During Gamescom last week, a hands‑on showcase of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis revealed that the upcoming title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it represents a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The demo highlighted a host of new systems and design choices that signal a fresh direction for the series while still honoring its roots. The development mantle has been passed from Crystal Dynamics to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, a partnership that has already begun to reshape the 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 environment to brew restorative tinctures and prepare meals that not only heal but also provide temporary stat boosts. This crafting mechanic adds a layer of strategic resource management that encourages exploration and experimentation.
Another major addition is a skill‑tree system. The demo demonstrated how players can allocate skill points to extend the reach of Lara’s signature dual pistols, unlock new combat abilities, and enhance movement options.
This progression system gives players a sense of growth and personalization that was absent from the original game. After the showcase, 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 model functioned, described the studios’ collaborative relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the notorious tank‑control scheme will not be resurrected in Legacy of Atlantis, which is slated for release on February 12.
Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics team and the Polish developers refer to themselves collectively as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized that, despite the geographic distance, the entire crew operates as a single, cohesive unit. “We excel at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project,” he said.
“From the very first conversations, it was clear that we share a common philosophy about game development. Transparency about our needs and our creative vision came naturally, and that openness has been a cornerstone of our partnership.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep legacy of Tomb Raider titles to the table, fresh perspectives are essential for innovation. “Sometimes you need new eyes to look at what you have and help you craft something truly unique,” Siqueira explained. “That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external partner involved.
Amazon, a tech and retail powerhouse, serves as the publisher for both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and it is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira described the relationship with Amazon as “pretty close” across all fronts.
“We share a commitment to the franchise and to the character that goes beyond the walls of the studio,” he said. “Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Raider, collaborates with Amazon on every project, ensuring a unified vision.” When pressed about the breadth of his responsibilities, Siqueira laughed, warning that mentioning other Amazon‑backed projects might provoke a playful backlash from the audience. This light‑hearted comment underscored the interconnected nature of the various media properties tied to the Tomb Raider brand.
In preparation for the remake, the development team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 anniversary edition. This comparative analysis helped them identify which moments and locations were sacrosanct and which could be reinterpreted.
“We all carry a mental image of how the game looks,” Siqueira noted. “When we actually played the originals, we realized there were differences that sparked discussion. That process allowed us to pinpoint the essential set‑pieces that must stay exactly as they are, while also giving us permission to color outside the lines in other areas.” Beyond the new crafting and skill‑tree systems, the team made a conscious decision to drop the classic tank‑control scheme that defined early Tomb Raider titles.
Siqueira explained that modern audiences expect more fluid, responsive movement, and the controls have been redesigned accordingly. “The original games are still available as Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the authentic experience,” he said. “If you’re nostalgic for tank controls, I respect that enthusiasm, but honestly, after trying them repeatedly, they’re just… hard.” Art director Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience playing the original after a two‑decade hiatus.
“I remembered thinking the tank controls were awesome back then, but after 20 years they feel clunky and unintuitive,” he admitted. “It’s a reminder that what felt groundbreaking at one time may not translate well to today’s standards.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a narrative sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two projects, Siqueira affirmed that there is “definitely collaboration,” but emphasized that each title remains distinct.
“Legacy of Atlantis is its own self‑contained project, faithful to the original game’s spirit,” he clarified. “At the same time, we respect the continuity of Lara’s story across all eras. The Lara you encounter in Legacy of Atlantis is the same iteration that appears in the Survivor trilogy—Tomb Raider 2013, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and will continue to be the core of our future narratives.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while preserving a franchise’s heritage.
By embracing modern design conventions—such as crafting, skill progression, and refined controls—while still honoring iconic set‑pieces, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. With Amazon’s publishing muscle and cross‑media ambitions adding further layers of support, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is shaping up to be a landmark entry that bridges the past and the future of Lara Croft’s enduring adventure. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.