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[radewagon]

Beat TR1 yesterday, and right now I've made it to Tibet in TR2. Goddamn I loved these games. It's such a shame they would never make anything like this today. No yellow paint, no quest markers, no protagonist that's talking out loud and giving the player directions, none of that modern day shite. It just drops you off in a tomb and says "Aight bitch, good luck."

I'm a huge fan of the originals, but I don't begrudge modern games for having things like yellow paint or quest markers. In OG Tomb Raider, the level geometry is so rigid, that those modern additions aren't necessary. It's already obvious where you can climb, grab, shimmy, etc. Games with more dense environments have a much harder task on their hands when it comes to communicating what parts of a level can be interacted with. While yellow paint and markers aren't exactly elegant, I get why they're used.

 

[DeleteriousObnoxious]

So beat TR 1 took me 10 hours... was running a bit around looking for Keys here is hoping that they can keep working on it to make it perfect,
but in terms of darkness or lighting its perfect as it is. they went for the idea that tombs should be full of darkness and i love that. Yes there are challenges in the sense of readability of the terrain but its a challenge i like.
they honestly should just hire some TRLE's to make classic tomb raiders as official classic lara then the woke people and modern audiences can keep there "she-male" or family issued lara croft if they really like her so much.. just have it run as a separate thing.
so we get more of this immersive game play, that is non existent these days.

 

[Södy]

Going to buy this next week, the hype is real and really want to play these again. Still debating if I get it on PC (cheapest and best), PS5 (nearly PC graphics and can play on OLED) or Switch (portability but worst version from a technic standpoint).

 

[Filben]

Nice bit, I was just in that part too. I like using these kinds of jumps in normal traversal too, to climb up places faster without the hanging on and climbing animations, just hop up. Was the other part with the pressure plates opening the gates with levers inside and what not always so strict in the timing, it took me several tries to just barely get in the last one. I guess already this early in the game you have to master the rules of the controls/gameplay to get by (or maybe the 60fps somehow messed up the timing of that stuff?). On to Palace (of? missing typo since the 90s?) Midas.


I'm pretty sure the original PC release also has water distortion similar to this (also absent in this remaster), at least in one of the 3D accelerated versions, unless that was a modification by the folks who made the modern Tomb Raider patches (not Open Lara, that has different shader based water).

You can see it here and in other random playthrough videos though it's not easy to know which exact version folks are playing I guess, but it's clearly not Open Lara or console versions and it's an old school effect rather than something modern. DF retro's Tomb Raider episode sucks about this stuff.

Edit: wops, that is using an older version of TR1X (renamed Tomb1Main) so I guess we know what version and that's indeed a reimplementation of the engine in open source format so I guess it has things the original didn't (like the braid) but I l read the changes and it doesn't mention distortions...

I've played the original dos version via DosBox just now (I love this technical stuff and back to back comparisons) and the PC version is missing the blueish tint under water and distortion. What it does though is have some kind of fake wobbling of the surface, but it's texture only and doesn't effect Lara when she's in the water.

Thank you for the video, though and sharing these findings!

 

[emivita]

Just got the third piece of the Scion in TR1, now in Atlantis. That FMV with Lara on bike was mindboggling back in 1996, still so cool in 2024.

 

[T-0800]

I love the look of these games. I'd almost accept a lot of games looking like PS1/PS2 games if they were all 60fps and 4k. It would mean we wouldn't have to wait 5 to 7 years for a new entry.

 

[SCB3]

I'm not getting fully into the games yet as I have Like a Dragon to finish off first but I did mess in laras home a bit on the PS5 version, on the Modern Controls, is there a way to walk? On the Tank controls its hold R1 but I cannot seem to find a way to do it

 

[Con-Z-epT]

I'm not getting fully into the games yet as I have Like a Dragon to finish off first but I did mess in laras home a bit on the PS5 version, on the Modern Controls, is there a way to walk? On the Tank controls its hold R1 but I cannot seem to find a way to do it

Square / Left Alt / X is for walking with the modern control sheme. You can also look this up or change it under options -> controls -> change controls, while modern controls are active.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

Got to love the circle strafe:



Obelisk of Khamoon is another lesson in masterful level design

 

[Scotty W]

This exchange is proof that games are NOT art.

 

[SCB3]

Watching some gameplay, man they really do not make games like this anymore, those "real" stakes when you miss a jump or get lost etc

Don't get me wrong I liked the 2013 games (not played Shadow tbf though) but there something special about the originals

 

[Morrie’s wig shop]

So it’s worth it right guys.
They didn’t fuck with the controls?
They didn’t mess with the non-music areas and add music or screw up all the ambient sounds with no music?
No added fuckery or taken away shit cause it don’t jell with “modern audiences”

 

[Salmon Snake]

I think I'll might buy this for full price just to support the devs. I don't have the time to play this atm but I suppose these are pretty quick to finish?

 

[Alexios]

I've played the original dos version via DosBox just now (I love this technical stuff and back to back comparisons) and the PC version is missing the blueish tint under water and distortion. What it does though is have some kind of fake wobbling of the surface, but it's texture only and doesn't effect Lara when she's in the water.

Thank you for the video, though and sharing these findings!

Isn't it emulating software only rendering via dosbox and not the versions made for different GPU like ATI Rage of the time soon after its initial software only release? It also had lower color bit depth with obvious banding and other stuff you don't have when using 3D acceleration iirc.

You can see it at least has the tint for stuff underwater in this video using ATI but it's not showing the water surface enough to pinpoint distortion effects.

 

[Alex11]

Finished the 1st one, played like it was my first game.

Just superb level design, St Francis' Folly, Palace Midas and all of Egypt levels being my favourites.
You can have all of cinematics and TressFX in these new TR games, nothing beats the sense of solitude and discovery of these oldies, when the music kicks in at the right time and not often, not all combat scenarios need to have that bombastic music.

 

[TGO]

So it’s worth it right guys.
They didn’t fuck with the controls?
They didn’t mess with the non-music areas and add music or screw up all the ambient sounds with no music?
No added fuckery or taken away shit cause it don’t jell with “modern audiences”

Definitely but keep away from the Modern Controls.
I saw Tyrone Magnus playing it and the first thing he did was go into the options before starting saying "hell no to tank controls" without trying them, that was followed by some very painful gameplay and frustration from Tyrone, he actually ruined his first impression on the game.
The camera is terrible, you can't push forward and action to climb up small rocks and stuff so you just saw him jump up in a straight line to climb a step, you could see he was thinking "this is terrible" but it all because he refused to even try Tank Controls and jumped straight to modern controls.
You definitely can't do this with modern controls

And yes that's how you get that secret on that timed door

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

Funny how memory works. I remember St Francys Folly being really challenging and ended up being basic. Palace Midas though…what a dope level! Didn’t remember that one! Just Lara turning to gold lmao.

 

[Filben]

Can someone describe to me how the haptic feebdack on PS5 feels like? I've read that adaptive triggers and haptic feedback is supported. I find it in well-implemented scenarios great for the immersion, like feeling different grounds you're stepping on, precise rumble when getting hit etc. How's your experience in that regard? Currently owning the PC version but I might refund it for the PS5 version.

 

[MagiusNecros]

They don't make games like this anymore. First 4 levels(Peru) were fantastic. Got stumped a couple times but I miss being stuck for hours and finally figuring out what to do. Level design is so good. In the same amount of time I've spent playing I could probably be easily halfway done with TR 2013 with how streamlined it was.

Not to mention the atmosphere(especially waterfall areas) and music only pops up when you reach a new area, find a secret room, TRAPS or a tense combat encounter. Game definitely has the "show don't tell" thing down.

 

[Field]

Are most of you playing with the upgraded graphics? Anyone else finding it hard to stick to one?

 

[TGO]

Can someone describe to me how the haptic feebdack on PS5 feels like? I've read that adaptive triggers and haptic feedback is supported. I find it in well-implemented scenarios great for the immersion, like feeling different grounds you're stepping on, precise rumble when getting hit etc. How's your experience in that regard? Currently owning the PC version but I might refund it for the PS5 version.

Sadly it's basic rumble and the Triggers aren't really used except for in Modern Controls and TR3
I didn't notice any advance haptics or adaptive trigger responses.

 

[MagiusNecros]

Are most of you playing with the upgraded graphics? Anyone else finding it hard to stick to one?

I plan on playing the games twice once with updated graphics and original graphics.

The original graphics I'm saving for the second run since in the case with Lost Valley the darkness makes it very foreboding as opposed to the new graphics where you can see the sky.

The darkness adds to how terrifying it makes the dinosaurs. The fear factor isn't as great when you see the skies as opposed to this.

 

[Filben]

Sadly it's basic rumble and the Triggers aren't really used except for in Modern Controls and TR3
I didn't notice any advance haptics or adaptive trigger responses.

Thank you! I think I'll stick with the PC version then

 

[Krathoon]

Yeah. The problem with the remaster is that they tried to be too realistic in some cases. If a place was set at night in the original, leave it pitch black.

 

[Crayon]

Hard not to pop $30 just to support old lara. Thinking about it.

 

[Fart Knight]

Hard not to pop $30 just to support old lara. Thinking about it.

 

[Krathoon]

The remaster is essentially the final version of the games. All in one convenient package.

But, there are a few bugs that they need to fix. It may be good to wait a bit.

 

[Field]

I plan on playing the games twice once with updated graphics and original graphics.

The original graphics I'm saving for the second run since in the case with Lost Valley the darkness makes it very foreboding as opposed to the new graphics where you can see the sky.

The darkness adds to how terrifying it makes the dinosaurs. The fear factor isn't as great when you see the skies as opposed to this.

I still think the new graphics are pretty good but I agree there are some horror elements lost. Also the feeling of isolation where I previously felt like I was alone deep underground is different when seeing the sky through open roofs.

 

[MagiusNecros]

I still think the new graphics are pretty good but I agree there are some horror elements lost. Also the feeling of isolation where I previously felt like I was alone deep underground is different when seeing the sky through open roofs.

Right if you noticed in Peru in the Tomb all those new light sources with openings aren't present with the original graphics. So you really feel isolated and closed in as opposed to the new graphics having a more cheery and open environment.

 

[BigLee74]

Colosseum loses A LOT of its atmosphere now you can see the whole thing along with a proper skybox. I know it sounds daft, but when I originally played this I got the impression it was all underground. Still plays great though, and did stump me for a minute or two at one point.

Ambient sound effects are amazing, all these years later. The whistling winds are just top drawer stuff!

 

[Alexios]

Shit OT. Found an error in St Francis' Folly where the first crocodile is, with the new graphics the secret room's entrance is covered with a painting, on both sides, with or without the water. Weird.

Also, I wish there was a 3rd visual mode where it's original graphics with high fps and small enhancements like better draw distance or better Lara from later games, with ponytail, inserted in TR.

Another out of place painting in the Colosseum level after the first key where you jump in the water and get past crocodiles, if you decide to reverse there's a massive painting texture from where you came only visible from that side. Weird.

 

[Krathoon]

Another out of place painting in the Colosseum level after the first key where you jump in the water and get past crocodiles, if you decide to reverse there's a massive painting texture from where you came only visible from that side. Weird.

It sounds like that was some leftover level editing that they forgot to delete.

 

[Alexios]

Another random glitch in Palace Midas, that random brighter geometry and darker piece next to it flickers in and out depending on angle/distance. Kind of annoying how there's stuff like this so often/in almost every level so far. On to The Cistern.

 

[AyraSutoraifu]

O skater boy, you had your whole life in front of you...

 

[TGO]

Colosseum loses A LOT of its atmosphere now you can see the whole thing along with a proper skybox. I know it sounds daft, but when I originally played this I got the impression it was all underground. Still plays great though, and did stump me for a minute or two at one point.

Ambient sound effects are amazing, all these years later. The whistling winds are just top drawer stuff!

That's the impression I got with a lot of the levels, although admittedly I did question why it was underground.
This does make more sense
And yeah the ambience is awesome nearly 30 years later.

 

[tommib]

I’m stuck at the cistern. I get the last golden key but then the door is closed and I can’t go back on that corner with the spikes. I need to reload. I don’t know you could get stuck? What am I doing wrong?

 

[TGO]

I’m stuck at the cistern. I get the last golden key but then the door is closed and I can’t go back on that corner with the spikes. I need to reload. I don’t know you could get stuck? What am I doing wrong?

If it's the room I'm thinking of...
Have you flooded the room?
you have to go back to the room where you met Pierre and flip the switch before hand

 

[emivita]

O skater boy, you had your whole life in front of you...

He also had his whole cool skate park in fucking Atlantis all for him to enjoy.

 

[Madflavor]

Heh, definitely a game from the 90s.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

No need to hang and shimmy, Modern controls have opened up a lot more fluidity with the platforming. I started the game using it and haven't looked back since, been *much* smoother than tank back in the day and I say that as someone who is usually a purist with this kind of stuff:

 

[zokie]

 

[SuperBabyMethod]

What an absolute nostalgic trip these games are! So many memories playing these with my brother back in the day. We could never beat TR1 legit, so we had to use the cheat codes, lol; and now I’m playing TR1 legit and halfway through it’s been an absolute blast - it’s an intimidating game with its lack of handholding but I think these games are a reminder that there is a lack of “magic” that modern games lack nowadays (except for games like Elden Ring/Bloodborne) - no handholding, tough puzzles and rewarding gameplay that reward you for being precise and atmosphere that just oozes the feeling of being alone, as well as the lack of music to emphasize that loneliness - but when the music does come on it’s simply amazing (Venice Violins is a fantastic piece of music).

I think this remaster should set the precedent for future classic remasters (could you imagine Xenogears and the OG Resident Evils getting this treatment? )

 

[TGO]

No need to hang and shimmy, Modern controls have opened up a lot more fluidity with the platforming. I started the game using it and haven't looked back since, been *much* smoother than tank back in the day and I say that as someone who is usually a purist with this kind of stuff:

I said this earlier but until you can do this

Tank is the only way.
What you did can still be done with tank at the same speed, you just gotta be accustom to them

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

I said this earlier but until you can do this

Tank is the only way.
What you did can still be done with tank at the same speed, you just gotta be accustom to them

I appreciate that, I grew up on tank so you're preaching to the choir. The fact is the moment to moment movement feels more fluid and thus enjoyable with the Modern controls, ditto for combat, I've had zero issues with platforming and developed new techniques to account for the changes. Let's be happy both options exist and everyone can figure out for themselves what they prefer

 

[MrTroubleMaker]

dumb censorship

 

[MAtgS]

dumb censorship

What were you expecting? No way the remastered version was gonna get green lit if she were nude.

Besides any other game would've just removed the lady altogether because it isn't very PC.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

lmao, don't remember this game having a Taxi Driver reference but as I kid I wouldn't have picked up on it anyway, didn't see the movie until I was in my 20's

 

[Scotty W]

I plan on playing the games twice once with updated graphics and original graphics.

How can you possibly have time to play all 3 twice? It took me several weeks to beat the original.

I’d imagine a

 

[SleepySlippy]

Unfinished business. Job will be done when they release The Last Revelation as a DLC.

 

[Filben]

Man, I'm often switching back and forth between graphics modes. In many cases the original graphics still holds up so well

Also, where the hell are in this level the rest of the five pick ups and three secrets I've missed? I've explored every inch of this one... so I though.