if you're a fan
Yea still fun games and good improvement but wouldev been nicer if they did a little more with the graphics
Definitive controls is tank controls. Once you learn how to use tank controls, you are in FULL control. There is no guess work, you know exactly what Lara Croft is capable of with the tank controls.
I agree. I played the original a few months ago and once you get used to the original tank controls you start to wonder if the game would actually be harder using modern controls.
No, the new controls are better.
The “modern controls” are so bad imo. Esp swimming , cause the camera gets stuck and Lara doesnt know where to swim. Combat can be bad because Lara doesnt do the backsteo so she cant shoot while backing away. And the platfoming is so imprecise because Lara may jump too soon or too late and jump from the wrong angle
The classic tank controls are def stilll clunky and difficult to adjust to, but these games are def designed with these controls in mind and they just work so much better imo
@@solidkwon The old controls cannot be better since now you can do a 360 degree and jump instantly from any square.
That's skill issue here, 2 hours of gameplay and it goes like water.
@@gamer-px5cu rubbish. I could beat levels faster with tank controls than you will ever do with "modern" controls
Lara Croft was my first video game hero. I remember always asking for help and the controls were so hard to get used to especially without analog sticks. But I loved the atmosphere. I've been a TR fan my whole life almost.
This is such a poor review. You fail to mention the developers used the original source code, which enabled them to accurately recreate the original game. Their aim was to make a faithful adaptation of the original game, with a few quality of life improvements. As for the tank controls, they are how the game is meant to be played. In order to pull off the more intricate platform elements these controls are essential and if you don't like it then this game isn't for you. This collection has been reviewed as if it's a 2024 AAA title and it's not. At the end of the day for 10 dollars each I can play 3 of the best Playstation games in HD at 60fps which is perfect for me.
THIS comment should be the video
Guy really said Tomb Raider 4 is definitely worse than the first 3. I'm not saying it's definitely better, but for a lot of folks who started with TR 2 or 3 we don't have that nostalgia switch that gets us to say that 1 was better. I personally put it joint second with 3.
The tank controls feel so much better, I started playing with them for around 2 levels and then checked the settings and saw the modern toggle and I tried and holy hell it feels so weird to play and the combat (which ive heard people saying is the resson for the toggle to be there) feels jankier with the modern controls which is ironic, the game is hard for a begginer but with patience it feels that the tank controls are the better way
The modern controls are almost perfect though and 10x better than tank controls
Yes sir well said
Tomb Raider 2 was my first Tomb Raider game. Getting past Venice was a real milestone. I had to get the stratagy guide to beat it and it still took me a few years to beat it.
I remember jumping out of the boat just before it blew up, then suddenly realising there was a second boat... obviously for exactly this situation. Was at a friend's house. Mind blown!
Tomb Raider 4 was my first game (it was advertised on Sony PS box) and it seems to be the best (9.3 vs 8.7 user score for Tomb Raider 2 on metacritic), Tomb Raider 2 was my second game (very good, it was my second favourite game) because Tomb Raider 1 was difficult to find at those days. Tomb Raider 3 was also good but considerably worse than 4th.
The depth effect on some climable surfaces is supposed to make it look like a ladder. It's not supposed to be a bare wall, it's a ladder.
I mean, it did look like a rope ladder. It's a cool design choice.
I don't want to bully him for that brain fart, but... that was such an oblivious take that it made me question my own mind for a moment. "On climbable surfaces(...) it's supposed to be a bare wall texture here." Climbable surfaces should be bare walls? What??
Loved this back in the day. When you were running and climbing in caves and then it opens up showing to show ruins or statues etc. An the music starts playing and its just a really good feeling. Really felt like you had discovered a hidden city or some hidden ruins. Though you do wonder how those wolves etc survived in the ruins. lol.
The only tweak I wish they made to the old controls would be to climb and shimmy and push/pull blocks faster. We’re tomb raiding!
I came to the comments as a LONG time fan of these games and I'm so happy to find that 95% of you guys feel the same as I do. I'm so happy these games are back. Dark souls is the Tomb Raider 3 of the 7th gen lol.
I’m glad that this Remastered collection kept the original controls that made the original Tomb Raider trilogy so iconic.
Already finished TR 1 with the tank controls I played it first in 1996 🙈it directly fits again to control Lara digital I loved it overall great remaster on Saturday TR2 😊
I'm old enough to have played those games when they first came out. I loved them. So much in fact that I popped $300 for a 3DFX Voodoo board and $60 for a game pad.
As someone who grew up with these games, I can see the people who made this collection had fondness for the original games and took a lot of care while remaking the assets. As it says in name, it's a "remaster", not a remake. It was a very welcome way to preserve these games that made part of history, and that Crystal and people seem to have forgotten. Also, some developers from Tomb raider community that created fan patches for the original games helped Aspyr with the remaster.
I never got to play the TR1 besides anniversary TR 2 ,3, and 4 or angel of darkness. I never thought I'd get to play them ever, but at least I get the first 3
I'm honestly surprised by how measured this review is. This remaster is incredible and faithfully done, with such love and care towards the originals. If you love a slower style platformer, more methodical exploration with hardly any HUD, no map, no objective icons, no loot boxes, no quick time events, none of that... then do yourself a favour a give this a go.
I’ve been waiting for this since I was in grade school, grew up watching my dad play this on PlayStation in the 90s. So for me this is a dream come true and I’m loving playing these games again
Ah the nostalgia. I'm gonna get it so my son can experience it just as I did. Closing the door, turning the lights off and playing quietly after my parents went to bed. Yes, the tank controls take getting used to but from what I remember, the OG Ps1 controller didn't have thumb sticks. I can't remember how many times I beat these games so I wonder if it'll flood back to me, like riding a bike.
close the door, turn out the lights , and see Lara in all of her glory.
A teenage boy’s dream
@@majorgear1021 I was a teenage girl playing the originals on PC. I'd set up a CD player next to the family computer and play whatever music CD I was into at the time while playing. I miss those days.
This thumbnail is peak content creation
Lara's slender neck just fits right into the wide shoulders and big hands of a stock image office clerk
It’s not stock image office clerk, it’s Jake Baldino lol
You said it was originally released on PlayStation and PC but you forgot about the Sega Saturn which was the first console it came out on
ACHUALLY 🤓
@@ericgarcia9110? Huh
I always saw tomb raider as a playstation exclusive, never knew about saturn
Shut up nerd
@@NOBODY-cn6fj if you live in Europe it came out on the Sega Saturn first but it North America it was a simultaneous release
The Venice speed boat - literally one of my top 3 gaming highlights ever. Yes these games are hard but the payoff is sooo worth it. Can't wait to try and fail many times at these games again
Back in the days completing a level in Tomb Raider used to be a point to brag to your friends and family. I felt like mf badass when i did perfect flips, backflips and scaled the platforms. Modern gamers who are used to the same wasd and mouse to control camera that has been like a go to control system would have a hard time to get used to tank controls but i would still insist to give it a try, you'll feel so good when you master the controls trust me. I love this game!
Part of my game history. The pain of seeing the save points on the first one then dying inches from it.
My 2 year old daughter would sit quietly hypnotized until she'd decide to sabotage a crucial puzzle. So many memories.
No one cares..
@@RainyTurtloid.Come on buddy that's not very nice.
@@RainyTurtloid.Does it feel good to be such a downer? It's a video about a nostalgic game, so people are nostalgic. No need to rain on their parade.
@@RainyTurtloid. I enjoyed her story.
@@RainyTurtloid. Cared enough to comment
I played the OG Tomb Raider on the Sega Saturn back in the day, I think I was a teenager back then. I am now 47years old lol. Just bought this for my Steam Deck and as soon as I booted the game up. I straightaway remembered everything the controls & where to go. It must be muscle memory or something lol. If you are an old girl like me I recommend this, if your young though you might get bored. I love it!
Same lol
Another gaming girl here 🫡 I'm going to do the same but buying it for my switch for on the go play
Me too, another old gamer girl.I played OG TR on PS1.This is going to take me right back to the beginning.
@@HUYI1 Enjoy. I think Tomb Raider games are made for us girls lol!
@@WDubyer I felt young again playing this lol. I know you will love this remaster.
The remaster looks the way I remembered the originals being.
Absolutely adored these games growing up and still do 🖤
And maybe its just me, but the TANK controls are super easy for me to manage especially with this grid format. Its how I prefer to play it 😅
Slightly midleading, you actually can take steps back with modern controls, as well as back/side jumps. You just need to draw your gun. The only issue is camera isn't great in tight spaces, but I was always able to solve that by just pressing the look button, which sets it to whichever direction Lara is facing
Remasters are controversial because instead of simply making quality of life adjustments and ensuring the game will continue to work on future platforms, studios decide to REMAKE beloved franchises or do it half-assedly. This Tomb Raider remaster is perfect. it's literally a remaster and not a remake which i highly respect.
I disagree. It's a decent remaster but not ideal.
what were you hoping for? @@zackfair6791
@@zackfair6791 what would you have preferred instead?
Oh, it's you again. @@zackfair6791
0:12: 🎮 Exploring iconic cultural heritage sites in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered brings back nostalgia and divisive opinions.
2:56: 🎮 Remastered Tomb Raider games capture nostalgic 3D aesthetic but have odd visual choices and abstract environments.
5:47: ⚠️ Challenges arise with modern controls in Tomb Raider remastered games due to camera issues.
8:34: 🎮 Nostalgic music, limited saving, and rudimentary CGI in Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered collection.
11:21: ⚔️ Critique of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered focusing on limited modernization, steep learning curve, and slow pace.
Timestamps by Tammy AI
He didn't say limited saving. He said no auto saving. You can save anywhere manually. Which brings on the fun of panic saving and saving seconds from disaster.
ur arguing with a robot @@Fickji
@@clownonabike Wrong information is wrong information regardless of the source.
Oh boy dear Falcon, there were a lot of games with controls working that way, esp. with regards to jumping directions (anybody remembers Drakan: Order of flame? Would love to see that remastered too btw). You're just not old enough to remember.
At least those were the days when the player was fully in control where he/ she wanted to go, not part time in control.
Its funny, i've never really had an issue with tank controls in platformers at least, because typically the level design was built with it in mind. I think the only time i can think of where that control scheme ever got in the way of me enjoying playing was the classic Resident Evil games. But then again i havent played those since i was a kid and i never really went back lol.
@ThundagaT2 I also never had issues with it and most importantly I loved the freedom those games have but only in modern day I realised how much I want that freedom was important.
Drakan have a mouse control for camera movement, much easier to control, it can't be compared to TR.
It's rare to find someone who'd mention Drakan. Though I never played Order of the Flame, I did spend a few hours with The Ancients' Gates. Dragon riding was fun.
Drakan OG one of my favorites!
Man i remember playing this when I was a kid, I was a pre-school that time. I was excited to pop in some Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, AND Tomb Raider. This was such a great game and still is to this day in my opinion. I actually never played the modern Tomb Raider games, I have yet to give them a shot. But this one! Takes the bag for me, the remastered version is pretty decent I mean, it's better than the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection.
Tomb Raider is a huge part of my childhood and to me so far it's just been so much fun. The biggest draw for me is completing these games I never could when I was little since now you can save anywhere across all three games, so I'm really enjoying every bit of this.
I honestly believe if they made new tomb raider games in this format they’d sell so well because the gameplay is timeless. It’s like part puzzle/action and collectathon!Alongside it not taking them that long to create. If a group of less than 10 people could make these types of games in the 90s in less than a year, then think what they could achieve nowadays. Keep all the same puzzle and control elements, but create some new stories/tombs. Could even do Metroid type tombs that cover vast areas.
Tomb raider like many others is probably by fondest childhood memory. The sheer panic when a velociraptor would jump from behind a corner. TR3 was my favourite. But here’s hoping they do the 4th and 5th as well to make it a full collection. Then maybe some new tomb raiders in this style after.
Have you played Sabatu's remake? Talk about brutal. Nice reinterpretation of the levels for sadists.
OMG I would do anything! That sounds amazing!!
Does anyone remember?
Left,right,left,back,fourth, turn around 3 times,jump forward with the flip.
+ Flare in TRII
+ Kneel in TRIII ;)
LOL was that the level skip or all weapons?
0:24 "Released in 96 97 and 98 respectively" See this was an era I could get behind. The era where sequels came out only one year appart... that weren't called Assassin's Creed or Call of Duty.
They burned out and the series flopped because of it. The later games definitely needed more care.
@@DontGiveUp_Skeleton Still. Jeg miss when sequels didn't take 5 years to make, and new IPs weren't a decade in the making. Like, everyone thought that Tears would be another Majora's Mask case. That because it was a direct sequel to Breath with much of the same map re-used, that the game would surely take 2 years at max. But nope, took the same time as its predecessor if not more.
Santa Monica studio of GoW fame even said that the reason the new GoW wouldn't be a trilogy, was that the team were tired after literally spending a decade on making two games. Had this been back in the good ol days where games weren't nearly as huge, maybe we'd have gotten a trilogy?
@@PikaLink91 Yeah, now they take 10 years and can still flop lol
@@saalok Ten years to make sounds like development hell especially when the developers are playing catch up with new tech and trends that come out every year.
All of the great franchises of old came out back to back. I'm immediately reminded of Syphon Filter and Tenchu. With the engines out today, you'd think they'd drop faster now. But, no. They've learned that anticipation makes them alot of money.
Note that you can take a back step/back jump with modern controls. Just draw the guns and keep them drawn to do the back moves… also, for ease, remap the tank controls to the same buttons as the modern controls… that way, in a tight spot, you can switch control modes with minimal or no muscle memory loss for jumps
Smart. Thx
Its crazy how just a change of control schemes makes one of the most difficult games as a kid breezy as hell
So long as it has "Lara Plays in the snow", the best Tomb raider song ever, I will be a happy man. (It's in the TR2 expansion if anyone cares.)
I also like you saying the controls don't go far enough as you utterly miss a starter jump. Get used to ye olde platforming where you actually have to nail the jump.
Pre-ordered 3 days ago. I remember playing Tomb Raider 2 and 3 but never 1 so it feels good to go back and play it. A little janky still (I died to same trap because camera trapped me) but other than that I still love the game even after all these years. I also like going back to older graphics.
when i was young playing this, i ALWAYS fell asleep 😅.
It was waaay to slow. But i can appreciate it more now
9:47 - The reason they kept the braid in the Remastered is because she was always supposed to have a braid. They just couldn't get the mechanics to work in the first game at the time, so they gave her a bun instead! 🤪
I absolutely love these games. I grew up playing them with my dad and the remasters are perfect. The way the game works, controls and all is exactly like it’s meant to be. It’s so nostalgic to the point I remember what we had for lunch while stuck on certain levels lmao. My dad did call Lara a “stupid b*tch” when the controls wouldn’t work tho 😂
A pretty trash review criticizing that not enough was changed about them when… not changing them was the entire purpose
I disagree, it's a fair review. Fans of the genre might be expecting modern improvements. New people might expect it to play like a modern platformer. There's no way to know unless someone tells you.
I am so in love with the remasters. I've been tempted to try a bit of each one but I think I'm going to savor them and play through them chronologically. This is what Anniversary should have been like. It's perfect. I was weary at first but Aspyr has done a beautiful job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I hope the remaster succeeds so we can get a Tomb Raider game based off this Lara Croft again.
I downloaded it last night and was literally in tears due to the nostalgia. This is a dream come true to me and I hope that we get remastered versions of 4, 5 and 6.
I love playing this. Especially TR2 remastered. Well done to the team who made it.
This is a real Tomb Raider! 😏
On the subject of modern controls i've seen some people throw around the idea that they should have meshed the two control schemes together, as in have the tank controls on dpad, and the modern controls on analog stick, or vice versa with an option, so that we can use the modern controls when just freely moving around open spaces, and the tank controls for the precise jumps/platforming.
Not a bad idea as a 3rd control option. I would have liked to see this yea
Now we need the same done to The Last Revelation and Chronicles, then a complete remake of Angel of Darkness. AoD is my favorite even though it’s a literal broken unfinished game, it would be amazing to have it be fully realized and given the love it deserves.
Or wait how about this... A new game. An actual, new tomb raider game. Can you imagine if they took the time and the tech and made, just hear me out, something new?
@@IAMthatIAM992 There are plenty, I mean plenty, of new games. It will be good to restore the old ones.
Hello friend! Is Chronicles any good?
@@krissalkond If I remember Chronicles is not fans favorite but not so bad. I think the general perception was from 5 to 7 out of 10.
About a personal opinion, I played just a few levels and I got bored, but maybe it was me and the fact I played on Steam with no patches or just the wrong time.
@@VerdeAntico I think i would be happy with "more of same" as long as some levels are good. Like custom levels
Just picked it up on the switch for $15. Well worth the money. Finished the first game and heading into the second now. 4, 5, & 6 remastered will be coming out soon. Glad I get to have a shot again at these games with modern controls/ better graphics, seeing as I was not very good at them when I was a kid. These games have a New Game+ option also so keep that in mind for replay ability.
I found out you can take a step back with the modern controls. Pull out your guns with L2 and then press down on the dpad to take a step back. Kinda weird you have to pull put your guns to do it, and sometimes the camera still won't make it work. But overall it's made the modern controls more usable
Still too awkward; def sticking with tank controls
Which is a shame, i was rly looking forward to the controls being more modernized and streamlined, but the way modern controls is designed just doesnt fit well with the game’s tight corridor spaces and sequences requiring precision platforming
The most important question is...can i still lock the butler in the freezer?
Yes, and he actually freezes 😂
You can, and there’s a trophy for doing it! 😂
My only wish now is to get the same treatment for LoK Soul Reaver
You got your wish!
I'm watching it after buying it. Loving the original games and I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm used to tank controls. Modern controls feels weird with this one, but I get it might be a better option to new audience.
I've had the tank controls engraved into my brain from the original series that I probably won't even try using the modern controls.
I was addicted to The Last Revelation as a kid, but never played these three games. So it’s like a new adventure to me 😢. Loving it so far.
8:37 "...if you do what i do and constantly select load when you meant to save..." lol Falcon, I feel you
Yes omg that's painful. Why would the developers do us so dirty lol
People i know complain tomb raider is hard but they have all completed the dark souls trilogy...
John over on the Digital Foundry channel did a thorough analysis on these, highly recommended
Did they mention the content warning having racial stereotypes? I mean wtf is this?
Classic TR games using block/cube level design like minecraft. So all platforms and distances calculated for classic control actions. Go to the edge, press back and run/jump. It’s hard to repeat with “free” modern control without level rework. So use only classic.
with moder controls the look buttton is your friend. You can tap backwards or make sitestepps with them and its repositioning the camera when she clips
The tank controls dont take that much effort to get used to.. its 20 minutes at max.
The controls are perfect. I'll never understand why people say Tomb Raider controls poorly. It is perfectly designed to work within the grid structure of the level design. I tried switching to the 'modern controls' and instantly switched back - they're disgusting. Classic controls work PERFECTLY, and they've made analog movement work really well as well as adding some camera control to the right stick.
For anyone who reads this, I know it might sound like gatekeeping but I promise you that it isn't. You just have to get used to the controls, they do not need improving.
Also, I don't understand what the reviewer is talking about with the player model. The models are all based on how Lara looks in the FMVs and therefore is an accurate representation. They even show the change in her leotard between the first two games. That's attention to detail.
I really think the reviewer does NOT understand the difference between a remake (Tomb Raider: Anniversary) and a remaster (this).
I think they're referring to Lara's "old" (i.e. in "original mode") model being the same in all three games despite there being major differences between 1 and 2 and minor between 2 and 3.
I'm guessing if you switch to the original mode in TR2, you are seeing Lara's TR1 model while playing TR2, which really is odd.
I wholeheartedly agree with the controls though. I don't get why anyone would want to change the controls of TR1-4. If you stop and think about it, if you ACTUALLY did something as crazy as raid an ancient temple in nothing but your hot pants and hiking boots, you'd damn well be taking it slow, calculating every jump and movement so as to not, well, break your freakin neck.
I love the "grid puzzle" mechanic. Standing jump is 1 block. Running is 1.5 or 2 depending on grab or not. Backwards hop is half a block and so on. The precision and premeditation is built into the control scheme and the way I see these "modern" controls implemented it just doesn't gel with the environments at all.
@@jakacresnar5855 But they aren't. The character models in 'original' mode look spot on to the games. Lara doesn't have her ponytail in the first game, ect.
@@sigmapopsical272 and your inability to adapt doesn't make tank controls bad.
@@sigmapopsical272 cope
@@sigmapopsical272Sounds like you have Skill issue