During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, Tomb Ranger: Legacy of Atlantis revealed that the upcoming title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. Crystal Dynamics has entrusted much of the development to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, and the collaboration has already introduced several notable changes to the series’ formula.
For example, the familiar first‑aid kits have been swapped out for a crafting system where Lara can mix health‑restoring tinctures and create meals that boost her stats using ingredients scattered throughout the world. Additionally, a skill‑tree has been added, and the demo highlighted how players can allocate points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols. After the demo, a round‑table Q&A featured 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 the studios’ relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the long‑awaited return of tank‑style controls will not be part of Legacy of Atlantis when it ships on February 12. Both Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland, are co‑developers on Legacy of Atlantis. Siqueira emphasized that, internally, everyone works as a single unit known as “Team Atlantis.” “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project,” he said.
“From the first conversations it was clear that both teams share the same philosophy on game development. We’re honest about our needs and our methods, and the partnership just clicked.” He went on to note the value of fresh eyes: “Crystal brings a deep history with Tomb Ranger, but sometimes you need an outside perspective.
Bringing in a new team lets you look at the material differently and create something truly unique. That collaboration has been one of the strongest aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only external relationship Crystal Dynamics is juggling for Legacy of Atlantis.
Amazon, the tech and retail giant, is publishing both this game and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira said his studio works "pretty closely" with Amazon across all fronts.
“We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that goes beyond studio walls,” he explained. “We have an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics—seasoned veterans who have been with the series for over two decades.
They are involved in every project, fostering strong collaboration across the board.” He added with a laugh, “If I start talking about the other projects, some people might chase me off the stage.” In the early stages, the development team replayed both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary, to understand how memory can distort perception. “We all have a mental image of what the game looks like, and when we actually play it, we notice differences,” Siqueira said. “That helped us pinpoint the essential moments and locations that must stay true, while also identifying where we could take creative liberties.” Team Atlantis has introduced new mechanics such as crafting and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been omitted: tank controls. When asked about this decision, Siqueira explained, “The control scheme has been modernized for today’s audience.
Of course, the original games are still available—you can play Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. I’ve tried the tank controls many times; they’re genuinely difficult.” Tomaszewski echoed the sentiment, noting that while the old controls felt “awesome” back then, revisiting them after two decades feels “what is going on? It’s so hard.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld. When questioned about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed that there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each game remains its own distinct project.
“We’re making both games together, yet it’s crucial that Legacy of Atlantis stays faithful to its source material. Regarding Lara’s narrative arc, we respect 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 Lara in our future projects.” The discussion also touched on the broader ecosystem surrounding the franchise. Amazon’s involvement extends beyond publishing; the company is investing in cross‑media storytelling, ensuring that the character’s portrayal remains consistent across games, television, and merchandise.
This integrated approach aims to deepen fan engagement and attract new audiences. 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 series. By modernizing controls, adding crafting, and expanding the skill system, the team is delivering a game that feels both familiar and innovative. Fans can look forward to a launch on February 12, confident that the spirit of Lara’s first adventure will be honored, even as the gameplay experience evolves for contemporary players.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.