After remastering and compiling the original trilogy of Tomb Raider titles in the early months of 2024, Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics are set to come out with another similar collection in the form of Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered. On top of enhancements and improvements akin to the previous remastered trilogy, this next one is also promising to build on those foundations with continued improvements based on feedback from the audience, while there’s also no denying the unique appeal of the much darker and tonally different second trilogy of Tomb Raider titles. To learn more about how Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered aims to enhance all of that, we recently spoke with Matthew Ray, brand manager at Aspyr. You can read the full interview below.
"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."
Was it always the plan to remaster Tomb Raider 4 to 6, or was it something that was only decided after the response to Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered?
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 are some of the most significant pieces of feedback for Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered from the community that you’ve taken into account for Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered?
The community’s feedback on Tomb Raider I-III Remastered was incredibly valuable. Photo Mode was a big highlight, with players asking for more creative tools—which inspired us to include additional poses and outfits for Lara Croft in the new collection. Tons of players also expressed their appreciation for the graphic toggle feature, so we’ve obviously brought that feature back too. There are always ideas and improvements that can spark from community feedback, so we welcome it with open arms.
What was your approach to enhancing and updating the visuals? What sort of a balance does the game strike between enhancing things and remaining true to the original look?
Here at Aspyr we like to say “Additions, not Revisions.” It’s all about respecting the original art direction while taking advantage of modern technology to elevate the experience. Every visual enhancement—whether it’s improved textures, refined lighting, or updated character models—is designed to amplify the immersive atmosphere that Core Design originally envisioned. Environments like the Great Pyramid in The Last Revelation now have better textures and lighting which highlights their mystery and scale while retaining the iconic, foreboding tone.
"The community’s feedback on Tomb Raider I-III Remastered was incredibly valuable. Photo Mode was a big highlight, with players asking for more creative tools—which inspired us to include additional poses and outfits for Lara Croft in the new collection."
Can you talk us through Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered’s most significant quality-of-life additions?
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!
With Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered’s Photo Mode set to feature new poses, could we perhaps expect those to be added into Tomb Raider 1-3 with an update at some point?
This is a great question, and of course we know fans would love that! Right now though, our focus is on delivering the best possible experience for Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, but we’re always exploring ways to improve and expand on our previous releases.
As a developer, what are your thoughts on the PS5 Pro? How does boost in GPU help in developing your game compared to the base PS5?
The PS5 Pro’s enhanced GPU opens up exciting opportunities for all developers. It allows us to push for even greater visual fidelity, from crispier textures to even more dynamic lighting and shadow effects. This extra power also ensures smoother frame rates, even in visually intense scenes without compromising fidelity.
"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."
What resolution and frame rates will the game target on the Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PS5 Pro?
On Xbox Series X and PS5, the game will target 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, delivering a visually stunning and smooth experience. On Xbox Series S, we’re aiming for 1440p at 60 FPS.
