At Gamescom last week, the latest hands‑on preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The development responsibilities have been handed over to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the long‑standing Tomb Raider formula.
For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been replaced by a crafting system that lets Lara brew restorative potions and prepare nutrient‑rich meals from ingredients scattered throughout the world. Additionally, a skill‑tree has been introduced, allowing players to allocate points to enhance the range and power of Lara’s signature dual pistols, as demonstrated in the demo. Following the showcase, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, alongside Flying Wild Hog’s art director Arek Tomaszewski.
The two executives shed light on how the external development partnership operates, described their collaborative relationship with 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, headquartered in Poland, are co‑developing Legacy of Atlantis. Siqueira emphasized that, internally, the entire crew functions as a single entity known as “Team Atlantis.” “We’re surprisingly good at tearing down the invisible walls that often separate studios during a joint effort,” he explained.
“From the very first conversations it was evident that both teams share a common philosophy about game development. We’ve been brutally honest about our needs and our preferred methods, and the partnership just clicked.” He continued, “Crystal Dynamics brings decades of Tomb Raider heritage, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Bringing in fresh eyes can spark ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own, and that collaborative spark has become one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external partner involved.
Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: 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. "We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that transcends studio boundaries," he said. "At Crystal we have an internal franchise team—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Tomb Raider for over twenty years.
They’re involved in every project, ensuring a cohesive vision. The collaboration with Amazon has been smooth and mutually beneficial." He added with a laugh, "If I start naming all the other projects we’re juggling, someone might throw me off the stage!" When the team first approached the remake, they revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception. "Everyone carries a mental image of what the game looked like, and when you actually play it you notice the differences," Siqueira said.
"That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true to the source, while also identifying where we could safely push the boundaries and add new flavor." Beyond the crafting system and weapon upgrades, one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: the infamous tank‑control scheme. Siqueira clarified the design decision.
"The control layout has been modernized to meet the expectations of today’s players," he said. "The original version is still available as Tomb Raider 1 Remastered for those who want the classic feel.
I’ve tried the tank controls many times, and honestly, they’re quite unforgiving." Tomaszewski echoed that sentiment, noting, "When I played the old game after twenty years, it felt clunky. It’s nostalgic, but not something we’d want to force on a new audience." Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set several years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the degree of synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed a strong collaborative link while stressing the independence of each project.
"We’re developing both games in parallel, but Legacy of Atlantis is its own distinct experience," he explained. "We’re committed to honoring the original 1996 narrative while also respecting the evolution of Lara’s character across the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
The Lara you meet in Atlantis is the same incarnation that will appear in our future titles." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how bringing an external studio into the fold can inject fresh creativity while preserving the core identity of a beloved franchise. By updating mechanics, adding depth through crafting and skill trees, and modernizing controls, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The collaboration with Amazon further expands the Tomb Raider universe beyond games, promising cross‑media storytelling that reaches new audiences.
Legacy of Atlantis is slated for release on February 12, and fans can expect a reimagined adventure that respects its roots while boldly stepping into the future. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.