Introduction

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of "Tomb Raider: Legend," the first title from Crystal Dynamics in the iconic franchise. The milestone is being celebrated with the reveal of previously unseen development material that shows new aspects of the game, including several visual elements that were never shown before.

Development and gameplay footage

A special video features footage from the PS2-era version of "Tomb Raider: Legend." The gameplay shows an early version of Lara Croft, including a model from "The Angel of Darkness." These clips highlight the work of Toby Gard, who was previously involved in character design, and Kam Yu, a character artist who contributed to Lara’s redesign.

The early gameplay demonstrates a traditional jungle level that was later reworked into the Bolivia stage in the final release. In the footage, Lara is seen jumping out of a helicopter into a war zone in search of a map hidden inside a temple. It offers a look at the first steps of the gameplay mechanics that would go on to define the series. Fan reactions to the anniversary treat have been largely positive, with many praising Lara’s interaction with the environment.

Future releases

While the past of "Tomb Raider: Legend" is being rediscovered, the franchise is also looking ahead. Two major projects have been announced: "Legacy of Atlantis," a remake of the original game, is set to launch in 2026. "Catalyst," a sequel, is planned for 2027. It looks like an exciting time for both new and longtime fans of the franchise.

Key facts

• Tomb Raider: Legend was released 20 years ago and marked Crystal Dynamics’ first contribution to the series.
• The developers used the gameplay footage to celebrate the game’s evolution and shed light on its history.
• The use of a model from "The Angel of Darkness" offers insight into the early stages of Lara’s character evolution.
• The jungle levels shown in the footage provide an interesting contrast to the final game’s release version.

Conclusion

With these gameplay clips being rediscovered and new releases on the horizon, the Tomb Raider franchise appears to be entering a new era. Fans are once again invited to experience the game’s rich history while also looking forward to the series’ future with excitement.