Last week at Gamescom, a hands‑off demo of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 original; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The development duties have been handed over to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has injected new life into the classic Tomb Raider formula. For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been removed and replaced with a crafting system that lets Lara mix health‑restoring tinctures and stat‑boosting meals from ingredients she gathers throughout the world.
Additionally, a skill‑tree has been introduced, and the demo showcased how players can allocate skill points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols. During a post‑demo round‑table Q&A, Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog, shed light on how the external development partnership operates, their relationship with Amazon, and the decision to abandon tank‑style controls in the final product slated for release on February 12. Both California‑based Crystal Dynamics and Poland’s Flying Wild Hog are co‑developing Legacy of Atlantis, yet Siqueira emphasizes that everyone involved considers themselves part of a single unit, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” “We excel at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project,” he explained. “From our very first conversations it was evident that both teams share a common philosophy about game creation.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and the collaboration just clicked.” He continued, “Crystal Dynamics brings decades of Tomb Raider heritage, but sometimes you need fresh eyes. Bringing in a new perspective can help you look at existing assets in a different way and craft something truly unique. That synergy has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this venture.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved.
Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Raiser: Catalyst, while also producing a television adaptation of the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all fronts. "We share a commitment to the franchise and to the character that transcends studio walls," he said. "We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Tomb Raider for over twenty years.
They are involved in every project, fostering strong collaboration across the board." He added with a laugh, "If I start naming other projects, someone might chase me off the stage!" At the start of development, the team revisited both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. "We all carry a mental image of how the game looked, and when we actually play it we notice the differences," Siqueira said.
"That exercise helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying where we could safely deviate and add new colour to the canvas." Team Atlantis has introduced several modern systems, such as crafting and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. "The control scheme has been updated for modern audiences," Siqueira explained. "The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you miss the classic feel. If you want tank controls, I respect your enthusiasm, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re brutally difficult." Tomaszewski agreed, "When I first played the original years ago, it felt amazing.
Re‑experiencing it after two decades, it’s a completely different challenge." Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed there is "definite collaboration" but stressed that each project stands on its own. "We are developing both games together, yet it’s crucial to keep Legacy of Atlantis distinct and faithful to its source material," he said.
"Regarding Lara’s narrative arc, we aim to respect both the games that preceded her and those that will follow. The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to be the same incarnation across future projects." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog demonstrates how external collaboration can inject fresh ideas while preserving the core identity of a beloved franchise. By modernising mechanics, adding depth through crafting and skill trees, and updating the control scheme for contemporary players, Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor its legacy while offering a compelling new experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously worked with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.