At Gamescom last week, a hands‑on preview of Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis revealed 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 project is being shepherded by Crystal Dynamics, but the primary development responsibilities have been handed to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog. This collaboration has already introduced several notable changes to the series’ core mechanics. For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been removed, replaced by a crafting system where Lara can mix health‑restoring tinctures and nutrient‑rich meals from ingredients she gathers throughout the world.
Additionally, a new skill‑tree allows players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s iconic dual pistols, adding a layer of customization that the original game never offered. During a post‑demo round‑table Q&A, Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Flying Wild Hog’s art director Arek Tomaszewski explained how the external development partnership functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the long‑lost tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12. Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics team and the Polish developers are working under a single banner they refer to internally as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized how the two studios managed to dissolve the typical invisible barriers that can arise when separate teams collaborate. “From the very first conversations it was clear that we shared a common philosophy on game development,” he said.
“We were brutally honest about our needs and our visions, and the partnership just clicked.” He added that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep well of Tomb Ranger history, injecting fresh perspectives from an outside studio can spark innovation. “Sometimes you need someone new to look at what you have and help you create something truly unique,” Siqueira noted, calling the collaboration one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is acting as publisher for both Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira said Crystal Dynamics works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts, sharing a mutual commitment to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls. He highlighted an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics composed of veterans who have overseen the series for more than two decades, noting that their involvement ensures consistency and quality across games, TV adaptations, and other media. He joked that delving too deeply into other projects might provoke a playful “tackle” from the audience.
To ground their redesign in the series’ legacy, the team revisited both the original 1996 title and its 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary. This exercise underscored how memory can distort recollection. “We all carry an image of the game in our heads, and when we actually play it again, we notice the differences,” Siqueira explained.
“That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay untouched, while also identifying areas where we could safely experiment.” Among the new features, the crafting system and weapon upgrades stand out, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: the infamous tank controls. Siqueira clarified that the control scheme has been modernized to suit contemporary players.
“The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel,” he said. “If you’re nostalgic for tank controls, I respect that enthusiasm, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re just… difficult.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience replaying the game after two decades and finding the tank controls unintuitive and cumbersome. 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 entity, and we’re committed to staying faithful to the original while respecting the narrative continuity of the series,” he said. He clarified that the Lara featured in both games is the same incarnation that appears throughout the Survivor era—spanning the 2013 reboot, Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and will continue to be the consistent protagonist across future installments.
In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas into a beloved franchise while preserving its core identity. By replacing outdated mechanics with modern systems like crafting and skill trees, and by streamlining controls for today’s audience, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and new. The collaboration with Amazon further expands the Tomb Ranger universe across multiple media, ensuring that Lara Croft’s adventures remain relevant and engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger.