Tomb Raider, a classic video game, can now run on older hardware like the Amiga, thanks to the efforts of a determined programmer. This impressive feat demonstrates the game’s adaptability to vintage systems. However, the programmer’s initial attempt revealed that there are still several issues to address, highlighting the challenges of making modern games compatible with legacy technology. Despite these hurdles, the achievement marks an exciting step in bringing the iconic game back to older platforms. It’s been almost 30 years since the first installment in the Tomb Raider series was released for the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and MS-DOS. Since then, there have been many ports, including a mobile version for the iPhone. However, no one has brought Tomb Raider to the Amiga yet – until now.
“Tomb Raider isn’t just a game—it’s an adventure, where every puzzle solved and every leap taken brings pure enjoyment and a sense of discovery.”
Developer BSzili, known for his previous successful Amiga ports, has now taken on the challenge of bringing the original Tomb Raider game to the platform. As reported by Indie Retro News, he has released a concept demo for the Amiga, which is now available for download and testing through emulators. This version of the game is powered by the OpenLara game engine, an open-source project that has previously been used for versions of Tomb Raider on systems like the GBA and Sega 32X. By making modifications to the engine, BSzili has managed to get the classic title running on the Amiga, opening up new possibilities for retro gaming enthusiasts.
However, there are still some limitations. Currently, the demo’s resolution is limited to 320 x 200 pixels. Depending on the version, the Amiga was capable of displaying up to 640 x 400 pixels. Furthermore, there’s no sound and only a short section from the game’s first level. The developer writes: “This took me a few days I’m posting it here as a call for help: If anyone wants to help me with the rasterizer, please let me know.” The initial videos of the Amiga demo also demonstrate that there’s still room for improvement. At best, the emulators achieve frame rates of ten to 14 frames per second. When simulating the hardware of the Amiga 1200, for example, the frame rate drops to just three to four frames per second. Accordingly, Tomb Raider fans who want to relive the classic on the Amiga shouldn’t count on an imminent release of the full game.
