Get ready for a Lara Croft experience unlike any you’ve seen before! Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics have dropped a new trailer showcasing “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis,” the upcoming remake developed by Flying Wild Hog. While fans are excited to revisit the classic, this latest look reveals some significant changes that are stirring up quite the discussion within the Tomb Raider community.
A New Lara, A New Way to Play
The “fiery, fabulous, and fit” incarnation of Lara Croft in Legacy of Atlantis is designed for agility and danger. She now boasts a “focus meter” that fills as you deal damage, take hits, and dodge attacks. This “focus” allows players to slow down time and execute acrobatic maneuvers – all while feeling great with the controls. This is a departure from the original 1996 title where Lara could perform these moves on the fly without needing a dedicated “focus” bar.
“When I played the Survivor series [Tomb Raider 2013 onwards] and could suddenly affect and increase Lara’s power in the game,” says design director Jason Epps, “I felt much more engaged.” This sentiment led to the inclusion of an RPG-like skill tree in the game. Players will also collect herbs that can be brewed into buffs, reducing damage or restoring health. Unlike the Survivor trilogy, experience points aren’t gained through completing tasks; instead, players discover artifacts scattered throughout the levels to unlock upgrades.
The reaction online has been mixed. One user on Resetera commented, “No, sir, I don’t like it.” Another replied, “I hate it,” while a third exclaimed, “I’m so disgusted, damn it!” A particularly insightful comment on X/Twitter highlighted the narrative dissonance: “Isn’t she supposed to be a veteran treasure hunter in this game? Why would she be learning new skills at her age?”
Classic Weapons, Modern Twists
The iconic dual pistols, a “baseline” tool for Lara, are making a triumphant return. Marcin Steliga, senior system designer at Flying Wild Hog, explains that there are four weapons in the game, each designed to cater to different playstyles and engagement distances with enemies. The shotgun, SMGs, and assault rifle will complement the dual pistols, offering players diverse tactical options.
[[MEDIA_1: Lara Croft’s signature dual pistols return, promising a familiar yet enhanced combat experience.]]
These significant changes haven’t been without controversy. This isn’t the first time Amazon, Crystal Dynamics, and Flying Wild Hog have faced criticism during the development of this title. Back in June, there was a furore over the studio’s use of AI during the game’s development.
Originally slated for release in 2026, “Legacy of Atlantis” is now set to arrive next year on February 12th, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC via Steam. Our own Chris Tapsell had the chance to play the game and remarked that it felt “strangely double-A,” a sentiment that seems to capture the unique blend of classic Tomb Raider with modern design sensibilities.
Source: Eurogamer
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