Last week at Gamescom, the demo for Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis offered a clear signal: this isn’t merely a polished remaster of the 1996 classic, but a full‑scale re‑imagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The project is being built under the guidance of Crystal Dynamics, but the heavy lifting is being done by Polish developer Flying Wild Hog. Their collaboration has already introduced several notable changes to the Tomb Ranger formula.
For instance, the familiar first‑aid kits have been removed; instead, Lara now gathers ingredients throughout the world to brew restorative tinctures and nutrient‑rich meals that boost her stats. A brand‑new skill tree also makes an appearance, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, a feature that was on display during the demo. Following the showcase, a round‑table Q&A brought together Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. They explained how the external development partnership functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the long‑awaited return of tank‑style controls will not be part of Legacy of Atlantis when it launches on February 12.
Both studios—Crystal Dynamics in California and Flying Wild Hog in Poland—consider themselves a single entity for the purpose of the project, referring to themselves internally as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized the importance of breaking down the invisible barriers that can form between separate development houses. “From the very first conversations it was obvious that we shared a common philosophy on game creation,” he said.
“We were brutally honest about what each side needed and how we wanted to approach the work, and the collaboration felt completely natural.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep legacy of Tomb Ranger titles, fresh perspectives are essential for innovation. “Sometimes you need someone new to step in and look at what you have with fresh eyes, so you can craft something truly unique,” Siqueira explained. “That partnership has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this undertaking.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external relationship shaping Legacy of Atlantis.
Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is acting as publisher for both this game and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also developing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira described the collaboration with Amazon as “pretty close,” noting a shared dedication to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls. He highlighted an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—veterans who have spent more than two decades on the series—who coordinate across all projects to ensure consistency and quality. “There’s a great synergy among everyone involved,” he said, adding with a laugh that talking about other projects might provoke a playful reaction from the audience.
When the team first began work, they revisited both the original 1996 title and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. “We all carry an image of what the game looked like in our heads, and when we actually play it again we notice the differences,” Siqueira observed. “That process helped us pinpoint the moments and locations that must stay exactly as they were, while also identifying where we could safely color outside the lines.” Among the new features, crafting and weapon upgrades stand out, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. Siqueira explained that the control scheme was modernized to suit contemporary audiences.
“The original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel,” he said. “If you’re eager to return to tank controls, I respect that enthusiasm, but I’ve tried it myself many times and it’s genuinely difficult.” Tomaszewski echoed the sentiment, recalling his own experience playing the original after two decades. “It felt awesome at the time, but revisiting it now is a bit of a shock—it's just too hard.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld. When asked about the degree of synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definitely collaboration,” yet stressed that each game remains its own distinct project.
“We are developing the games together, but it’s crucial that Legacy of Atlantis stays faithful to its source material,” he said. “When we consider Lara’s progression, we want to honor both the games that came before and those that will follow. The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger 2013, Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and she will continue to be the same character across our future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while preserving the core identity of a beloved franchise.
By updating mechanics, adding depth through crafting and skill trees, and modernizing controls, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and new. At the same time, close collaboration with Amazon ensures that the broader Tomb Ranger universe—spanning games, television, and publishing—remains cohesive and true to its roots. The result is a re‑imagined adventure that respects the legacy of the original while inviting a new generation of players to experience Lara Croft’s first quest in a way that feels relevant for today’s gamers.