In a thrilling revelation during the September 14 Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo announced that the classic Tomb Raider 1-3 trilogy is making a triumphant return, remastered and revitalized for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch users, set to hit the gaming world on February 14, 2024.
This exciting announcement means that gamers will have the opportunity to relive the adventures of the iconic archaeologist Lara Croft in the games that originally graced the 1990s, now with a contemporary twist. Each of these beloved titles will receive a facelift, boasting updated graphics and including every expansion pack, including “The Unfinished Business,” “The Gold Mask,” and “The Lost Artifact,” along with the respective secret levels that have challenged and delighted fans for decades.
One of the standout features showcased in the announcement trailer was the ability for players to toggle seamlessly between the remastered visuals and the classic polygon-style look, giving gamers the freedom to switch between nostalgia and modernity “at any time” during their playthrough. This brilliant addition caters to both seasoned Tomb Raider fans and newcomers alike, offering an authentic and dynamic gaming experience.
Nintendo shared the essence of the adventure, stating, “Uncover treasures of the ancient world by solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries lost to the ravages of time. Follow the iconic Lara Croft around the world and face off against deadly foes and dangerous myths.” The promise of rediscovering these timeless tales, now with enhanced visuals and seamless gameplay transitions, is undoubtedly enticing.
Excitement is already building for this remastered trilogy, as it is available for pre-order on the Nintendo Switch for $26.99 / £24.29. However, for those who can’t wait to embark on this nostalgia-infused journey, the games will be sold at their full price of $29.99 / £26.99 upon release.
In addition to Nintendo’s announcement, a separate statement from the official PlayStation blog revealed that the Tomb Raider trilogy is also making its way to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. While pre-orders for these platforms are anticipated, the appropriate links had yet to be unveiled at the time of this writing. Nevertheless, PlayStation users can look forward to experiencing Lara Croft’s legendary adventures with a fresh perspective and upgraded visuals.
The significance of this announcement reaches far beyond mere nostalgia. The first Tomb Raider game originally debuted in 1996, followed by its sequel in 1997, and Tomb Raider 3 in 1998. These titles marked the inception of a franchise that has since grown to encompass numerous sequels, reboots, and adaptations across various media.
Notably, Amazon Games unveiled plans last year to collaborate with Crystal Dynamics on the next installment in the Tomb Raider series. The forthcoming game is touted to be the “biggest, most expansive” title in the franchise’s history, utilizing the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 to elevate storytelling elements and deliver a gaming experience that exceeds expectations.
