At Gamescom last week, attendees were treated to a hands‑off showcase of Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis that made it clear this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. Instead, it represents a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, rebuilt from the ground up with modern design sensibilities. The project is being shepherded by Crystal Dynamics, but the bulk of the development work has been handed over to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog. This partnership has already injected several fresh ideas into the series’ core formula.
For example, the familiar first‑aid kits have been replaced by a crafting system that lets Lara mix health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats, using ingredients she gathers throughout the world. Additionally, a new skill‑tree mechanic lets players allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, a feature that was demonstrated during the demo. Following the showcase, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog.
They opened up about how the external development relationship functions, how the studios coordinate with publisher Amazon, and why the long‑loved tank‑control scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12. Both studios – Crystal Dynamics in California and Flying Wild Hog in Poland – consider themselves part of a single entity internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira explained, “We’re really good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project.
From the first conversation, it was obvious that we shared a common philosophy about game development. Honesty about what each team needs and how we want to approach the work came naturally.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep legacy of Tomb Ranger experience, fresh perspectives are essential. “Sometimes you need someone new to look at what you have and help you create something unique. That collaboration has been one of the best parts of this project,” he said.
Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, a tech and retail giant, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series starring Sophie Turner based on the franchise. Siqueira described the relationship as “pretty close” and emphasized a shared commitment that extends beyond the studio walls. He highlighted an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics, composed of veterans who have worked on Tomb Ranger for over two decades, noting that their involvement ensures consistency across all media.
When asked about the challenges of revisiting a beloved classic, Siqueira recounted how the team initially played both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary. “We all have a mental image of how the game looked and felt,” he said.
“When we actually played it, we realized there were differences. That helped us pinpoint which moments and locations had to stay exactly the same, and where we could safely color outside the lines.” Team Atlantis has indeed added several modern conveniences, such as crafting, weapon upgrades, and a more fluid combat system. However, one hallmark of the original – the infamous tank controls – has been deliberately omitted.
Siqueira explained that the control scheme was overhauled to suit contemporary audiences, adding that the original version remains available as Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered for those who crave the nostalgic difficulty. “I’ve tried the tank controls many times, and honestly, they’re brutally hard,” he admitted with a laugh. Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience revisiting the game after two decades. “It felt awesome the first time, but playing it now is like, ‘What is happening?’ The mechanics just don’t translate well to modern expectations.” 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 synergy between the two projects, Siqueira confirmed that while there is collaboration, each title remains distinct. “Legacy of Atlantis is its own project, and we’re committed to staying faithful to the original game’s spirit. The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era – the 2013 reboot trilogy – and she will continue to be the central figure across all future endeavors.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while respecting a franchise’s heritage. By discarding outdated control schemes, adding crafting depth, and maintaining a cohesive vision across games, TV, and publishing, the team aims to deliver a version of Lara Croft’s first adventure that feels both familiar and exciting for new and veteran players alike.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger.