Eurogamer's hands-off Gamescom preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, the remake of the original 1996 game, has left the outlet unconvinced that the project's design direction is right, despite the game not yet having launched. Developed by Flying Hog Games and overseen by Crystal Dynamics for Amazon, the remake now due early next year aims to go beyond a visual overhaul, reimagining classic areas such as the Damocles Room sword puzzle beneath St Francis' Folly while adding new mechanics. The concern is that these additions risk diluting what made the original level design distinctive.

The demo showed a reworked version of Tomb Raider 1's vertical St Francis' Folly chamber, retaining its puzzle structure of collecting four gemstones while adding visual flourishes, redesigned bat enemies, and new voice acting from Lara Croft actor Alix Wilton Regan. However, Crystal Dynamics is also introducing RPG-style progression elements carried over from its reboot trilogy, including crafting, skill trees and a new environmental scanner, alongside food-crafting mechanics that let Lara gather items to cook meals. The preview suggests these additions feel at odds with the tone and simplicity of the original game, raising doubts about the remake's overall direction ahead of its early 2027 release.