During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, developers gave attendees a glimpse of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis that made it clear the project is far more ambitious than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. In fact, the game represents a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, with new mechanics, systems, and visual upgrades that bring the original story into the modern era.
The development baton has been passed from Crystal Dynamics to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, a partnership that has already injected fresh ideas into the core Tomb Raider formula. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the old first‑aid kits. Instead, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world and crafts restorative potions and nutrient‑rich meals that can heal her or temporarily boost her stats.
This new crafting system adds a layer of resource management that encourages exploration and experimentation. Another major addition is a skill‑tree system. In the demo, players saw Lara allocate skill points to extend the effective range of her signature dual pistols, but the tree also offers options for stealth, melee combat, and survivability, allowing each player to tailor Lara’s abilities to their preferred playstyle.
These enhancements demonstrate how Flying Wild Hog has taken the skeletal framework of the original game and fleshed it out with contemporary design philosophies. After the demo, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. The two discussed how the external development relationship functions, how the studios coordinate with publisher Amazon, and why the infamous tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12.
Siqueira emphasized that both companies consider themselves part of a single entity, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” He explained, “We’re really good at breaking down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during development. From the first conversation it was obvious that we share a common vision for how a game should be built. Honesty about our needs and methods came naturally, and that openness has been a cornerstone of our collaboration.” He went on to note that Crystal Dynamics brings decades of Tomb Raider heritage, while Flying Wild Hog contributes a fresh perspective.
“Sometimes you need someone new to look at what you have and help you create something unique,” Siqueira said. “That collaboration has been one of the best parts of this project.” The partnership with Flying Wild Hog is not the only external relationship Crystal Dynamics is juggling for Legacy of Atlantis.
Amazon, a tech and retail giant, is acting as the publisher for both this title and the upcoming Tomb Raiser: Catalyst, and it is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira described the collaboration with Amazon as “pretty close,” adding that a dedicated internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics, composed of veterans who have worked on the series for over twenty years, coordinates closely with Amazon across all media.
He laughed, “If I start talking about other projects, some people might tackle me from the stage,” hinting at the intense fan interest surrounding the Tomb Raider universe. When the development team began work, they revisited both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. “We all have that mental image of what the game looked like,” Siqueira explained. “When we actually play it, we notice differences.
That helped us pinpoint the key moments and locations that must stay true to the original, while also identifying areas where we could safely ‘color outside the lines.’” Beyond crafting and skill upgrades, the team made a deliberate decision to discard the classic tank‑control scheme. Siqueira clarified, “The control layout has been adapted for modern audiences. The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the tank feel.
I’ve tried it many times, and honestly, it’s tough.” Tomaszewski echoed the sentiment, recalling his own experience: “I thought the tank controls were awesome back then, but after twenty years they feel clunky and unintuitive.” Legacy of Atlantis debuted alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each title remains distinct. “Legacy of Atlantis is its own project, faithful to the original game.
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 Lara in our future games.” The developers also touched on narrative continuity. While Catalyst explores Lara’s later adventures, Legacy of Atlantis focuses on her earliest exploits, offering fans a chance to experience the origins of the iconic explorer with modern polish. This dual‑track approach allows the franchise to cater to both nostalgia‑driven players and newcomers seeking a contemporary action‑adventure experience. In summary, the collaboration between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can breathe new life into a beloved classic.
By introducing crafting, skill trees, and refined controls, while preserving essential story beats and environments, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both familiar and fresh. With Amazon’s publishing muscle and a forthcoming TV adaptation, Legacy of Atlantis is positioned to be a pivotal entry in the Tomb Raider canon, slated for release on February 12.