The recent release of the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection allows players to revisit the original 1996 Tomb Raider, but the core gameplay mechanics of the title do not translate well to modern control schemes. The game, part of the first wave of multiplatform titles with fully 3D gameplay, utilized "tank controls," a system where Lara Croft moves relative to her orientation rather than the camera.
According to one player revisiting the game after nearly 30 years, the fundamental issue with playing the original Tomb Raider in 2024 is unsolvable, regardless of the care put into the remaster. This stems from the game's original design being built around the limitations and affordances of tank controls.
Tank controls were common in early 3D games like Super Mario 64 and Quake, released the same year as Tomb Raider. These controls allowed developers to create complex environments without the need for sophisticated character movement algorithms. However, modern gamers accustomed to direct analog control often find tank controls clunky and unintuitive.
The remaster offers an option for modern controls, but many players find that this control scheme does not improve the experience. The levels were designed with tank controls in mind, meaning the precision platforming and combat encounters become more difficult and frustrating with modern controls. The original game's deliberate pacing and emphasis on spatial awareness are disrupted by the more fluid movement.
While the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection offers updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements, the core gameplay experience remains tied to its original control scheme. This highlights the challenges of preserving classic games while adapting them to modern sensibilities.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment