The developers at Aspyr have been incredibly faithful to the original gameplay, a decision that will thrill long-time fans. The deliberate, methodical platforming and intricate puzzle design that made the originals so special are completely intact. This isn't a modern-day platformer with a Tomb Raider skin; it's the authentic, challenging, and rewarding experience we all remember. The most impressive feature of this remaster is the ability to swap between the original and new graphics with the touch of a button. This isn't just a gimmick—it's a testament to the care put into this project. The updated visuals are beautiful, breathing new life into the ancient tombs and exotic locales without compromising the classic mechanics. The character models, especially Lara, have received a much-needed refresh, looking fantastic while still maintaining their classic identity. Crucially, the graphics overhaul doesn't interfere with the core gameplay; the platforming and puzzle-solving remain just as precise as they were in the '90s. However, the experience isn't without a few minor imperfections. The new camera, while generally improved, can occasionally clip through objects and terrain, which can be a bit jarring. This issue is less noticeable when you switch back to the classic graphics, but it's something to be aware of. Additionally, the lack of console-specific button prompts (e.g., PlayStation or Xbox symbols) in the menus when using a controller is a small but noticeable oversight that can lead to some momentary confusion. Despite these minor quibbles, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is a fantastic way for a new audience to experience the roots of action-adventure gaming and a perfect trip down memory lane for returning fans. It strikes the perfect balance between modernization and preservation, proving that the classic formula is just as compelling today as it was nearly 30 years ago.
We love these games, they have certainly earned their place in gaming history. However in all honesty, I think the PC versions of these classics (1-6) aren't worth your time. I spent a few weeks patching and modding PC versions to get an "as close as possible" experience to the console releases. Across the 6 games I used files from the GOG, Steam, CD, and PSX versions (as well as some of the amazing work by the community on tombraiderforums.com) and got them running how I wanted - so it IS possible to have fully functioning PC versions... ...but it's not worth the time doing all of that, unless you really have nothing else to do with your life - like me for the last few weeks :)
This is the 1.2 UK (censored) windows only version, but it's still an amazing game. It runs perfectly on macOS using Wineskin.
