Tomb Raider new combat shows off PS1 Lara action

When Lara Croft dives into the deep, the adventure should feel exactly like the legend. That is the promise behind Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is attempting to deliver a fresh perspective on the classic survival adventure, and the developers have clearly focused on preserving the signature acrobatics that defined the original games.

The core challenge for the team at Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog was integrating modern gameplay mechanics without sacrificing the pure, chaotic joy of those iconic jumps and somersaults. They sought to ensure that the sheer acrobatic element—the movement that makes Lara feel alive—remained central to the experience.

To achieve this goal, the developers introduced a dynamic system called Focus. This innovative mechanic ties the player’s actions directly into the physics of the game, allowing players to build up a meter by engaging in combat—taking damage, dealing damage, and expertly dodging attacks.

Once the Focus meter is full, players unlock the ability to slow down the surrounding time, offering a unique window to showcase the breathtaking, impossible movements Lara is famous for. This system is designed to celebrate the high-flying, unpredictable movements that define the Tomb Raider ethos from the 1990s.

Beyond the movement, the developers were equally intent on nailing the feel of the combat itself. Game director Raul Siqueira emphasized that the weapons must feel right; combat needs to feel visceral and authentic. This focus extended to the weaponry, which is a crucial element in defining Lara’s character.

In a nod to the original games, players have the option to maintain the classic feel by utilizing dual pistols throughout the entire adventure. While this choice offers a hardcore throwback, it does add a layer of challenge, testing the player’s agility and timing as they navigate the watery ruins.

Whether players opt for the standard experience or embrace the old-school challenge, Legacy of Atlantis successfully bridges the gap between the modern survivor trilogy and Lara’s classic exploits. It brings back beloved elements like crafting and skill trees from newer installments, all wrapped up in an adventure where the physics and the pistols feel just right, ensuring that the legacy of Lara remains intact.