During a low‑key showcase at Gamescom last week, the demo of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that 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 a fresh artistic direction.
The development mantle has been passed from Crystal Dynamics to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, which has introduced several notable changes to the series’ formula. The traditional first‑aid kits have been removed; in their place, Lara now gathers ingredients throughout the world to brew health‑restoring potions and prepare meals that temporarily boost her stats. Additionally, a skill‑tree system has been implemented, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s iconic dual pistols, as demonstrated in the recent demo.
Following the presentation, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, alongside Flying Wild Hog’s art director Arek Tomaszewski. They explained how the external development partnership functions, described the studios’ relationship with Amazon, and clarified why the notorious tank‑control scheme will not be resurrected for Legacy of Atlantis, slated for release on February 12. Both the California‑based Crystal Dynamics team and the Polish developers are working under a single banner they refer to internally as “Team Atlantis.” Siqueira emphasized the importance of breaking down the invisible barriers that can form between separate studios. “From the first conversations it was evident that we share a common philosophy about game creation,” he said.
“We’re brutally honest about our needs and our methods, and the collaboration just felt natural.” He continued, “Crystal brings decades of Tomb Raider heritage, but sometimes you need an outside perspective. Fresh eyes can spot opportunities we might overlook, and that synergy has become one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, a tech and retail conglomerate, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, while also producing a television adaptation starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira noted that Crystal Dynamics works “quite closely” with Amazon across all fronts. “We share a commitment to the franchise that extends beyond studio walls,” he explained. “Our internal franchise team, composed of veterans who have shepherded the series for over twenty years, collaborates with Amazon on every facet of the project.” He added with a laugh, “If I start revealing details about other projects, I might get tackled off the stage!” To ensure the remake honored its roots, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can distort perception.
“We all have a mental image of how the game looked, and when we actually play it we notice the differences,” Siqueira said. “That helped us pinpoint which moments, locations, and set‑pieces are sacrosanct, and where we have room to color outside the lines.” Beyond the new crafting system and weapon upgrades, the team made a deliberate decision to discard the classic tank‑control scheme.
“The control layout has been modernized for today’s audience,” Siqueira explained. “The original titles are still available – we released Tomb Raider 1 Remastered for fans who want the authentic experience. If you crave tank controls, I respect that enthusiasm, but I’ve tried them myself and they’re brutally unforgiving.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own reaction when revisiting the old scheme after two decades: “It felt like, ‘What on earth is happening?’ The difficulty is just too harsh for contemporary players.” Legacy of Atlantis debuted alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld. When asked about the degree of 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 beast. We’re faithful to the original game while also respecting the narrative arc established by the Survivor trilogy (2013’s Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider). The Lara you encounter here is the same iteration that appears in those later games, and that continuity will persist across all future endeavors.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how an external studio can inject fresh ideas into a beloved franchise without sacrificing its core identity.
By replacing dated mechanics with modern systems like crafting, skill trees, and refined combat, the developers aim to deliver an experience that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. At the same time, the collaboration with Amazon expands the Tomb Raider universe beyond games into television, ensuring the iconic explorer reaches new audiences across multiple media. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.