During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, developers gave attendees a glimpse of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. Instead, it represents a comprehensive reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, blending nostalgic elements with modern gameplay innovations. The project is being driven by a partnership between Crystal Dynamics, the veteran studio behind the franchise, and the Polish developer Flying Wild Hog. This collaboration has already introduced several notable changes to the series’ core mechanics.
For instance, the iconic first‑aid kits have been removed in favor of a crafting system that lets Lara mix health‑restoring tinctures and create meals that boost her stats using ingredients scattered throughout the world. Additionally, a new skill‑tree has been implemented, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, as demonstrated in the demo. Following the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. The two discussed how the external development model functions, their relationship with publisher Amazon, and the decision to abandon the series’ old‑school tank‑control scheme in the final release slated for February 12.
Both studios operate under a single internal banner—"Team Atlantis"—which reflects their intention to function as one cohesive unit despite being geographically separated. Siqueira explained, "We excel at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a joint effort. From our first conversations it was evident that we share a common philosophy on game creation.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the partnership just clicked." He continued, "Crystal Dynamics brings a deep well of Tomb Raider history, but sometimes you need a fresh set of eyes. Bringing in an outside perspective can help you see what you have in a new light and craft something truly unique. That collaborative spirit has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project." Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, a major player in both technology and retail, is publishing Legacy of Atlantis as well as the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and it is also developing a television adaptation starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all these fronts, emphasizing a shared commitment to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls. He added that an internal franchise team at Crystal, composed of veterans with two‑decades of experience, coordinates efforts across the various media properties, fostering a strong collaborative environment.
When asked about other projects, Siqueira joked that he might be tackled by the audience if he lingered too long on them, underscoring his focus on Legacy of Atlantis. To ensure the new game honors its roots, the development team revisited both the original 1996 title and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort recollection. "We all have a mental picture of how the original looked, but when we actually play it, we notice differences," Siqueira said.
"That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay intact, while also identifying areas where we could safely innovate." Among the innovations are the aforementioned crafting system and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. Siqueira explained that the control scheme was modernized to suit contemporary players. "The classic games are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the original feel. If you’re eager to try tank controls again, I respect that enthusiasm, but personally I’ve found them quite unforgiving," he admitted.
Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, noting that after two decades the old control style feels cumbersome. Legacy of Atlantis was announced 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 stressed that each project remains distinct.
"We are developing both games together, yet it’s crucial that Legacy of Atlantis stands on its own and remains faithful to the source material. Lara’s journey in this game respects both the earlier and later entries in the series. The Lara you see here is the same incarnation from the Survivor era—spanning Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to be the central figure in our future endeavors." In addition to gameplay changes, the partnership with Flying Wild Hog has introduced visual and environmental upgrades.
The team leveraged modern rendering techniques to enhance lighting, texture fidelity, and character models, giving the jungle and underwater sections a richer, more immersive atmosphere. Enemy AI has also been overhauled; foes now exhibit smarter behavior, using cover and coordinated attacks that demand more strategic play from Lara. The narrative has been expanded as well. While the core storyline mirrors the original—Lara’s quest to uncover the lost city of Atlantis and thwart a shadowy organization—the new version adds side quests that explore the mythology of the Atlantean civilization, providing deeper lore for fans.
These quests often involve puzzle‑solving that ties into the crafting system, encouraging players to gather specific herbs or relics to unlock hidden chambers. From a technical standpoint, the game runs on Crystal Dynamics’ in‑house engine, which has been updated to support higher frame rates and ray‑traced reflections on next‑gen consoles and PC. This ensures that the fast‑paced action sequences feel smooth and visually striking. The developers also incorporated accessibility options, such as customizable controls, difficulty sliders, and subtitle enhancements, making the experience more inclusive.
Overall, the collaboration between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog demonstrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while preserving the spirit of a beloved franchise. By blending classic set‑pieces with modern mechanics, expanding the story, and updating the visual presentation, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis aims to satisfy longtime fans and attract newcomers alike. The decision to forgo tank controls reflects a broader commitment to accessibility and contemporary design, ensuring that the game feels both familiar and forward‑looking. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for a title that promises to honor its heritage while charting new territory for Lara Croft’s enduring adventure.