We’ll be taking a step back in time, literally and figuratively, come next February when Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis launches. A complete remake of Lara Croft’s first adventure, Legacy of Atlantis allows new perspectives on the genre-defining release, but still packaged in a way fans will recognize.
“This is the adventure fans remember: reimagined in ways that weren’t possible 30 years ago and with new surprises woven in,” Michael Lovan, global head of content and community at Amazon Game Studios, writes on the PlayStation Blog.
“Whether the original is etched into your memory or you’re meeting Lara for the first time, this is the best way to experience where the legend began,” he adds.
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That’s actually a bolder statement than you might think. Lara’s introduction to the world has been revisited on two separate occasions previously: first, another remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary in 2007, and a remaster as part of 2024’s Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered.
These were both generally well-received, the latter still being a notable achievement because it managed to update the visuals and general feel in a way that didn’t totally transform the game. That’s easier said than done when you consider the PlayStation classic from 1996 is distinctly awkward to play by today’s standards.
I’m cautiously optimistic about what Legacy of Atlantis will bring to the table. It’ll be nice to see the original environments redone using modern hardware, as well as all the creative puzzles. But I believe it’d be a mistake to lean too much into contemporary ideals: this isn’t the same kind of game as the 2013 reboot, nor should it feel too similar to the next installment, Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
Legacy of Atlantis serves as a loving tribute that allows younger fans a chance to take a history lesson before Catalyst arrives. And by Lovan’s words, that’s exactly what it is. We’ll see what arrives come February 2027.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis was made with AI, Steam page reveals, but any assets made using the controversial tech “were either replaced or refined by humans”
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