During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis revealed that the title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. Instead, it represents a thorough re‑imagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, rebuilt from the ground up.
The development baton has been passed to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the beloved Tomb Raider formula. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the traditional first‑aid kits.
In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew health‑restoring tinctures and cook meals that grant temporary stat boosts. A brand‑new skill tree has also been introduced; the demo highlighted how players can allocate skill points to extend the reach of Lara’s signature dual pistols, adding a layer of strategic depth previously unseen in the series.
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. The two executives shed light on how the external development partnership functions, described their relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the notorious tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12. Legacy of Atlantis is a joint effort between Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog in Poland.
Yet, according to Siqueira, everyone involved operates under a single banner: “Team Atlantis.” He explained, “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project. Early conversations showed us that both teams share the same philosophy about game development.
We’re brutally honest about what we need and how we want to achieve it, and the collaboration just felt natural.” Siqueira continued, “Crystal has a deep history with Tomb Raider, but sometimes you need fresh perspectives. Bringing in a new studio lets you look at the material with fresh eyes and craft something truly unique. That partnership has been one of the most rewarding aspects 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 starring Sophie Turner based on the franchise.
Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts. “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that goes beyond the studio walls,” he said.
“Our internal franchise team—seasoned veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Raider—collaborates across every project, creating a seamless ecosystem.” He added with a laugh, “If I start talking too much about other projects, someone might chase me off the stage.” To ensure the remake honored its roots, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort recollection. “We all have a mental picture of what the game looked like, and when we actually play it, we notice the differences,” Siqueira explained.
“That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay untouched, while identifying areas where we could safely ‘color outside the lines.’” Beyond crafting and weapon upgrades, the developers made a deliberate decision to drop the classic tank‑control scheme. “The control layout has been modernized for today’s audience,” Siqueira said. “The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the old feel. I respect anyone who wants to try tank controls again; I’ve given it a go many times, and it’s genuinely tough.” Tomaszewski echoed the sentiment, noting, “When you revisit a game after twenty years, the tank controls feel clunky.
It’s nostalgic, but not practical for modern players.” Legacy of Atlantis was unveiled alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed a strong collaborative link but emphasized distinct identities.
“We’re developing both games together, but it’s crucial to treat Legacy of Atlantis as its own standalone project. We remain faithful to the original while respecting the narrative arc that spans the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The Lara you see here is the same Lara who will appear in our future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external collaboration can breathe new life into a classic franchise.
By blending the studio’s deep legacy knowledge with fresh design sensibilities, the team has crafted a game that honors its heritage while delivering modern gameplay innovations. Fans can look forward to a richly detailed world, expanded crafting systems, and a skill‑driven combat experience—all without the cumbersome tank controls of the past. Legacy of Atlantis aims to satisfy longtime devotees and attract newcomers alike, promising a compelling adventure when it arrives in February. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.