During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis revealed that the title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is, in fact, a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The demonstration highlighted a host of new mechanics and systems that signal a fresh direction for the franchise, while still honoring the spirit of the original game. The development responsibilities for Legacy of Atlantis have been handed over to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has been tasked with expanding and modernising the beloved Tomb Ranger formula. Among the most noticeable changes are the removal of the old‑school first‑aid kits.
Instead, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the environment to brew health‑restoring tinctures and nutrient‑rich meals that boost her stats. A brand‑new skill tree has also been introduced; the demo showed players allocating skill points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, adding a layer of strategic depth that was absent from the original. 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 partnership between an internal studio and an external developer functioned, the nature of their relationship with Amazon, and why the classic “tank‑control” scheme will not be resurrected in the final release slated for February 12.
Both Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland, consider themselves part of a single entity they refer to internally as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira explained, “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project. From our first conversations it was clear that both teams share a common philosophy about game development. We were brutally honest about what we needed and how we wanted to execute it, and the collaboration just clicked.” He went on to note the value of external input: “Crystal has decades of Tomb Ranger history, but sometimes you need a fresh perspective.
Bringing in a new team lets you look at the material with fresh eyes and create something truly unique. That collaboration has been one of the strongest aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external partner involved.
Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing Legacy of Atlantis as well as the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira said his studio works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts, noting, “We share a commitment to the franchise and to the character that goes beyond the walls of the studio.
Our internal franchise team, which includes veterans with more than 20 years of experience, is involved in every project, ensuring a seamless collaboration.” He added with a laugh, “If I start talking too much about other projects, someone might tackle me on stage!” When the team first began development, they revisited both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. “We all carry a mental image of what the game looked like,” Siqueira said.
“When we actually play it, we notice differences. That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay exactly as they are, while also identifying where we could safely colour outside the lines.” Beyond the new crafting system and weapon upgrades, one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: the infamous tank‑control scheme.
Siqueira clarified, “The control layout has been updated for modern audiences. Of course, the original games remain available—you can still play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. I’ve tried tank controls many times; they’re genuinely tough.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience: “I remember thinking the tank controls were awesome back then, but playing them after twenty years feels… bewildering. They’re just too hard for today’s players.” 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,” but stressed that each project remains distinct. “Legacy of Atlantis is its own standalone effort, and we’re committed to staying true to the original game’s spirit.
At the same time, we respect the narrative arc that spans the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger 2013, Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and we’ll keep that continuity across all future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how bringing fresh talent into a legacy franchise can revitalize its core while preserving what fans love. By introducing modern systems like crafting, skill trees, and upgraded combat, while discarding outdated mechanics such as tank controls, the developers aim to deliver an experience that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. With Amazon’s publishing muscle and a TV adaptation on the horizon, Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis is positioned to be a pivotal entry that bridges the series’ storied past with its ambitious future.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.