You can now play the original Tomb Raider on Quest 3, we've tried it
The unofficial VR port of the first Tomb Raider is now available for free. MIXED tried it out on Quest 3.
Team Beef, known for their Quest adaptations of classic first-person shooters such as Doom 1-3 and Quake 1-3, has released a Tomb Raider VR port called Beef Raider XR on Sidequest. Meta Quest, Pico 4 and PC VR headsets are supported. The VR port features improved graphics compared to the original, powered by the OpenLara engine.
If you want to play Tomb Raider in its entirety, you need the original game: either Tomb Raider Classic (1996) or Tomb Raider Remastered (2024). The VR port comes with a free demo, so you can try it out to see if you like it and if it is worth buying the full version and transferring its assets to your headset.
I tried the demo with Quest 3 to get a first impression. If you have Sidequest installed on Quest, you can install the port and demo in VR using Sidequest and start right away.
New perspectives
The best thing about Beef Raider XR is that you can use the right thumbstick to switch between different perspectives. As well as the classic third-person view, there is a VR-exclusive first-person view and a diorama view. The latter supports passthrough, but I couldn't make it work for me.
I didn't play the original, but I grew up in the early 3D era of video games and feel a strong sense of nostalgia for these kind of games. I don't know if it's because of that or because of VR, but Tomb Raider Quest 3 feels atmospheric and immersive, despite the antiquated graphics, especially from the first-person perspective.
It's fun to move through the pixel catacombs and shoot wolves, bats and bears. Beef Raider XR supports motion control and IK, so you can see your arms and body animated from a first-person perspective. The only thing I was truly bothered was the artificial head bobbing, which I wish I could turn off.
The graphics are rendered in high resolution on the headset, so I didn't notice any aliasing. Beef Raider XR delivers a crisp image on Quest 3.
An old game in new splendor
I struggled with the controls. The VR port offers classic and VR-adapted controls, but even the latter take some getting used to. Fortunately, Team Beef provide an overview of the button mapping and how to perform Lara's special moves.
Although the diorama view is not perfectly implemented (some areas are not displayed correctly or only when approached), it is an impressive addition. Just be aware that it can be used to spoil secrets like hidden chambers.
Technically, Beef Raider XR makes a solid first impression and shows how VR can breathe new life into old games. I wish Team Beef had the license and funding to develop an official VR version and polish it.
You can find Beef Raider XR on Sidequest. You can also find more information there, including how to install the full version.
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