At Gamescom last week, a hands‑off showcase 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 full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for this overhaul has been handed to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has injected new ideas into the long‑standing Tomb Raider formula.
For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been removed, replaced by a crafting system where Lara can combine scavenged ingredients into health‑restoring potions and stat‑enhancing meals. Additionally, a skill tree has been introduced, allowing players to allocate points to expand the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, as demonstrated in the demo. Following the demo, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, alongside Flying Wild Hog’s art director Arek Tomaszewski.
They explained how the external development partnership operates, detailed the studios’ relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the beloved tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback in Legacy of Atlantis, slated for release on February 12. Both Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland, are co‑developing Legacy of Atlantis. Siqueira emphasized that everyone involved considers themselves part of a single entity, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” “We’re really good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project,” Siqueira said.
“From the moment we started talking, it was obvious that both teams share the same philosophy about game development. We’ve been brutally honest about what we need and how we want to achieve it, and the collaboration just felt natural.” He continued, “Crystal brings a deep history of Tomb Raider titles, but sometimes you need fresh perspectives. Bringing in a new team to look at what you have can spark something truly unique.
That collaboration has been one of the best parts of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and is 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 the character that goes beyond the walls of the studio," he explained. "We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Tomb Raider for over two decades.
They’re involved in every project, fostering strong collaboration across the board." He added with a laugh, "If I start talking about the other projects, some people might chase me off the stage!" At the project’s inception, 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 image of how that game looks, and when we play it again we notice differences," Siqueira said.
"That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying areas where we could safely color outside the lines." Team Atlantis has introduced features such as crafting and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been omitted: tank controls. When asked about this decision, Siqueira responded, "The control scheme has been updated for modern audiences.
Of course, the original games are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. If you’re eager to use tank controls, I admire your enthusiasm, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re genuinely tough." Tomaszewski echoed that sentiment: "I remember thinking tank controls were awesome back then, but playing them after twenty years is a different experience—it feels clunky and frustrating." Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld.
When asked about the synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed there is "definitely collaboration" but stressed that each game remains distinct. "We’re developing both titles together, yet it’s crucial to treat Legacy of Atlantis as its own project, staying faithful to the original while respecting the broader timeline. 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 be the Lara in our future games." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog demonstrates how external collaboration can breathe new life into a classic franchise, adding modern mechanics like crafting and skill trees while preserving the core identity of Lara Croft. The decision to abandon tank controls reflects a commitment to accessibility for today’s gamers, yet the original experience remains accessible for purists.
With Amazon’s backing and a coordinated effort across multiple media, Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor its legacy while charting fresh territory for the iconic adventurer. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously worked with Crystal Dynamics on the book Chronicles of the Tomb Raider.