I decided to take the plunge and revisit Tomb Raider, as it’s available for the Switch in a remastered version. Looks like it was actually released last year, with IV-VI out next week (on Lara’s birthday).
It’s strange because I half remember it – I clearly finished Tomb Raider IV in 2001, by implication on a PS2 – but I want to say I played the original on a PC? It was back in 1996 (nearly 30 years ago!), so I think I can be forgiven for not remembering.
Anyway, huge nostalgia tip – swan dives and that handstand when pulling up on a ledge. Jump scare central too, so atmospheric. Especially when it suddenly switches to the exciting/scary “something’s about to happen” music. The updated graphics are excellent, except (as others have commented) when trying to navigate dark passages. I am switching between the graphics modes regularly as I explore the dark caves. One of the things they’ve remastered is the textures – so ivy now comes out of the wall, rather than being a flat texture. I also know I’m going to encounter a T-Rex soon!
The controls (again, as others have commented) are deeply frustrating after playing games like Fortnite. I did briefly try the “modern” controls, but there were even worse. I’m ending up saving the game after every tricky jump, just because it’s so tedious having to take 5 or 10 goes to get up a room.
The other thing that’s really interesting is the disclaimer at the beginning:
“The games in this collection contain offensive depictions of people and cultures rooted in racial and ethnic prejudices. These stereotypes are deeply harmful, inexcusable, and do not align with our values at Crystal Dynamics.
“Rather than removing this content, we have chosen to present it here in its original form, unaltered, in the hopes that we may acknowledge its harmful impact and learn from it.”
(from eurogamer.net)
You do also have to acknowledge the idealisation (sexualisation?) of Lara – it is readily apparent that she was drawn by a man! Huge boobs – check. Crop top – check. Tiny waist – check. Tiny tight shorts – check. But, on the flip side, she was, I think, the first ‘proper’ female hero in a video game, and Tomb Raider must be one of the earliest games to pass the Bechdel test? And she is highly intelligent and resourceful (admittedly with a penchant for shooting animals and grave robbing). I’d be lying to say that my twenty year old self didn’t have a bit of a crush on her, but as soon as you start playing actually the focus is on the gameplay and puzzles, not Lara herself.
Anyway, in terms of the gameplay, too soon for a definitive opinion – thus far enjoying it! I don’t think I’d recommend it to anyone who didn’t play the original though.