At Gamescom last week, attendees got a glimpse of Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis—not merely a polished remaster of the 1996 classic, but a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The project is being shepherded by Crystal Dynamics in collaboration with the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, and the demo revealed a host of fresh systems that dramatically reshape the original formula. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the old‑school first‑aid kits.
Instead, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew restorative elixirs and nutrient‑rich meals that boost her stats. A brand‑new skill tree lets players allocate points to enhance abilities such as the reach of her signature dual pistols, adding a layer of customization previously unseen in the series. Following the showcase, Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski fielded questions about the cross‑studio partnership, their relationship with Amazon, and the decision to abandon the infamous tank‑control scheme for the February 12 launch.
Siqueira explained that the title is a joint effort between the California‑based Crystal Dynamics team and the Warsaw‑based Flying Wild Hog crew, but internally they all operate under a single banner: “Team Atlantis.” He emphasized how the two studios quickly discovered a shared development philosophy, noting, “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios. From day one, we were honest about what each side needed and how we wanted to approach the work.
It just clicked.” He added, “Crystal brings a deep legacy of Tomb Ranger titles, but sometimes you need fresh eyes. Bringing in an external partner lets you look at the material from a new angle and craft something truly unique. That collaboration has been one of the strongest aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, while also producing a television series starring Sophie Turner based on the franchise.
Siqueira said Crystal Dynamics works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts, highlighting a shared commitment to the brand that extends beyond the studio walls. He praised the internal franchise team at Crystal, describing them as seasoned veterans who have stewarded the series for over two decades and now coordinate efforts across games, TV, and other media. When pressed about the breadth of his responsibilities, Siqueira joked that discussing other projects might invite a playful “stage‑attack” from the audience, underscoring the collaborative yet high‑profile nature of the work. To ground their redesign, the team revisited both the original 1996 release and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary.
Siqueira noted that players often carry a mental image of the game that differs from the actual experience, saying, “We all have that memory of what the game looks like, and then we play it and realize it’s different. That helped us pinpoint which moments, locations, and set‑pieces needed to stay true, and where we could safely color outside the lines.” Beyond crafting and weapon upgrades, the most conspicuous omission is the classic tank‑control scheme that defined early Tomb Ranger titles. Siqueira clarified that the control layout has been modernized for contemporary audiences. “The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you crave that feel.
I’ve tried the tank controls many times, and honestly, they’re tough.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience trying the old system after two decades, describing it as “hard to the point of bewildering.” Legacy of Atlantis debuted alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld. When asked about synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each game remains distinct. He explained that the Lara featured in Legacy of Atlantis aligns with the “Survivor” era—spanning Tomb Ranger (2013), Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—ensuring continuity across future projects while respecting the narrative arcs of both past and upcoming entries.
In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas into a beloved franchise, from revamped health systems and skill trees to a modern control scheme that respects player expectations. Meanwhile, Amazon’s involvement highlights the growing multimedia ecosystem surrounding Tomb Ranger, linking games, streaming content, and publishing under a unified vision. As the February release approaches, fans can anticipate a re‑imagined Lara Croft adventure that honors its roots while boldly stepping into new territory.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book "Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger."