Fans Divided Over Gameplay Changes in Tomb Raider Remake

Amazon Game Studios has unveiled the sixth entry in its behind-the-scenes series focused on the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. This remake of Lara Croft’s classic 1996 adventure is set to launch next year, bringing the game up to speed for contemporary audiences. While graphical enhancements are part of the package, a new video highlights gameplay modifications that have sparked mixed reactions among fans.

The “Combat & Progression Reimagined” video shared on the official Tomb Raider YouTube channel offers a detailed look at several new systems being introduced in Legacy of Atlantis. Game director Raul Siquera introduces a significant feature: Focus.

“When you’re taking damage, dealing damage, dodging attacks, you’re building your Focus meter,” Siquera explained. “Focus allows you to slow down time around you and showcase some of the things that Lara used to do in 1996.” This mechanic enables players to unlock more of Lara’s signature acrobatic moves as they build their Focus.

Design director Jason Epps elaborated on two additional features in Legacy of Atlantis: a skill tree and herb collecting. These elements draw heavily from mechanics found in Crystal Dynamics’ Survivor Trilogy, which emphasized Lara’s need to scavenge for materials and enhance her abilities. “When I played the Survivor series and I could suddenly affect and increase Lara’s power in the game, I felt much more engaged,” Epps noted. Crafting adopts a Resident Evil-style system, allowing players to create items that heal Lara and provide buffs.

Reactions to the Focus meter have been somewhat subdued. Some of the showcased footage appears impressive when executed well. However, the skill tree and crafting features have faced significant backlash. A discussion thread on a popular forum is filled with comments like, “No sir, I don’t like it,” and “I hate it.” One user questioned, “Isn’t she supposed to be a veteran treasure hunter in this game? Why would she be learning new skills at her age?” Given that the original Tomb Raider was a straightforward experience without the RPG elements that often clutter modern titles, many fans hoped Legacy of Atlantis would return to that simpler design philosophy.

Despite the divisive feedback, it seems the developers are aiming to blend aspects of the original Tomb Raider games with the Survivor Trilogy. This approach aligns with the series’ goal of creating a more cohesive timeline with new entries. Interestingly, the skill tree will allow Lara to earn skill points by collecting in-game artifacts instead of leveling up through traditional experience points. To reassure fans that Legacy of Atlantis will stay true to its roots, the developers confirmed that the entire game can be completed using only Lara’s dual pistols. Epps stated, “If you decide that you want to play with the dual pistols the entire way and be iconic. Absolutely.”

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X on February 12, 2027.

Legacy of Atlantis has solid foundations, and its delay to 2027 may have saved it from potential pitfalls.