At Gamescom last week, a hands‑on preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is a thorough reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for the overhaul has been handed over to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, which has introduced several substantial changes to the series’ core mechanics. First‑aid kits have been removed entirely, supplanted by a crafting system that lets Lara mix health‑restoring tinctures and nutrient‑rich meals from ingredients scattered throughout the world.
Additionally, a 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 showcased in 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 functions, described their collaborative relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the infamous tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12.
Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics and the Warsaw‑based Flying Wild Hog are working side by side on the project, though internally the team refers to itself simply as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized the importance of breaking down the invisible barriers that often arise when multiple studios collaborate. “From the moment we started talking, it was obvious that we shared a common philosophy about game development,” he said. “We were brutally honest about what each studio needed and how we wanted to approach the work, and the partnership just clicked.” He continued, “Crystal brings a deep legacy of Tomb Raider titles and a wealth of institutional knowledge, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Bringing in fresh eyes can help you see old ideas in a new light and create something truly distinctive.
That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external partner involved. Amazon, a major technology and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and is also developing 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 as a character that goes beyond the studio walls,” he explained.
“Our internal franchise team—veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Raider—collaborates with Amazon on everything from game design to marketing to the TV adaptation. It’s a truly integrated effort.” He added with a laugh, “If I start talking about all the other projects we have with Amazon, some people might chase me down the stage!” In the early stages of development, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. “We all have a mental picture of how the game looked and felt,” Siqueira said.
“When we actually play it, we notice differences. That process helped us pinpoint the essential moments, locations, and set‑pieces that must stay true to the source, while also identifying areas where we could safely deviate and add new ideas.” Beyond the crafting system and weapon upgrades, one hallmark of the original title has been deliberately omitted: the tank‑control scheme.
Siqueira clarified that the control layout has been modernized to suit contemporary players. “The classic controls are still available if you want to experience the original remaster,” he said.
“But if you try to use tank controls in this new engine, you’ll quickly realize how cumbersome they are. I’ve tried them many times, and honestly, they’re a pain.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, noting that nostalgia can be deceptive. “When I first played the old game, it felt amazing.
Replay it twenty years later, and you’re like, ‘What on earth is happening?’ It’s just not practical for modern audiences.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each title remains its own distinct experience.
“Legacy of Atlantis is a standalone reinterpretation of the 1996 story, and we’re careful to stay faithful to that narrative,” he explained. “At the same time, the Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to appear in our future projects. We respect the continuity of the franchise while giving each game its unique voice.” The partnership with Flying Wild Hog has also introduced a more visceral visual style, leveraging the Polish studio’s expertise in gritty, atmospheric environments.
Their work on titles such as *Dead Island* and *Shadow Warrior 2* has informed the way Atlantis’ ruins are rendered, providing a blend of realistic lighting, detailed textures, and dynamic weather effects that aim to immerse players deeper than ever before. In addition to gameplay changes, the narrative has been expanded. New dialogue sequences, side quests, and character interactions flesh out Lara’s motivations and provide context for her early adventures. The developers have consulted with longtime series writers to ensure that any added lore aligns with established canon, while also offering fresh insights into Lara’s formative years.
Overall, the collaboration between Crystal Dynamics, Flying Wild Hog, and Amazon illustrates how modern game development increasingly relies on cross‑studio partnerships to breathe new life into beloved franchises. By combining Crystal’s deep-rooted knowledge of Tomb Raider with Flying Wild Hog’s innovative design sensibilities and Amazon’s publishing muscle, Legacy of Atlantis aims to deliver a game that honors its heritage while feeling unmistakably contemporary. The result is a title that promises both nostalgia for veteran fans and an accessible, engaging experience for newcomers, all without the cumbersome tank controls of the past.