During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, the new Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis demo made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is a thorough reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for this overhaul has been handed to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the long‑standing Tomb Ranger formula. For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been removed in favor of a crafting system where Lara can mix health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats using ingredients she discovers throughout the world. Additionally, a skill‑tree has been introduced, and the demo highlighted how players can spend skill points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols.
After the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. They explained how the external‑development partnership functions, described the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and clarified why the notorious tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12.
Both Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland, are co‑developers on the project, but according to Siqueira the entire crew operates as a single entity internally known as “Team Atlantis.” He said, “We’re very good at breaking down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during development. From the first conversation it was obvious that both teams share the same philosophy about game creation.
We’re brutally honest about what we need and how we want to achieve it, and the collaboration just felt natural.” He continued, “Crystal brings a deep history with Tomb Ranger, but sometimes you need fresh perspectives. Bringing in a new team to look at what you have can spark 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, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all fronts, adding, “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that goes beyond the studio walls.
Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Ranger, is involved in every project, ensuring a seamless collaboration.” He joked that mentioning too many other Amazon projects might provoke a playful “stage‑attack” from the audience. In the early stages of development, the team revisited both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. Siqueira explained, “We all have a mental image of what the game looks like, and when we actually play it we notice differences. That process helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying areas where we could safely experiment and add new color.” Beyond the crafting and weapon‑upgrade systems, the team made a deliberate decision to drop one of the most iconic—and divisive—features of the original: tank controls.
Siqueira clarified, “The control scheme has been modernized for today’s audience. Of course the original games are still available; we released Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered for purists. If you want to experience tank controls again, I respect that enthusiasm, but after trying it many times I can attest it’s a tough experience.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own reaction when revisiting the old controls after two decades: “It felt awesome in hindsight, but actually playing it now is bewildering; it’s just too hard.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld.
When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definite collaboration,” yet emphasized that each project remains distinct. He stressed, “Legacy of Atlantis is its own standalone effort, and we’re committed to honoring the original game. Regarding Lara’s narrative arc, we respect both the games that preceded her and those that follow. The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger (2013), Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and she will continue to be the same character across all future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how an external studio can inject fresh ideas while preserving the core identity of a beloved franchise.
By modernizing controls, adding crafting, and expanding the skill system, the developers aim to deliver an experience that feels both familiar and innovative. At the same time, close collaboration with Amazon ensures that the game, its associated media, and future titles remain aligned under a unified vision for the Tomb Ranger universe. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.