Lara Croft Returns to PS4, But It’s Not the Remaster Fans Dreamed Of

In a wave of speculation and excitement, the gaming community has been buzzing about the potential arrival of Tomb Raider: Anniversary on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. A recent leak of a complete trophy list for a PS4 version of the 2007 classic has fueled hopes for a full-fledged remaster, but a closer look at the details suggests a different, and perhaps less exciting, reality. This news comes on the heels of the successful Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, leading many to believe that the entire classic franchise would be getting a modern overhaul.

The leaked trophy list, which has appeared on trophy tracking websites, is the first concrete sign that Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be coming to Sony’s modern consoles. While this is great news for fans of the franchise, a key detail has tempered the excitement. Unlike the recent remasters, which were developed with significant graphical and quality-of-life enhancements, this appears to be a straight port of the PlayStation 2 version, likely as part of the PlayStation Plus Premium Classics Catalog. This means players will be getting the game in its original, un-enhanced form, complete with its outdated visuals and technical limitations.

The Discrepancy Between Hopes and Reality

The leak has ignited a debate among fans. On one hand, any new way to play a classic Tomb Raider title is welcome. On the other, the lack of a proper remaster feels like a missed opportunity. The core issues that this brings up for players are significant:

• No Graphical Overhaul: The PS2 version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, while impressive for its time, pales in comparison to modern games. A full remaster would have brought Lara’s adventure to life with high-resolution textures, improved lighting, and a smooth, modern frame rate.
• Potential for the Inferior Version: The PS2 version is widely considered a less polished experience than the Xbox 360 or PC versions of the game. These platforms offered better graphical fidelity, smoother performance, and in some cases, enhanced features. A simple port of the PS2 version means players on PS4 and PS5 will not be getting the definitive Tomb Raider: Anniversary experience.
• The End of the Legend Trilogy Remaster Dream: For many, the leak of Tomb Raider: Anniversary‘s trophies was seen as the first sign of a much-anticipated “Legend Trilogy Remaster,” which would have included Tomb Raider: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld. The fact that the leak only contains one game and is for a classic PS2 port, rather than a full remaster, suggests this trilogy may not be coming anytime soon.

While some players are disappointed, others are simply happy to have another classic Tomb Raider game readily available on modern consoles. It’s a convenient way for new fans to experience the series’ rich history without resorting to older hardware or emulation. The move also signals Sony’s continued commitment to expanding its PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog, which has been a major draw for subscribers.

Looking Ahead: A Glimmer of Hope for a True Remaster

Despite the current news, there is still hope. The ongoing success of the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered has shown that there is a strong market for high-quality remasters of classic titles. Furthermore, developer Crystal Dynamics has a history of listening to its fanbase, and the massive demand for a modern version of the “Legend Trilogy” has not gone unnoticed. It’s possible that this PS2 port is simply a stopgap measure while a full-scale remaster is in development.

In the meantime, fans eager to revisit this adventure will have to settle for the classic PlayStation 2 version. While it may not be the definitive experience, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a pivotal era in Lara Croft’s history. The conversation surrounding this leak highlights a growing trend in the industry: the balance between quick, low-cost ports and comprehensive, full-priced remasters. For now, the hunt for a true “Legend Trilogy Remaster” continues, and the community will be watching for any new information about this beloved franchise.