Unearthing the Past: Which Tomb Raider is a Remake of the Original?

The answer is Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Released in 2007, Anniversary is a faithful remake of the original Tomb Raider (1996), reimagining Lara Croft’s very first adventure with updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and a slightly expanded storyline while staying true to the core essence of the classic. It’s not just a prettier version; it’s a complete re-envisioning, built from the ground up to cater to modern gaming sensibilities while preserving the spirit of the pioneering title that launched a gaming icon.

Delving Deeper: What Makes Anniversary a Remake?

Tomb Raider: Anniversary isn’t just a simple visual upgrade like a remaster. It’s a full-fledged remake. This means that while the narrative core of the game – Lara Croft’s quest to find the Scion artifacts – remains largely the same, nearly everything else has been rebuilt. Crystal Dynamics, the development team behind Anniversary, utilized the same engine that powered Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Underworld, providing Lara with a significantly expanded moveset and more fluid animations.

The levels, while maintaining their original layout and key areas, were redesigned with far greater detail and complexity. Puzzles were reworked, enemy encounters were enhanced, and the overall game world felt far more interactive and dynamic. In essence, Anniversary offers a classic story with a contemporary gaming experience.

The remake also featured subtle changes to the narrative, expanding on certain elements and characters, offering more context and depth to the original plot. While purists might argue about these changes, they were generally well-received for enhancing the overall storytelling.

Remaster vs. Remake: Knowing the Difference

It’s crucial to understand the distinction between a remaster and a remake. A remaster typically involves enhancing the existing assets of a game – improving textures, resolution, and possibly adding some quality-of-life improvements. Think of it as giving an old painting a fresh coat of varnish.

A remake, on the other hand, is a complete re-imagining. The original game serves as the blueprint, but the entire structure is rebuilt using modern technology and design principles. In the painting analogy, it’s like taking the original concept and creating an entirely new painting with different brushes, colors, and techniques. Anniversary clearly falls into the remake category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tomb Raider Remakes and Remasters

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that clarify the world of Tomb Raider remakes and remasters:

1. Is there a remake of the original Tomb Raider? Yes, Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007) is a remake of the original Tomb Raider (1996).

2. Are the first three Tomb Raider games being remastered? Yes, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is slated for release on February 14, 2024.

3. What does “remastered” mean in the context of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered? It means the games will have updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements, but will retain the core gameplay and level design of the originals. This differs from Anniversary which was a full remake.

4. Is Tomb Raider: Legend a remake of the first game? No, Tomb Raider: Legend is a reboot of the series, reimagining Lara Croft’s origins but not directly remaking the first game’s story.

5. What’s the difference between Tomb Raider: Anniversary and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered? Anniversary is a remake with completely rebuilt visuals and gameplay. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is a remaster, enhancing the original games’ graphics and adding quality-of-life improvements, but retaining the core gameplay.

6. Is Tomb Raider (2013) an origin story? Yes, Tomb Raider (2013) is a reboot that tells a new origin story for Lara Croft.

7. What is the order of the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy? The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy consists of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018).

8. Are all Tomb Raider games connected? No, the games are generally divided into distinct timelines. The original games (1-5 and Angel of Darkness) are connected, the Legend trilogy is its own continuity, and the reboot trilogy is separate as well.

9. Is Tomb Raider: Legend a remake of Tomb Raider II? No, Tomb Raider: Legend is a reboot of the entire series, not a remake of any specific game.

10. On what platforms will Tomb Raider I-III Remastered be available? Tomb Raider I-III Remastered will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG.

11. Is Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider the same game? No, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a sequel to Tomb Raider (2013) and the second game in the Survivor trilogy.

12. Is Tomb Raider Definitive Edition a remaster? Tomb Raider Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of Tomb Raider (2013) with improved graphics and all downloadable content. While it’s an upgrade, it’s not typically considered a full remaster in the same vein as Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.

13. Are the Tomb Raider reboot games connected to the original series? No, the Tomb Raider reboot games (2013, Rise, and Shadow) are a separate continuity from the original series.

14. What inspired the original design of Lara Croft? Lara Croft’s original design was inspired by pop artist Neneh Cherry and comic book character Tank Girl, aiming to subvert stereotypical female characters.

15. When was the original Tomb Raider released? The original Tomb Raider was released in 1996, first for the Sega Saturn in Europe in October and then for PlayStation and MS-DOS in November.

The Enduring Legacy of Lara Croft

Lara Croft, the star of the Tomb Raider franchise, has remained a cultural icon for over two decades. From her humble beginnings on blocky polygons to her modern, highly detailed iterations, she has captivated gamers with her courage, intelligence, and athleticism. The character’s impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, paving the way for more strong female protagonists and influencing action-adventure game design. The Games Learning Society, with the URL GamesLearningSociety.org, would certainly find fascinating case studies within the Tomb Raider series to explore how games engage, educate, and influence players. The franchise’s continued relevance demonstrates the power of well-crafted characters and engaging narratives. Understanding the differences between remakes and remasters is essential for appreciating the evolving history of video games and their impact on popular culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of Tomb Raider, there’s always something new to discover in Lara Croft’s thrilling escapades. And with the upcoming release of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, there’s never been a better time to revisit the classics that started it all.