Crystal Dynamics has offered a hands-off preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of Lara Croft's original adventures. While the game showcases impressive visual upgrades and enhanced environments, initial impressions suggest that some new gameplay additions and modifications to classic elements may detract from the experience.
The reimagined environments are a highlight, with Greece serving as a prominent backdrop. The preview demonstrated a revamped version of the Damocles room in St. Francis' Folly, featuring vast scale that aims to make the game feel larger without altering the narrative. The iconic falling swords have received a stunning redesign, and the sound design has been significantly improved to match the enhanced visuals. "We have sought to preserve what makes these places special, but to find new ways to enhance the beauty, and find new ways for the gameplay to surprise and delight," stated Crystal Dynamics experience director Jeff Adams.
However, the gameplay elements shown so far have not elicited the same enthusiasm. The redesign of the swords of Damocles introduces new functionality: they can now be shot down from the ceiling. This is complemented by Lara's new Dead Eye skill, which allows her to target distant swords. The effectiveness of this skill is questioned, with the concern that it might be redundant. Enemy redesigns, such as altered attack patterns for the classic swarm of bats and a stealthier leopard, have also been noted, though their impact on gameplay is yet to be fully assessed. The hands-off nature of the preview made it difficult to gauge the true impact of these changes, with Lara sometimes appearing more like a superhero than a character in peril.
Crafting mechanics, which were previously criticized for being arduous in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, appear to be making a return in Legacy of Atlantis. Lara can craft items like healing balms and specialized damage resistance for traps. This mechanic was demonstrated with Lara using collected resources to craft a balm after taking damage. The concern is that this could lead to a similar "crafting fatigue" as seen in previous titles, potentially requiring players to engage in extensive foraging before they can heal or progress.
Another addition is a scanner, intended to highlight crucial environmental puzzle information, akin to detective modes in other games. However, its utility is questioned, as it was shown highlighting an obvious detail: a gate with four empty slots requiring four keys. While Adams stated the hint system is optional, the scanner also provides environmental lore. The game will also feature collectible items, such as Relics, which can unlock rewards, like the Tomb Raider Legend outfit. These collectibles add to the explorable areas and offer opportunities for greater depth within the original levels.
Despite the visual upgrades and enhanced environments, the preview has left some with reservations. The introduction of what feel like forced mechanics and slightly altered enemy patterns raises concerns about the overall player experience. While the hope remains that the beauty of the reimagined world will elevate Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, the current outlook suggests a potentially mixed reception for the gameplay aspects.