> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://darylbaxter.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # My case for remastering Tomb Raider Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld - URL: https://darylbaxter.com/posts/tomb-raider-legend-anniversary-underworld-remaster/ - Published: 2026-10-23T14:31:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T14:31:00.000Z - Description: Let's see Bolivia in 4K and on Switch 2 - Author: Daryl Baxter - Tags: Gaming Before Gamescom, I thought the *Tomb Raider LAU Trilogy*, consisting of [*Legend*](https://www.gog.com/en/game/tomb%5Fraider%5Flegend?ref=darylbaxter.com), [*Anniversary*](https://www.gog.com/en/game/tomb%5Fraider%5Fanniversary?ref=darylbaxter.com), and [*Underworld*](https://www.gog.com/en/game/tomb%5Fraider%5Funderworld?ref=darylbaxter.com), didn't need a remaster. The ports were enough, and it's easy to play them on PC via [GOG](https://darylbaxter.com/posts/gog-preservation-program-interview/). But when I saw the Legend outfit used in the [*Legacy of Atlantis* hands-off demo](https://darylbaxter.com/posts/tomb-raider-legacy-of-atlantis-gamescom-preview/), I changed my mind. *Tomb Raider* has made a mighty return in recent years. The series’ first six games have been [remastered](https://darylbaxter.com/posts/tomb-raider-iv-vi-remastered-review-out-of-the-darkness/) for modern platforms, and a live-action TV series from Amazon debuts in 2027\. But some fans are desperate to see Crystal Dynamics’ first trilogy, released between 2006 and 2008, remastered. These three games are unique, with fantastic voice acting by Keeley Hawes and some great levels to play. Sources tell me a remastered *LAU Trilogy* isn’t happening right now, possibly because of low sales of *IV-VI Remastered*. Still, despite getting an HD remaster in 2011 for PlayStation 3, and the ability to play *Legend* and *Anniversary* on PS5 and Xbox in recent years, there’s plenty of room for a full remaster on modern platforms. --- ![](https://darylbaxter.com/content/images/2026/06/TR-Kayak-1.jpeg) #### ***The Making of Tomb Raider: 1997-2000** [Order Here](https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Making-of-Tomb-Raider-1997-2000-Hardback/p/62302?ref=darylbaxter.com) ## Return of a Legend ![](https://darylbaxter.com/content/images/2026/10/anni.jpeg) *Tomb Raider* was in a weak position after 2003’s *Angel of Darkness*. Despite a strong foundation, the game shipped flawed, with deleted content and bugs that made the title feel disjointed to new and returning players. It ultimately ended Core Design's involvement with the series. Publisher Eidos Interactive gave it to Crystal Dynamics, then known for the *Legacy of Kain* series, which resulted in a reboot. With co-creator Toby Gard back at the helm, we eventually got *Tomb Raider: Legend* in 2006\. Here, everything felt like Lara had been brought up to date, with good controls, a useful camera, and Keeley Hawes, known for TV shows like [*Ashes to Ashes*](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00jhp3l/ashes-to-ashes?ref=darylbaxter.com) and [*Spooks*](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008wnc7/spooks-series-1-episode-1?ref=darylbaxter.com), voicing the heroine. *Legend* became a classic, single-handedly bringing *Tomb Raider* back from the brink. It was followed up by 2007’s *Tomb Raider: Anniversary*, a remake of 1996’s *Tomb Raider*. Bringing a fresh perspective to the original game’s story and levels, whilst keeping many moments and its music intact, *Anniversary* was a decent game. However, some sections looked and felt dull to play, as [YouTuber Steve of Warr notes](https://youtu.be/5hChB5yDMTg?si=aoWAYjFwuUUJEOZo&t=1956&ref=darylbaxter.com) in his retrospective. But the title also added depth to *Legend*’s story, as if everything was converging on the next game. Rounding off the trilogy was 2008’s *Underworld*, which, while fun enough, didn’t feel as focused and polished as the other two. Many locations looked fantastic, but the gameplay dragged, and when Lara reunited with Natla, it didn’t feel earned. Yet the graphics shone, thanks to an improved engine, and the puzzles would keep you busy for a while. As it stands, you can play all three games via Steam, two of them as PS2 Classics on a PlayStation console, or through backward compatibility on Xbox Series X/S consoles. So why remaster them when they’re already available? 📱 **Join Springboard on* [***Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/dbspringboard?ref=darylbaxter.com)**,* [***TikTok**](https://www.tiktok.com/@dbspringboard?ref=darylbaxter.com)**, and* [***YouTube**](https://www.youtube.com/@dbspringboard?ref=darylbaxter.com) *for short-form videos that summarise features like this one!* ## An Underworld, remastered ![](https://darylbaxter.com/content/images/2026/10/under.jpeg) Crystal Dynamics should reconsider a LAU Trilogy remaster for several reasons. First, the games aren’t available on [Nintendo Switch 2](https://darylbaxter.com/posts/nintendo-switch-2-hands-on-review/), which feels like a missed opportunity, especially when the first six games, including the three expansions, can be played on the console. In *Tomb Raider: Underworld*, two DLC packs were exclusive to Xbox 360: *Beneath the Ashes* and *Lara's Shadow.* The first featured levels entirely set at Croft Manor, while the second let players become Lara’s doppelganger, bringing a fresh perspective to the game. These have mostly been lost to time, so to see them back, freshly remastered and available, would be a win for all, especially for game preservation. With three games featuring great controls, stories, and memorable performances from Keeley Hawes, this would be an ideal opportunity to highlight those positives again. In addition, remastering the *LAU Trilogy* should be less of a challenge than the previous remasters, since *Legend* and *Anniversary* featured brand-new textures, lighting, and higher framerates in the 2011 HD port. Here, it could be a matter of bug fixes, a few touch-ups, and Underworld getting the same glow-up as the other two games. ![](https://darylbaxter.com/content/images/2026/10/Anniversary-Nova.jpeg) When you consider that each game is available on multiple platforms, it gets confusing. For example, you can play the [PlayStation 2 version of *Tomb Raider: Anniversary*](https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10013616?ref=darylbaxter.com)on PlayStation 5, but it now looks dated on 4K TVs. A collection like the previous two remastered compilations would be much easier for those who want to play these games again. We may have to wait several years for Crystal Dynamics to package them as a collection. In the meantime, talented YouTuber [*Raidercast*](https://www.youtube.com/@Raidercast?ref=darylbaxter.com) has launched his *Tomb Raider: Legend* playthrough, which is sure to be another treat to watch and a reminder of why the *LAU Trilogy* is fun to play on its own merits. I do hope that we see a *LAU* remaster sooner rather than later. With *Tomb Raider*’s 30th anniversary now here and the 20th anniversary of Legend behind us, it’s time to see the *LAU Trilogy* return in a remastered form that gives players the same joy the previous remasters did. ## Springboard: The stories behind the games, apps, and more. I'm Daryl. I write about games and technology - the people who make them and why preservation matters. Send me Springboard Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam, no slop, no AI. Leave whenever you like.