During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis revealed that the upcoming title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is essentially a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for this overhaul has been handed to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, which has injected new mechanics into the beloved formula. First‑aid kits have been removed, replaced by a crafting system where Lara can mix health‑restoring tinctures and prepare nutrient‑rich meals from gathered ingredients. A skill tree now lets players allocate points to enhance abilities, such as extending the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, as demonstrated in the demo.
Following the demonstration, Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski fielded questions about the collaborative process, the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and the decision to abandon the nostalgic tank‑control scheme in the final product slated for release on February 12. Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics and Poland’s Flying Wild Hog are working side‑by‑side on Legacy of Atlantis, though internally the combined effort is simply called “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira explained that the two teams quickly discovered a shared philosophy on game creation, which helped dissolve the invisible barriers that sometimes separate studios. “We’re very candid about what we need and how we want to achieve it,” he said. “It just felt natural.” He added that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep heritage of Tomb Ranger titles, fresh perspectives are invaluable.
“Sometimes you need someone new to look at what you have and help you craft something truly unique,” Siqueira noted, calling the partnership one of the project’s strongest assets. Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external collaborator. Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television adaptation starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira said Crystal Dynamics works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts, emphasizing a shared commitment to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls.
He praised the internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics, describing them as seasoned veterans who have guided the series for over two decades and now coordinate efforts across multiple projects. He joked that discussing too many other initiatives might provoke a playful “tackle” from the audience. In preparation for the remake, the development team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception; players often recall a version that differs from the actual experience.
By replaying the classics, the team identified core moments and locations that must remain untouched, while also pinpointing areas where they could “color outside the lines” and introduce fresh ideas. Among the new features are crafting, weapon upgrades, and a more fluid skill system. However, one hallmark of the original—its clunky tank‑control scheme—has been deliberately omitted.
Siqueira explained that modern audiences expect more responsive controls, and while the original games remain available via the Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered release, the team chose not to re‑implement tank controls in the new version. “If you want to experience the old style, it’s there,” he said, adding with humor that he had tried it himself and found it “hard.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own reaction when revisiting the tank controls after two decades: “It felt… confusing.
It’s just a different era of design.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld. When asked about synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed that while there is collaboration, each game remains distinct.
The narrative continuity respects both past and future entries, positioning Lara as the same character from the “Survivor” era (the reboot trilogy beginning with Tomb Ranger 2013) across all upcoming titles. Overall, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can revitalize a classic franchise, blending reverence for the source material with innovative gameplay systems.
By discarding outdated mechanics like tank controls and introducing modern features such as crafting and skill trees, the team aims to deliver an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The upcoming release promises to honor the spirit of Lara Croft’s first adventure while propelling her into a new era of interactive storytelling. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.