At Gamescom last week, attendees were treated to a hands‑on preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis that made it clear this isn’t merely a polished re‑release of the 1996 classic. Instead, the title represents a full‑scale re‑imagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, rebuilt from the ground up. The overhaul is being driven by a partnership between Crystal Dynamics, the veteran studio behind the modern Tomb Raider trilogy, and Flying Wild Hog, a Polish developer best known for its gritty shooters. This external development arrangement has injected fresh ideas into the series while respecting its heritage.
For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been swapped out for a crafting system that lets Lara brew restorative tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats, using ingredients she gathers throughout the world. In addition, a brand‑new skill tree appears on screen, allowing players to allocate points to enhance the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, among other abilities. Following the demo, Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski fielded questions about how the cross‑studio collaboration works, the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and the decision to abandon the series’ notorious tank‑control scheme in the final release slated for February 12. Both studios consider themselves part of a single entity they internally call “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira explained, “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between development houses.
From the first conversation it was obvious we shared a common philosophy about making games. We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and the partnership just clicked.” He went on to note the value of an outside perspective: “Crystal has a deep legacy with Tomb Raider, but sometimes you need fresh eyes. Bringing in a new team forces you to look at the material differently and can spark truly unique ideas.
That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, the tech and retail behemoth, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, while also producing a television adaptation starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira said his studio works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts, adding, “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that goes beyond studio walls. Our internal franchise team, which includes veterans with more than two decades of experience, is involved in every project, fostering a strong collaborative spirit.” He joked that mentioning too many Amazon‑related projects might provoke a playful “stage‑hand” response from the audience.
To ground the remake in its roots, the development team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 Anniversary edition. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception. “We all have an image of what the game looks like in our heads, and when we play it again we notice the differences,” Siqueira said.
“That helped us pinpoint the moments and locations that must stay exactly as they were, while also identifying areas where we could safely color outside the lines.” The result is a blend of nostalgia and innovation. While the new crafting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and expanded skill tree broaden gameplay options, some classic elements have been deliberately omitted. Most notably, the series’ infamous tank‑control scheme has been replaced with a modern, fluid control layout.
“The control scheme has been adapted for today’s audience,” Siqueira explained. “The original games are still available—you can play the Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the tank feel.
I’ve tried it many times, and honestly, it’s quite a challenge.” Tomaszewski echoed the sentiment, recalling his own experience: “I remember thinking the tank controls were awesome back then, but after 20 years they feel clunky and unintuitive.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that while the teams collaborate closely, each project remains distinct. “Legacy of Atlantis is its own beast. We’re staying faithful to the original game while ensuring Lara’s journey aligns with the broader timeline.
The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—2013’s Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—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 development can breathe new life into a beloved franchise. By combining the veteran studio’s deep knowledge of Tomb Raider lore with the Polish team’s fresh design sensibilities, Legacy of Atlantis promises to honor the past while delivering a gameplay experience that feels contemporary and engaging. The decision to forego tank controls underscores a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy Lara’s first expedition without wrestling with outdated mechanics. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book Chronicles of the Tomb Raider.