20 minutes with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis left me unconvinced, but keen to play more

June 12, 2026 - 23:50

A recent 20-minute hands-on session with the upcoming "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis" left me with mixed feelings. The demo offered a brief look at Lara Croft's next adventure, but the experience was hampered by controls that felt unresponsive and clunky. Movement lacked the fluidity expected from a modern action-adventure title, and camera angles during combat sequences were often disorienting. It was hard to tell if the game was aiming for a classic tank-control feel or something more contemporary.

Despite these frustrations, the core of the game managed to shine through. The level design hinted at the intricate puzzles and atmospheric exploration that define the series. The brief glimpse of the Atlantis setting was visually striking, with a sense of scale and mystery that made me want to push through the awkward inputs. The audio design, too, was immersive, with echoing water drips and distant rumbles that built tension.

The developers clearly have a vision here. The problem is that the current build feels like a rough draft. The controls need significant tightening, and the overall responsiveness must improve before launch. But the potential is undeniable. That 20 minutes ended too soon, leaving me frustrated by the mechanics but genuinely curious about the world. There is plenty of time for polish, and if the team can refine the gameplay, this could be a worthy return for Lara. For now, I am cautiously optimistic.