In a nostalgic nod to the past, the beloved action-adventure series, Tomb Raider, is making a triumphant return in early 2024 with the release of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. Developed by Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics, this bundle revives the original trilogy of Tomb Raider games, offering fans a chance to relive Lara Croft’s iconic adventures with modern-day enhancements.
The Trilogy Remastered
The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft bundle features remastered versions of the first three games: Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, and Tomb Raider III. These classic titles have been given a fresh coat of paint, with updated graphics that stay true to the original art direction, creating a gaming experience that feels both new and familiar. Much like the remastered versions of Legend of Zelda and Quake 2, these updated visuals capture the essence of the originals.
A Journey Through Time
The Tomb Raider trilogy pack doesn’t just focus on visual enhancements. It also includes all the classic expansions and secret levels, ensuring that players can fully immerse themselves in Lara Croft’s world. The Unfinished Business Expansion, The Gold Mask Expansion, and The Lost Artifact Expansion are all part of this remastered collection.
Tomb Raider I + Unfinished Business Expansion: This is where it all began. Join the adventurous Lara Croft as she embarks on a mission to recover the fragments of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. Engage in heart-pounding moments of running, jumping, swimming, and climbing in a fearless, acrobatic style as you unveil the artifact’s origin and powers, leaving a trail of emptied tombs and spent ammo in your wake. The original Tomb Raider is accompanied by the “Unfinished Business” expansion, which introduces four new bonus levels across two additional chapters.
Tomb Raider II + Gold Mask Expansion: The award-winning second installment of the Tomb Raider series beckons you to join Lara as she journeys across the globe in pursuit of the legendary Dagger of Xian. This powerful artifact is rumored to grant its holder the abilities of a fire-breathing dragon. Tomb Raider II includes the “Gold Mask” expansion, featuring five new bonus levels in a separate mini-adventure.
Tomb Raider III + The Lost Artifact Expansion: In Tomb Raider III, Lara embarks on a quest filled with enigmatic clues, complex puzzles, and high-speed action as she unravels a deadly secret. Fearlessly leap across treacherous chasms and engage in fierce battles with menacing foes in pursuit of a mystery that defies any earthly explanation. The Lost Artifact expansion offers six new levels, continuing Lara’s adventures from the original Tomb Raider III.
Release Date and Platforms
The release date for Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is set for February 14, 2024, making it a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift for fans of classic gaming. The good news is that this release date appears to be worldwide, so fans from all corners of the globe can jump into Lara Croft’s adventures simultaneously.
This remastered trilogy will be available on various platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. It ensures that no one misses out on the opportunity to relive Lara Croft’s early adventures.
Pre-Order Details
Excitingly, digital pre-orders for the trilogy are already open, and there’s a 10% discount available for those who pre-order on Steam and Switch. If you already own the original games on Steam or GOG, you can get the trilogy pack at a 20% loyalty discount.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s no sign of a physical release yet. Fans hoping for a tangible copy might need to keep their fingers crossed that one will be announced before the February 14th release date.
Lara Croft: Pioneering a New Era for Female Protagonists
In 1996 the gaming world was on the brink of a transformation. It was in this pivotal moment that the original Tomb Raider series made its debut, sending shockwaves through the industry and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of gaming. At the forefront of this revolution stood the fearless and iconic Lara Croft.
Breaking Barriers: The original Tomb Raider trilogy played a pivotal role in popularizing female protagonists in the male-dominated realm of gaming. Lara Croft emerged as a beacon of change, breaking the mold of traditional gaming heroes. Her wit, intelligence, and unflinching attitude challenged the stereotypes that had long prevailed in the world of video games. Lara was not just a character; she was a trailblazer, a symbol of empowerment for players of all genders.
Cultural Icon: Beyond the gaming screen, Lara Croft transcended into pop culture. Her enduring presence extended to movies, comic books, and a plethora of merchandise. This cultural prominence solidified her status as an icon, one whose influence went beyond the digital realm. Lara Croft was not merely a virtual action hero but a symbol of strength and resilience for a generation.
Unmeasurable Impact: The impact of Lara Croft on gaming is immeasurable. Her legacy has endured through decades, and her character has continued to evolve, inspiring future generations of game developers to create complex, strong, and multifaceted female characters. Lara Croft’s journey was more than just a series of games; it was a statement about representation and the ability of video games to challenge conventions.
As we anxiously await the release of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft in 2024, we have the unique opportunity to revisit the roots of this gaming legend. For long-time fans, it’s a chance to relive the classic action and innovative gameplay that helped pioneer the era of 3D gaming. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to a character whose impact on the gaming world is immeasurable.
Lara Croft’s enduring appeal serves as a testament to the importance of well-developed and strong female characters in the world of video games. She laid the foundation for a new era of gaming, where diversity and representation became central themes. So, here’s to Lara Croft, the original gaming icon, and the remastered trilogy that continues to celebrate her adventures and the trail she blazed for future heroes.