The recent hands‑on showcase of Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis at Gamescom 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 responsibility for this ambitious overhaul has been handed to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, working side‑by‑side with Crystal Dynamics. Their joint effort has introduced a suite of fresh mechanics that expand the traditional Tomb Ranger formula.
For instance, the iconic first‑aid kits have been replaced by a crafting system that lets Lara brew health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats using ingredients scattered throughout the world. Additionally, a new skill tree has been added, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, a feature that was highlighted during the demo. Following the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. The two executives explained how the external development partnership operates, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the long‑disliked tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback in the February 12 launch of Legacy of Atlantis.
Both studios – Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland – consider themselves a single entity for this project, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized the importance of breaking down the invisible barriers that can develop between separate teams. “From the very first conversations it was evident that we share a common philosophy on game development,” he said. “We were transparent about our needs and our vision, and the collaboration felt natural from the start.” He added that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep heritage of Tomb Ranger titles, bringing in an external perspective can spark innovation. “Sometimes you need fresh eyes, someone who can look at what you have and help you create something truly unique.
That partnership has been 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 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. “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that extends beyond the studio walls,” he explained.
“Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Ranger, collaborates with Amazon on every aspect of the project. It’s a strong, synergistic relationship.” He laughed that discussing other Amazon‑backed projects might provoke a playful backlash from the audience. To ensure the remake honored the original while delivering a modern experience, the development team revisited both the 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary.
This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception. “We all have a mental image of how the original looked, and when we actually play it, we notice differences,” Siqueira said. “That helped us pinpoint the essential moments, locations, and set‑pieces that must stay untouched, while identifying areas where we could safely innovate.” Among the innovations are the aforementioned crafting system and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the 1996 title has been omitted: tank controls.
Siqueira clarified that the control scheme was redesigned for contemporary audiences. “The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. If you’re nostalgic for tank controls, I commend your enthusiasm, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re simply too cumbersome for modern play.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, noting that revisiting the old control method after two decades feels “almost alien” and unnecessarily difficult. Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set several years after 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld.
When asked about the level of synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each game remains its own distinct project. “We are developing both games together, yet it’s crucial that Legacy of Atlantis stays faithful to its source material.
Regarding Lara’s narrative arc, we respect both the earlier and later entries in the series. The Lara you encounter here is the same version that appears in the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger (2013), Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and she will continue to be the central figure in our future endeavors.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external collaboration can inject new life into a beloved classic, delivering modern gameplay mechanics while preserving the soul of the original adventure. The decision to abandon tank controls reflects a broader trend of adapting legacy titles for today’s players, and the close ties with Amazon demonstrate how multimedia franchises are increasingly integrated across games, streaming, and television. The result is a reimagined Legacy of Atlantis that aims to satisfy long‑time fans and attract newcomers alike, promising a fresh yet familiar journey through Lara Croft’s earliest exploits.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.