True fans of the original Tomb Raider games on PS1 would have already played through the remastered versions that came out last year, so I admit that this report is considerably behind the times.

However, I like to take things slowly when playing and often pause the action to capture screenshots of the new and improved game, and then create a side-by-side comparison with the original title from twenty-five years ago.

All excuses aside, here are my best captures from Venice; arguably the most iconic location featured across the entire Tomb Raider series. I have chosen shots where the differences between the new and old versions are at their most obvious.

Within each screenshot, the 2024 remastered version is featured above, while the original 1997 game is shown below.

Outside the entrance to Bartoli’s Hideout.

Exploring a mansion. (Note the difference in lighting.)

An outside courtyard, complete with lemon trees.

The tricky chandelier puzzle room.

Climbable bookshelf and escape window. See how the lighting issues in the newer version of the game persist?

The domed roof of the opera house.

Interior shot of the opera house. Note the addition of a chandelier in the updated game.

I love the wooden paneling, and the ornamental light is a nice touch.

And finally, the seaplane in which Lara escapes on. The artwork on the side of the aircraft (possibly inspired by Jane Fonda as Barbarella) is improved out-of-sight in the remastered version.

Following on from the comparison shots, below is a collection of single snaps from the Venice chapters of Tomb Raider II; pictures that I feel capture the essence of the game and highlight the excellent work that went into upgrading the graphics.

This is a great shot, and the late afternoon sky looks amazing.

Jumping from chandelier to chandelier in Marco Bartoli’s hideout.

The opera house – with maze-like balconies and villains aplenty.

Taking a speedboat ride through the canals.

And last but not least, a snapshot of some swinging crates. How or why they are able to sway perpetually and with such force is never explained. It may defy science, but it looks good!

Overall, the Venice levels in Tomb Raider II were enjoyable to play, and featured a mixture of breathtaking yet bizarre locations. The bad guys were tough – as were their attack dogs – and for a while there I had to survive on half a health bar and no medipacks. But as the levels progressed there were plenty of pickups available and I managed to pass the test without too many difficulties.

I’m still working my way through the game, but am struggling a bit with the catacombs level in Tibet. I have taken a ton of screenshots though, so I might share my thoughts on the underwater chapters or the initial Tibetan stages at a later date.

Artwork and screenshots courtesy of Core Design and Aspyr.