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. Instead, it represents a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure, built from the ground up with new mechanics, systems, and visual polish. The development mantle has been passed to the Polish outfit Flying Wild Hog, which has injected fresh ideas into the long‑standing Tomb Ranger formula. One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the series’ iconic first‑aid kits.
In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world and crafts restorative potions and nutrient‑rich meals that not only heal her but also temporarily boost her stats. Additionally, the game introduces a skill‑tree system; the demo highlighted how players can spend earned skill points to extend the reach of Lara’s signature dual pistols, opening up new combat strategies.
Following the demonstration, Crystal Dynamics game director Raul Siqueira and Flying Wild Hog art director Arek Tomaszewski sat down for a round‑table Q&A. They shed light on how the external development partnership operates, the studios’ relationship with publisher Amazon, and why the long‑awaited return of tank‑style controls will not be part of the final product slated for release on February 12.
Legacy of Atlantis is a joint effort between Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog in Poland. Siqueira emphasized that, despite the geographic distance, everyone works as a single unit under the internal moniker “Team Atlantis.” “We’re really good at tearing down the invisible walls that can form between studios during a project,” he explained. “From the first conversations it was clear that both teams share a common philosophy about game development.
We’re brutally honest about what we need and how we want to achieve it, and the collaboration just felt natural.” He added, “Crystal has a deep heritage with Tomb Ranger, and there’s a lot of history baked into our DNA. But sometimes you need fresh perspectives—someone who can step back, look at what you have, and help you craft something truly unique. That external viewpoint has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this venture.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only external partner involved. Amazon, a tech and retail behemoth, is publishing both Legacy of Atlantis and the forthcoming Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, while also producing a television series based on the franchise starring Sophie Turner.
Siqueira described the relationship with Amazon as “pretty close” across all fronts. “We share a commitment to the franchise and the character that transcends studio walls,” he said. “Inside Crystal we have an internal franchise team—seasoned veterans who have been shaping Tomb Ranger for over two decades.
They’re involved in every project, ensuring a cohesive vision. The collaboration with Amazon is similarly tight, with everyone pulling in the same direction.” He laughed, “If I start talking about the other projects too much, someone might tackle me from the stage!” In preparation for the remake, the team revisited both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Ranger: Anniversary. This exercise highlighted how memory can warp perception. “We all have a mental snapshot of how the game looked when we first played it,” Siqueira noted.
“When we sit down with the actual code, we notice differences. That helped us pinpoint which moments, locations, and set‑pieces are essential to preserve, and where we have room to ‘color outside the lines.’” Beyond the new crafting and weapon‑upgrade systems, one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls.
The classic “four‑directional” scheme, beloved by purists, was deemed unsuitable for modern audiences. “The control scheme has been modernized for today’s players,” Siqueira explained. “Of course, the original games are still available—you can play the Tomb Ranger 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel.
I respect the enthusiasm for tank controls, but I’ve tried them many times and they’re just… unforgiving.” Tomaszewski echoed that sentiment: “When I revisited the game after twenty years, I thought it was amazing, but the tank controls felt like an obstacle. It’s hard to enjoy the experience when the input feels clunky.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Ranger: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Ranger: Underworld.
When asked about the synergy between the two titles, Siqueira confirmed there is “definitely collaboration,” but stressed that each project remains distinct. “We’re developing both games together, but it’s crucial to keep Legacy of Atlantis as its own entity, faithful to the original source material,” he said. “Regarding Lara’s narrative arc, we’re mindful of where she’s been and where she’s headed.
The Lara you encounter here is the same iteration that appears in the Survivor era—Tomb Ranger (2013), Rise of the Tomb Ranger, and Shadow of the Tomb Ranger—and she will continue to be that version in our future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog demonstrates how an external studio can inject fresh ideas while honoring a beloved legacy. By discarding outdated mechanics like tank controls, adding modern systems such as crafting and skill trees, and maintaining a collaborative relationship with Amazon, the team aims to deliver a version of Legacy of Atlantis that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The result promises to satisfy longtime fans and attract new players alike, delivering a revitalized first adventure for Lara Croft that respects its roots while embracing the future. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Ranger*.