During Gamescom last week, attendees were treated to a hands‑off showcase of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis that made it clear the title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. Instead, it represents a full‑scale re‑imagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, rebuilt from the ground up. The heavy lifting on this ambitious project has been handed over to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the established Tomb Raider formula. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the old‑school first‑aid kits.
In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that grant temporary stat boosts. Additionally, a new skill‑tree system allows players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, a feature that was demonstrated during the demo. Following the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A brought together Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog.
They explained how the external development partnership operates, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the classic “tank‑control” scheme will not make a comeback in the February 12 launch. Legacy of Atlantis is a joint effort between Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog in Poland. Siqueira emphasized that, despite the geographic distance, everyone involved refers to themselves as a single unit—internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” “We’ve become adept at tearing down the invisible walls that can form between studios during a project,” Siqueira said. “From our first conversations it was obvious that both teams share a common philosophy about game development.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the collaboration just clicked.” He continued, “Crystal Dynamics brings a deep legacy of Tomb Raider titles and a wealth of history, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Bringing in a fresh set of eyes can spark ideas you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.
That partnership has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this remake.” 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 Raider: Catalyst, while 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 to Lara that extends beyond the walls of our studios," he explained. "We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have spent over two decades shaping the series. They’re involved in every project, ensuring a seamless collaboration across the board." He added with a laugh, "If I start talking about all the other projects we have, someone might throw me off the stage!" When the development team first began, they revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can warp perception.
"We all carry a mental image of what the game looked like, and when we play it again we notice the differences," Siqueira said. "That exercise helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying areas where we could safely color outside the lines." Beyond the new crafting system and weapon upgrades, the team made a deliberate choice to abandon one of the most iconic—and divisive—features of the early titles: tank controls. "The control scheme has been modernized for today’s audience," Siqueira affirmed.
"The original games are still available—you can play the Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want that classic feel. I respect anyone who wants to try tank controls again, but after many attempts I can say it’s a tough experience." Tomaszewski echoed that sentiment, recalling his own reaction when revisiting the old control style after two decades. "It felt amazing at the time, but playing it now is like, ‘What on earth is happening?’ It’s simply too cumbersome for modern gamers." Legacy of Atlantis was unveiled alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld.
When asked about the level of synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed there is "definite collaboration," yet stressed that each game remains a distinct narrative. "We’re developing both titles together, but it’s crucial to treat Legacy of Atlantis as its own standalone experience," he said. "We’re staying faithful to the original while also respecting the broader timeline. The Lara you see here is the same incarnation that appears in the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to be the consistent protagonist across all future projects." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject new life into a beloved classic, delivering fresh mechanics, refined controls, and a cohesive vision that honors the past while looking forward.
The collaboration with Amazon further expands the Tomb Raider universe across games, television, and publishing, ensuring that Lara Croft’s legacy endures for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.