During Gamescom last week, a hands‑on showcase of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 original; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for bringing this vision to life has been shared between Crystal Dynamics and the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, a collaboration that has already introduced several noteworthy changes to the classic formula. One of the most visible updates is the removal of the series’ iconic first‑aid kits.
In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats. This new crafting system adds a layer of strategic resource management that was absent from the original game.
Additionally, the remake introduces a skill‑tree mechanic; the demo highlighted how players can allocate skill points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, offering more customization and depth to combat. Following the demonstration, Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski sat down for a round‑table Q&A.
They explained how the external development partnership functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the long‑awaited return of tank controls will not be part of Legacy of Atlantis when it launches on February 12. Both studios refer to themselves internally as “Team Atlantis,” emphasizing that despite being based in different continents—Crystal Dynamics in California and Flying Wild Hog in Poland—they operate as a single, cohesive unit. “We’re very good at breaking down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during development,” Siqueira said. “From the very first conversations it was obvious that we shared a common philosophy about game creation.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the partnership just clicked.” Siqueira went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep heritage of Tomb Raider titles, injecting fresh perspectives can be essential for innovation. “Sometimes you need someone new to step in, to look at what you have and help you craft something unique,” he explained.
“That collaborative spark has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external partner involved. Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, as well as producing a television series starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira described the relationship with Amazon as “pretty close,” noting that both parties share a deep commitment to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls. He praised the internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics, a group of veterans with more than two decades of experience who oversee the brand across all media.
When asked about the challenges of revisiting a beloved classic, Siqueira recounted the team’s approach of playing both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. “We all have a mental snapshot of how the game looked and felt,” he said.
“When we actually played it again, we realized there were differences. That helped us pinpoint which moments, locations, and set‑pieces needed to stay exactly as they were, and where we could safely experiment and add new colour.” Beyond the crafting and weapon‑upgrade systems, the team made a deliberate decision to drop the original’s tank‑control scheme. “The control layout has been modernized for today’s audience,” Siqueira explained.
“The classic version is still available as Tomb Raider 1 Remastered for those who want the old feel. I’ve tried the tank controls many times, and honestly, they’re quite unforgiving.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience replaying the game after twenty years and finding the controls frustratingly difficult. Legacy of Atlantis was unveiled alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When questioned about the synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definitely collaboration” but stressed that each title remains distinct.
“Legacy of Atlantis is its own project, and we’re committed to honoring the original game,” he said. “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 central figure in our future endeavors.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject new ideas while preserving the core spirit of a classic. By introducing modern mechanics like crafting and skill trees, discarding outdated control schemes, and maintaining a close relationship with both Amazon and the internal franchise team, the studios aim to deliver a version of Lara’s first adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Legacy of Atlantis is slated for release on February 12, promising both longtime fans and newcomers a re‑imagined journey through the iconic world of Tomb Raider.