The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft collects the original three Tomb Raider games along with their expansion packs for play on PC as a single-player action-adventure experience. Players follow Lara Croft through a series of linear campaigns that emphasize exploration of detailed environments, puzzle resolution, and encounters with hostile creatures or human enemies across varied global settings.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around platforming sequences that require precise jumps, climbing, and swimming mechanics. Levels feature environmental puzzles that often involve moving objects, activating switches, or interpreting clues to progress. Combat occurs against animals, mythical beings, and armed opponents, with Lara using pistols, shotguns, and other weapons that players acquire during play. Inventory management plays a role as players collect ammunition, health items, and artifacts while navigating traps and hazards. The remaster preserves the original structure of each campaign while adding options to toggle between upgraded visuals and the classic low-polygon style at any point.
Photo Mode allows players to position Lara in one of 21 poses with any equipped weapon or unlocked outfit, or to freely examine the surrounding level for overlooked items and secrets. Controls offer a choice between the original tank-style movement and updated schemes that permit freer camera movement and aiming. These systems remain consistent across all included titles and expansions.
Game Modes
The collection centers on three distinct single-player campaigns. Tomb Raider I includes its Unfinished Business expansion, Tomb Raider II adds the Golden Mask levels, and Tomb Raider III incorporates The Lost Artifact. Each campaign delivers its own sequence of levels with unique locations and objectives that players complete in order.
Challenge Mode serves as an additional replay option added via patch. Players select levels and apply customized modifiers to alter difficulty or rules, then work toward achievements. Successful completion unlocks ten new outfits that provide ability enhancements for subsequent playthroughs. Photo Mode functions as a separate capture tool available throughout the campaigns.
Graphics and Accessibility Features
Visual upgrades include higher-resolution textures, improved lighting, and smoother character models while retaining the core art direction of the 1990s originals. Players can switch the graphical style instantly to compare or return to the authentic polygon appearance. The package runs natively on modern hardware without emulation requirements, and save functionality allows frequent checkpoints during challenging sections.
Is It Worth Playing?
This remaster suits players interested in the foundational entries of the Tomb Raider series or those seeking classic action-adventure gameplay with updated presentation. The included expansions extend each campaign significantly, providing dozens of hours across the full set. Challenge Mode adds replay value through modifiers and outfit unlocks for those who complete the base levels. Reception highlights the faithful preservation of original mechanics alongside the convenience of modern controls and graphics toggles, though some note the dated aspects of tank controls and level design remain intact. The collection stands as a complete package for revisiting or discovering these specific adventures without additional purchases.
