During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, the upcoming Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis demonstrated 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 demo revealed a host of new systems and design choices that distinguish the project from its predecessor, underscoring the impact of an external development partnership. Crystal Dynamics has entrusted the bulk of the development to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, a team known for its gritty action titles. This collaboration has already introduced several fresh mechanics to the Tomb Ranger formula.
The familiar first‑aid kits have been removed, replaced by a crafting system where Lara gathers ingredients to brew health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that grant temporary stat bonuses. Additionally, Lara now progresses through a skill tree; the demo highlighted how allocating skill points can extend the range of her iconic dual pistols, offering players more strategic depth.
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 discussed how the external development model functions, the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and the decision to abandon the nostalgic tank‑control scheme in the final release slated for February 12. Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics and the Warsaw‑rooted Flying Wild Hog are working side by side on Legacy of Atlantis, yet Siqueira emphasizes that the entire crew operates as a single entity, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” "We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project," he explained. "From our first conversations it was obvious that both teams share a common philosophy on game development.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and the partnership just clicked." He continued, "Crystal brings a deep heritage of Tomb Ranger titles, but sometimes you need fresh perspectives. Bringing in new eyes can help you look at what you already have and shape something truly unique.
That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this effort." Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external relationship Crystal Dynamics is juggling for this project. Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira noted that his studio works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all fronts. "We share a commitment to the franchise and to the character that goes beyond studio walls," he said.
"We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Tomb Ranger for over two decades. They are involved in every project, ensuring a seamless collaboration across the board." He added with a laugh, "If I start talking too much about other projects, someone might chase me off the stage." In the early stages of development, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. "We all have a mental image of how the game looked and felt, and when we actually play it 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 deviate and add new color." Beyond crafting and weapon upgrades, the team made a conscious decision to drop one of the most distinctive features of the original: tank controls.
"The control scheme has been modernized for today’s audience," Siqueira explained. "The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. I respect anyone who wants to wrestle with tank controls; I’ve tried it many times and it’s genuinely tough." Tomaszewski echoed that sentiment: "When I revisit the old control style after twenty years, it feels almost alien.
It’s a reminder of how game design evolves and why we need to adapt for modern 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 there is "definite collaboration," but stressed that each project remains distinct.
"We’re developing both games together, yet it’s crucial to treat Legacy of Atlantis as its own entity, staying faithful to the source material. Lara’s journey in this game respects both the titles that came before and those that will follow. The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger (2013), Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and she will continue to be the same across our future projects." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while preserving the core identity of a beloved franchise. By modernizing controls, adding crafting, and expanding the skill system, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and forward‑looking.
The collaboration with Amazon further extends the Tomb Ranger universe into new media, ensuring the iconic explorer remains relevant across games, television, and beyond. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.