At Gamescom last week, attendees were treated to a hands‑on 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, infused with modern mechanics and fresh design choices. The project is being driven by a partnership between Crystal Dynamics, the veteran studio behind the franchise, and Flying Wild Hog, a Polish developer known for its gritty action titles.
This collaboration has already produced several notable departures from the original formula. For instance, the iconic first‑aid kits have been swapped out for a crafting system where Lara gathers ingredients to brew health‑restoring tinctures and create meals that boost her stats.
Additionally, the game now features a skill tree; the demo highlighted how players can allocate points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, adding a layer of strategic customization that was absent from the 1996 version. Following the demo, a round‑table Q&A brought together Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. The two explained how the external development model functions, described their working relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the beloved but notoriously clunky tank‑control scheme will not be reinstated when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12.
Both studios refer to themselves collectively as “Team Atlantis,” a single unit that bridges the geographic gap between California and Poland. “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during development,” Siqueira said. “From the very first conversations it was evident that we shared the same philosophy on game creation. We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and that honesty made the partnership feel natural.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep reservoir of Tomb Raider history, fresh perspectives are essential for innovation.
“Sometimes you need an outside voice to look at what you have and help you craft something truly unique,” he explained. “That collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external ally involved.
Amazon, a tech and retail powerhouse, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, while also developing a television series starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira emphasized that Crystal Dynamics 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 said.
“Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have spent over two decades on Tomb Raider, collaborates with Amazon on every project. It’s a great partnership.” He added with a laugh that discussing other Amazon‑related projects might invite a playful “tackle” from the audience.
To ensure the remake honored its roots, the development team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort recollection.
“We all have a mental image of how the game looked, and when we play it we realize it’s different,” Siqueira noted. “That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay exactly as they are, while also identifying where we could safely experiment and add new color.” Among the new features 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. “If you want the classic tank‑control experience, the original Tomb Raider 1 Remastered is still available,” he said. “I’ve tried it many times myself, and it’s genuinely tough.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience revisiting the old controls after two decades.
“It felt awesome back then, but playing it now is a different story—it’s just too hard.” Legacy of Atlantis was unveiled 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 there is “definitely collaboration,” but stressed that each game remains distinct.
“Legacy of Atlantis is its own project, and we’re committed to staying faithful to the original while respecting the broader timeline of Lara’s story,” he said. “The Lara you see here is the same Lara from the Survivor era—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and she will continue to be the same across our future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject fresh ideas into a legacy franchise, while Amazon’s involvement demonstrates the expanding multimedia ecosystem surrounding Tomb Raider.
Fans can look forward to a reimagined adventure that preserves the spirit of the original, introduces modern gameplay systems, and leaves behind outdated mechanics like tank controls. Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor Lara Croft’s heritage while propelling her into a new era of interactive storytelling. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.