Tomb Raider IV - VI Remastered

Three versions of a female character from Tomb Raider, showcasing different outfits and weapons, with a bold title reading "Tomb Raider IV, V, VI Remastered."

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The only thing I wanted after reviewing the Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Trilogy was a remaster of 4-6. Apsyr apparently heard my prayers and have finally remastered the finale of the original Lara plot as well as Angel of Darkness. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered brings back The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider 5 and Angel of Darkness to modern consoles.

Controversially, Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness is one of my favourite games and Tomb Raider IV was the first game I ever finished on my own so there was a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in these games. When the games were announced I pre-ordered immediately but was it worth it? Or did the remaster not hit the mark the same way these games originally did?

I don’t count poison darts and triggered entombment your average child’s tea party

You can grab Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered on PS5, Xbox, Switch and PC! This review is for the PlayStation 5 version, so without further ado, lets get started.

Explorers stand in an ancient, dimly lit tomb, surrounded by stone walls and intricate carvings, evoking a sense of history and discovery. — And so the journey begins.

Gameplay

The announcement of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remaster was one of the best things to come out of 2024 for me. Whilst the three games featured in this trilogy are not the most beloved by many, I honestly loved each of them at the time of their release. Learning more about her adventures in Egypt, the short stories we never got to see and the introduction to a new era of Croft, I have been waiting for the chance to play these games on a console again.

In terms of how much the remasters change the game, it’s not a lot. There are still flaws from the original games as well as some new ones, such as enemies glitching through walls and being unable to pick up items. Of all of the games, Angel of Darkness received the most upgrades with a smoother control system and a few new items. You can now get poisoned by gas in later levels and you can find antidotes throughout the map. A lot of these quality of life upgrades were ones I wasn’t expecting. Whilst it’s still not the best, it’s definitely better than what it was. Now I just need them to bring back that unfinished trilogy that they had planned.

A woman stands in a rain-soaked room, engaged in conversation with another character wearing a denim jacket. — Madame Carvier got a whole new do

Control Settings

Unfortunately, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered does not escape from the issues with the old controls injury free. Ropes are still hell, particularly in that one room in Tomb Raider IV where you have to chain rope swings together. I still think it’s easier to play with the old controller layout than with the new analogue stick. It also carried over some of the unexplained, annoying controls such as getting out of the vehicles. I chewed through far too many large medkits trying to get out of the jeep in Tomb Raider IV. It’s roll and then left or right, by the way.

It didn’t spoil anything for me as I was used to janky controls from when I originally played. I’m sure that other existing fans of the classic series will also get past the annoyance but it could definitely deter newer players.

Lara Croft, armed and ready, explores an ancient temple surrounded by ornate pillars and a dusty landscape, with a jeep nearby. — Finally free from the driver’s seat

Graphics & Audio

The graphic upgrade definitely makes the game look a bit more modern however that isn’t necessarily a good thing. There are many instances where the game loses some of its vibe. Certain textures just feel really flat and don’t seem to fit in with their surroundings. It’s super obvious in the first level of Tomb Raider IV while you play as young Lara. Rocks and ladders that look like there should be texture seem to lose all of it in the newer graphics. Part of the reason I played predominantly with the old graphics is because of nostalgia. However it’s also down to the fact that there wasn’t much atmosphere with the new graphics. It all feels a little bit too clean.

A female adventurer stands in a dimly lit, ancient stone chamber, with eerie green eyes peering from above. — At least you can see where to shoot now

Angel of Darkness

Unlike the rest of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Trilogy, Angel of Darkness felt really underwhelming. As a PS2 game, it’s graphics weren’t as dated as the others so I wasn’t expecting much. However, I was expecting more than I got

There is no consistency in what’s been updated. Characters like Bianca, Pierre and Kurtis all have their updated graphics and, whilst they look odd, they’re definitely upgraded. However, side characters such as Gunderson or the old man in the park aren’t upgraded at all. The enemies also aren’t upgraded and still have the PS2 graphics. Like I said, I didn’t expect much from the remaster because, in my opinion, the game still looks good. It just felt like it was on the back burner.

Kurtis got a much needed upgrade and is probably the best graphic improvements of the entire trilogy but beyond that it doesn’t feel like much has changed.

A figure stands under heavy rain against a dark, moody sky, wearing a cropped top and denim jacket, with urban scenery in the background. — Thank god they gave her a belly button!

Longevity

This collection of Tomb Raider games includes both of my favourites so I have been playing non-stop. Tomb Raider IV is the longest of the classic series, with a lot of backtracking levels. Tomb Raider V is a good game for those who don’t really want to commit to a longer story. Angel of Darkness has decent exploration and a more convoluted story which can take a while to wrap your head round. Unlike the I-III remaster, platinum trophies are available for each of the games on PS5! I’m slowly making my way through them to add them to my collection.

For both returning and new players, there are plenty of Tombs to raid and mysteries to uncover. It will be super easy for anyone to fall into some really good narratives with a well loved character.

Final Thoughts

I would highly recommend this game as it’s a good chance to get into the older games and I will never complain about the original Tomb Raider series. I think this might open the door for a remaster of Tomb Raider Legend and Underworld. Whether they actually need one or not is a different matter all together but I am very grateful that Aspyr decided to remaster these classics for newer consoles.

Honestly, I did consider giving this game the platinum award simply because it’s brought back the Serpent Rogue music. However with the inconsistencies in graphics and bugs that weren’t present in the original games I can’t do it.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered gets the Thumb Culture Gold Award.

Check out our other PlayStation reviews here to get some more insight into games you might want to add to your library!

About Author

Alex Crooks

My favourite kind of games are the ones that make you cry… and by cry I mean throw your controller at a wall because I definitely dodged that attack but I’m still somehow dead. Or cry because that jumpscare was just uncalled for and now I need to recover before I can make my way down another scary, dark corridor.

I’m as old as the first Tomb Raider and feel like I’ve been playing games ever since. I’m a Playstation girlie that dabbles in Switch and PC games. Don’t ask me about Bloodborne unless you’re ready to listen to me ramble on for hours.

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Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered – PS5 Review