At 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, with new mechanics, systems, and visual upgrades that bring the early era into the modern age. The development mantle for this ambitious project has been handed to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has already begun to reshape the familiar Tomb Raider formula.
One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the old‑school first‑aid kits. In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew health‑restoring elixirs and nutrient‑rich meals that boost her stats. The game also introduces a skill‑tree system; during the demo, players saw Lara allocate points to extend the range of her signature dual pistols, hinting at deeper customization options. 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 executives shed light on how the external development partnership operates, the studios’ evolving relationship with Amazon, and the decision to leave behind the notorious tank‑control scheme when the game launches on February 12. Legacy of Atlantis is a joint effort between Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog in Poland.
Yet, as Siqueira explains, everyone works under a single banner: internally the team is simply called “Team Atlantis.” "We’re exceptionally good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project," Siqueira said. "From our first conversations it was obvious that both teams share the same philosophy on game creation.
We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the collaboration felt natural from day one." He went on to acknowledge the value of fresh input: "Crystal brings a deep legacy of Tomb Raider titles and a wealth of history, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Bringing in a new set of eyes lets you look at what you have and craft something truly unique. That partnership has been one of the strongest aspects of this undertaking." Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external relationship Crystal Dynamics is navigating for Legacy of Atlantis. The tech and retail behemoth Amazon has taken on publishing duties for both this game and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira described the collaboration with Amazon as "pretty close" across all fronts. "We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that extends beyond the studio walls," he said. "At Crystal we have an internal franchise team—seasoned veterans who have spent over two decades shaping Lara’s world. They’re involved in every project, fostering a strong, cross‑disciplinary partnership." He added with a laugh, "If I start talking about the other projects, some people might chase me off the stage." When the development team began work, they revisited both the original 1996 release and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception.
"We all have a mental image of how the game looked, and then we play it and notice the differences," Siqueira explained. "That exercise helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying where we could safely color outside the lines." Beyond the crafting system and weapon upgrades, the team made a deliberate choice to drop one of the most iconic—and divisive—features of the early games: tank controls. "The control scheme has been modernized for today’s audience," Siqueira said. "The original versions are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel.
If you’re eager to revisit tank controls, I admire the dedication, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re brutally difficult." Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment: "When you remember a game from twenty years ago, it can feel amazing, but playing it now is a whole different experience. The tank controls just don’t hold up." Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed there is "definite collaboration" but stressed each project remains distinct. "We’re developing both games together, yet it’s crucial to keep Legacy of Atlantis as its own faithful reinterpretation of the original.
As for Lara’s narrative arc, we respect both the earlier and later entries. The Lara you see here is the same survivor version introduced in the 2013 reboot series and will continue to be the Lara of our future projects." In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how bringing in fresh talent can rejuvenate a beloved franchise while preserving its core identity.
By modernizing controls, adding crafting and skill trees, and maintaining a clear vision of what must stay unchanged, the team aims to deliver a game that satisfies longtime fans and welcomes new players alike. The collaboration with Amazon further expands the Tomb Raider universe across games, television, and merchandise, ensuring Lara Croft remains a cultural touchstone for years to come. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book Chronicles of the Tomb Raider.