During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, developers gave players a glimpse of Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis that made it clear this isn’t merely a polished re‑release of the 1996 classic. Instead, the title is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, rebuilt from the ground up.
The heavy lifting on this overhaul has been taken on by the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which Crystal Dynamics has brought on as an external development partner. The collaboration has already introduced several notable departures from the original formula. For instance, the iconic first‑aid kits have been removed entirely; in their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew restorative potions and cook meals that grant temporary stat boosts. Additionally, the game now features a skill‑tree system, and the demo highlighted how players can allocate points to extend the effective range of Lara’s signature dual pistols.
After the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A featured Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski. They explained how the external development model operates, described the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and clarified why the long‑discussed “tank‑control” scheme will not make a comeback when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12.
Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics team and the Polish developers are working under a single internal banner: “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized that the two groups have managed to dissolve the invisible barriers that often separate studios during joint projects. “From the moment we started talking, it was obvious that we shared a common philosophy about game creation,” he said. “We were brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the partnership just clicked.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep heritage of Tomb Ranger titles, bringing in an external perspective can be invaluable.
“Sometimes you need fresh eyes. An outside studio can look at what you have and help you craft something truly unique.
That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external relationship at play. Amazon, the tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, as well as producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira said his team works “pretty closely” with Amazon across all fronts. “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that goes beyond the studio walls,” he explained. “We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Lara’s world for more than two decades.
They are involved in every project, fostering a strong collaborative spirit.” When asked about his involvement in other Amazon‑backed projects, Siqueira laughed, warning that mentioning them might provoke a playful “stage‑coup” from the audience. In preparation for the remake, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 Anniversary remake.
This exercise highlighted how memory can distort expectations. “We all carry an image of the game in our heads, and when we actually play it we notice differences,” Siqueira said.
“That allowed us to pinpoint which moments, locations, and set‑pieces must stay untouched, and where we have the freedom to innovate.” Beyond the new crafting and weapon‑upgrade systems, one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. Siqueira clarified that the control scheme has been modernized to suit contemporary players. “The original versions are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. If you’re eager to experience tank controls again, I respect that enthusiasm, but after trying them myself many times, I can attest they’re quite unforgiving.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience replaying the game after two decades and finding the old controls bewilderingly difficult.
Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld. When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definitely collaboration” but stressed that each project remains distinct.
“Legacy of Atlantis is its own entity, and we are committed to honoring the original game’s spirit. At the same time, we must respect the narrative arc of Lara’s journey across all entries, from the Survivor era (2013‑2018) to future installments. The Lara you see here is the same Lara who will appear in our upcoming projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas while preserving a franchise’s core identity. By discarding outdated mechanics like tank controls, adding modern systems such as crafting and skill trees, and maintaining close ties with Amazon for publishing and cross‑media expansion, the team aims to deliver a version of Legacy of Atlantis that feels both nostalgic and forward‑looking.
The game is slated for release on February 12, promising fans a re‑imagined adventure that respects its roots while embracing contemporary design sensibilities. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.