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Tomb Raider has enthralled gamers for decades with its thrilling adventures, iconic protagonist, and groundbreaking gameplay.
Now, a new remaster is set to reintroduce Lara Croft’s classic exploits to a new generation, following on from that of the excellent Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft.
We sat down with Matthew Ray, Brand Manager at Aspyr, to discuss the upcoming release of Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, delving into the challenges, the triumphs, and the enduring legacy of this beloved franchise.
Can you please introduce yourself and your role in the development of Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered?
I’m Matthew Ray, Brand Manager at Aspyr who oversees the Tomb Raider franchise. My role is to ensure that this remaster stays true to Lara Croft’s legacy while finding new ways to engage both longtime fans and first-time players.
From working with the development team to collaborating with Crystal Dynamics and community teams, I’m deeply involved in shaping how Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is presented to the world.
How would you pitch this game to players unfamiliar with Lara’s early adventures?
This classic series helped define the action-adventure genre at its inception. They are the origins of Lara Croft and showcase her iconic grit, intellect, and athleticism, taking her to stunning locations across the globe.
For IV-VI Remastered specifically, there is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of Last Revelation. In this bundle, players get to immediately pick up where the story left off by playing Chronicles and then move on to what has become a cult classic among fans in Angel of Darkness.
With updated visuals, modern controls, and quality-of-life improvements on all games, this is the perfect entry point for newcomers to experience the classic series.
Talk us through the improvements made over the originals. What are the biggest differences that players will notice?
We’ve introduced several key enhancements to gameplay without compromising or taking away from the original games in any way. The addition of modern controls makes the game more accessible to players who are newer to the series, but we’ve also kept the classic tank controls for longtime fans.
We’ve included boss health bars (also toggleable), which help players strategize during tough encounters without taking away from the thrill of the challenge.
Lastly, we’ve made the rare “Times Exclusive” level from The Last Revelation available to all players for the first time ever, giving everyone a chance to experience this unique chapter in Tomb Raider history. There’s plenty more to be excited about, but we won’t spoil it all here–pre-order today and find out yourself!
I really enjoyed my time revisiting the original trilogy in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. However, the modern controls clashed with the limitations in game design at times. What changes have been made in this area that you can tell us about?
We understand that integrating modern controls into classic level design can be a challenge, and we’ve refined this balance for Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. The modern control scheme has been further optimized to feel smoother and more intuitive while still respecting the original design.
Additionally, we’ve kept the classic controls intact for those who want the authentic experience. It’s all about providing options so players can engage with the games in the way that feels best to them.
Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness is a famously divisive entry in the series. With its inclusion in Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, are you hoping this will change?
“Absolutely. Angel of Darkness was an ambitious game that faced challenges during its original release, but it also introduced compelling ideas and a darker, more complex narrative that many fans appreciated. Not to mention its current cult classic status as one of the most popular classic games in the franchise..
With the remastered version, we hope to optimize the experience, allowing players to re-evaluate its strengths and rediscover its unique place in Lara’s journey.
Did you collaborate with the original team as part of this project? If so, how?
Fans will have to wait and see who all was involved when the game releases on February 14th, 2025!
Was it always the plan to re-release Tomb Raider IV – VI, or did it hinge on the success of the first trilogy?
From the start, we always envisioned giving fans the complete classic Tomb Raider experience, encompassing all six of the original Core Design games.
However, the overwhelmingly positive response to Tomb Raider I-III Remastered truly solidified our commitment to this vision. It was a powerful reminder of how much these games really mean to this passionate community, and it motivated us to bring that same level of care and passion to Lara Croft’s darkest adventures.
What has the reaction been from the Tomb Raider community since the announcement of this latest remastering?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans are thrilled to see The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and Angel of Darkness getting the remaster treatment. There’s been a lot of excitement about the visual enhancements and the inclusion of the Times Exclusive level.
The community’s passion for Lara’s early adventures continues to inspire us, and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they dive into the remastered collection.
If you could choose any game which has had the biggest impact on you as a player, what would it be and why?
For me, it’s The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. It’s a game that dared to take risks, blending action, RPG elements, and side-scrolling gameplay in a way that was completely unique at the time. The challenging difficulty, combined with its sense of exploration and progression, taught me patience and problem-solving.
It’s also a game that left a lasting impression with its world-building and atmospheric storytelling, proving that games could be more than just fun—they could be immersive, emotional experiences. That willingness to innovate and experiment has always inspired me, especially as a fan of bold, adventurous franchises like Tomb Raider.
Can you give us a glimpse into the future? Do you have plans to revisit any other Tomb Raider titles?
Right now, we’re fully focused on delivering the best experience with Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. However, we’re always listening to the community and exploring ways to celebrate Lara Croft’s legacy. Whether it’s revisiting other titles or new surprises, we’re excited about what the future holds for the franchise.
And finally, out of the three games bundled here in Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, which is your personal favourite and why?
It’s hard to choose, but I’d have to go with The Last Revelation. It’s such a pivotal moment in Lara Croft’s story, with incredible level design and a darker tone that really stood out. The game’s Egyptian setting is beautifully immersive, and its narrative complexity left a lasting impression on me. It’s a testament to how adventurous and daring the series can be.
Huge thanks go out to Matthew at Aspyr for allowing us some time.
With Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered, Aspyr is poised to deliver an experience that honours the series’ roots, all while embracing modern advancements. We’ll find out how things go in full review upon release, but no matter whether you’re a longtime fan eager to relive Lara’s early adventures or a newcomer ready to embark on a thrilling journey, this next remaster promises to be an unforgettable experience.
As we eagerly await its release, one thing is certain: Lara Croft’s legacy continues to thrive, inspiring and exciting gamers worldwide.
You’ll find Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered releasing on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) come February 14th 2025.