With the release of both the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Collection and the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Collection, many newcomers have been asking the same question; which control scheme should I be using?
Well, today we are going to take a moment to look at both, and explain both the advantages and disadvantages of using either one. The reality is, it isn't a simple choice of picking one and sticking to it, but rather, choosing what works best for you for the current situation. To be completely blunt, there is no denying that the games were made to use the classic controls, but that doesn't mean the modern controls can't be used to help some newcomers out.
The Classic Controls in Tomb Raider:
Tomb Raider was originally designed with "tank controls" in mind. The original game was designed to only use the D-Pad, and setup in a way where players would have full control over Lara Croft while exploring the world. As the game contains fall damage, and platforming sections that require complete precision, it is very important that players can fine tune Lara's movements to ensure she doesn't fall or get hurt. The tank controls allow players to finely adjusting her position, and pull off different types of moves to actually reach or get down from platforms.
For example, some ledges are just a short hop away, and do not require anything special. For ones more out of reach however, Lara not only needs to run to gain momentum, but she needs to jump and actually reach out for the ledge. Tank controls allow players to clearly line up such jumps, and grab the ledge to avoid letting Lara fall to her death.
Actions like this do require more button inputs, but each game typically has an areas for players to get the hang of things first. On top of this, there are little changes to the core controls between titles, with each new game expecting players to be familiar with the last. It takes time to learn, but in many cases it is worth doing just that. Using the classic controls also gives more freedom in combat, as Lara can lock onto enemies, and do jumps and flips out of the way to avoid incoming attacks; something that isn't handled so smoothly when looking at the modern controls.
As for the controls themselves, they are as follows.
Classic Control Layout:
- Up: Move Forward
- Down: Step Back
- Left: Turn Left
- Right: Turn Right
- R1 + D-Pad: Walk
- R2 + D-Pad: Run
- L2: Duck/Crawl
- L1 + R1: Photo Mode
- Top Face Button: Equip Weapon
- Bottom Face Button: Action Button
- Bottom Face With Weapon: Shoot
- Left Face Button: Jump
- Right Face Button: Roll
The Action Button itself is used for grabbing ledges, pushing objects, lowering yourself down, and other key actions required to make it through the games.
The Modern Controls in Tomb Raider:
Tomb Raider's Modern Controls are exactly as the name suggests; it is a control layout aimed to make Tomb Raider feel a bit more familiar with today's standards. However, as the game was designed for Classic Controls, the in game tutorials make no reference to them. Instead, Aspyr has provided a guide on how to use them. This does not fully detail all the differences however, as the modern controls do have limitations.
The biggest difference with Modern Controls is the fact that Lara will move in the direction the D-Pad or Analog Stick is pushed in. This movement speed is a bit faster and a bit slippy feeling compared to the Classic Controls, and cannot be used to fine tune Lara's placement on a platform. She takes larger steps with Modern Controls, and can easily miss-step. By holding in the right stick Lara can back step or side step to help reposition herself, but this feature is not available in Tomb Raider I-III and is instead exclusive to Tomb Raider IV-VI. Modern Controls also put shooting on the L and R buttons, with ledge grabbing also being set to R2 rather than the "Action Button" as seen in the Classic Controls. Additionally the lack of fine-tuning Lara's movements has caused other special actions to be reassigned to new commands, which is also explained in Aspyr's Official Guide.
Because of these changes, Modern Controls makes it easier to navigate and explore the world, while also making platforming and combat more challenging compared to the original layout. While it is easier to physically get to a platform, it becomes more challenging to actually line up your jumps, or even do something as simple as grab a hanging rope. This means switching between the two control schemes can actually help those struggling, as different actions are in fact easier when using different settings.
As for the Modern Controls themselves, they are as follows.
Modern Control Layout:
- Left Stick: Move
- L3: Dash
- Right Stick: Camera
- R3: Zoom
- Bottom Face Button: Jump
- Top Face Button: Action Button
- Right Face Button: Roll
- Left Face Button: Hold to Walk
- L1: Duck
- L2: Equip Weapon
- R2: Shoot/Grab Ledges
- L1 + R1: Photo Mode
Additional Controls:
- Hang & Drop: Hold Shoot, Press Roll
- Flips: Equip Weapon, Jump and Hit Directional Button
- Swan Dive: Jump followed by Move and Roll Buttons.
- Side Step/Back Step: Hold R3 and Move (Tomb Raider IV-VI)
Again, it is important to note that the game itself does not explain these functions when using Modern Controls, and that using R2 for ledges is a Modern Control exclusive; Classic Controls will use the Action Button instead.
Which Should You Use?
Both control schemes work fine in Tomb Raider I-III and Tomb Raider IV-VI; however, those who take the time to master the Classic Controls will have an easier time. While Modern Controls are great for their "ease of use" with basic movement, they make platforming and other simple actions much more challenging in some cases. Ultimately both control methods can be used to complete all of the games, but they both require work to get used to. Which you choose will depend on what feels the best for you, but sometimes swapping between the modes can be really helpful as well.
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