During Gamescom last week, the team presented a hands‑on look at Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, making it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic. Instead, it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, built from the ground up with modern design sensibilities.
The development baton has been passed to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the established Tomb Raider formula. For instance, the iconic first‑aid kits have been removed; players now gather ingredients throughout the world to brew restorative potions and nutritious meals that boost Lara’s stats.
A brand‑new skill tree has also been introduced, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, as demonstrated in the live demo. Following 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 partnership functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the notorious “tank controls” of the original 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 a single entity on the project, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized the importance of tearing down the invisible barriers that often separate studios during joint ventures.
“From the first conversations it was obvious we shared a common philosophy on game creation,” he said. “We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and the collaboration felt natural from day one.” He continued, “Crystal brings decades of Tomb Raider heritage, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Bringing in a fresh set of eyes can spark ideas that wouldn’t emerge otherwise. That partnership has become one of the most rewarding aspects of this remake.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved.
Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and is also producing a television adaptation starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all fronts. “We share a commitment to the franchise that goes beyond the studio walls,” he explained. “Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have spent over twenty years on Tomb Raider, collaborates with Amazon on every project, ensuring a cohesive vision.” He added with a laugh, “If I start naming other Amazon projects, someone might tackle me from the stage!” To ground their redesign, the team revisited both the 1996 original and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary.
This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception. “We all have a mental image of what the game looked like,” Siqueira said. “When we actually play it again, we notice differences.
That helped us pinpoint the moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying where we could safely innovate.” Beyond crafting and weapon upgrades, the developers made a deliberate decision to discard tank controls—a hallmark of early Tomb Raider titles. Siqueira explained that the control scheme was modernized to suit contemporary audiences. “The original games are still available as Tomb Raider 1 Remastered for those who crave the classic feel,” he said. “If you want to experience tank controls again, I commend your enthusiasm, but personally I found them cumbersome after many attempts.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience playing the original after a twenty‑year hiatus: “It felt amazing at the time, but revisiting it now, it’s just… hard.” 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 games, Siqueira confirmed there is “definite collaboration,” yet stressed that Legacy of Atlantis remains a distinct project. “We are making both games together, but it’s crucial to keep Legacy of Atlantis faithful to its source material,” he said. “Lara’s journey in this title aligns with the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and will continue consistently across future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can breathe new life into a beloved franchise.
By blending the studio’s deep legacy knowledge with the Polish team’s fresh outlook, the remake promises a richer, more accessible experience while honoring the spirit of the original adventure. The collaboration with Amazon further expands the Tomb Raider universe across games, television, and merchandising, ensuring that Lara Croft’s legacy endures for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book "Chronicles of the Tomb Raider."