During Gamescom last week, attendees were treated to a hands‑off showcase of Tomb Raider: 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. The development baton has been passed from Crystal Dynamics to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, a partnership that has already introduced several fresh mechanics to the series. The familiar first‑aid kits have been swapped for a crafting system where Lara gathers ingredients to brew health‑restoring tinctures and nutrient‑dense meals that boost her stats.
Additionally, a new skill‑tree allows players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, a feature highlighted in the demo. Following the presentation, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, alongside Flying Wild Hog’s art director Arek Tomaszewski. They explained how the external development model functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the notorious 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 emphasized the importance of breaking down the invisible barriers that often separate studios during joint projects.
“From the first conversations it was evident that we share a common philosophy on game development,” he said. “We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the collaboration just clicked.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep well of Tomb Raider heritage, injecting an outside perspective can be invaluable.
“Sometimes you need fresh eyes,” Siqueira remarked. “Having a new team examine what you have can spark ideas that lead to something truly unique. That synergy has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this venture.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved.
Amazon, a tech and retail powerhouse, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, while also producing a television series starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira described the relationship with Amazon as “pretty close,” noting that both parties share a long‑term commitment to the franchise and its protagonist that extends beyond the studio walls. He mentioned an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics composed of veterans who have shaped the series for over two decades, underscoring the collaborative spirit across all projects.
When asked about other upcoming titles, Siqueira laughed, warning that delving deeper might provoke a playful “stage‑attack” from the audience. He then turned to the development process itself, explaining that the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception.
“We all carry an internal image of what the game looks like,” he said. “Playing it again reveals discrepancies, which helped us pinpoint the moments and locations that must stay intact, and where we could safely color outside the lines.” Among the new additions are the aforementioned crafting system and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. Siqueira clarified that the control scheme has been modernized to suit contemporary audiences.
“The classic version is still available as Tomb Raider 1 Remastered for those who crave the old feel,” he noted. “I’ve tried the tank controls myself—honestly, they’re a tough nut to crack after all these years.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience of revisiting the mechanic after two decades and finding it surprisingly unwieldy. Legacy of Atlantis was unveiled alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld.
When questioned about the interplay between the two games, Siqueira confirmed that while there is “definite collaboration,” each title remains distinct. “Legacy of Atlantis is its own project, faithful to the original,” he said.
“The Lara you encounter here is the same incarnation that appears in the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to be the consistent protagonist across our 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 legacy. By blending new systems like crafting and skill trees with a modern control scheme, the team aims to deliver an experience that feels both familiar and innovative. The collaboration with Amazon further broadens the brand’s reach, spanning games, television, and publishing.
Fans can look forward to a reimagined Lara Croft who honors her roots while embracing the possibilities of today’s gaming landscape. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.