Last week at Gamescom, a hands‑off demo of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a simple up‑scaled version of the 1996 classic; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The project is being shepherded by Crystal Dynamics, but the bulk of the development work has been delegated to the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog. Their contributions have already begun to reshape the core Tomb Raider formula in noticeable ways. One of the most striking alterations is the removal of the series’ iconic first‑aid kits.
In their place, Lara now gathers ingredients scattered throughout the world to brew restorative tinctures and prepare meals that boost her statistics. This new crafting system adds a layer of resource management that encourages exploration and experimentation.
Additionally, the demo showcased a skill‑tree mechanic, allowing players to allocate points to enhance abilities such as the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, giving a sense of progression that feels fresh while still honoring the franchise’s roots. Following the demonstration, a round‑table Q&A featured Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog. The two discussed how the external development partnership operates, their collaborative relationship with Amazon, and the decision to abandon tank‑style controls in the final product, slated for release on February 12.
Siqueira explained that both studios consider themselves part of a single entity, internally dubbed “Team Atlantis.” He emphasized the importance of tearing down the invisible barriers that often separate teams working on the same project. “From the moment we started talking, it was evident that we shared a common philosophy about game development,” he said. “We were brutally honest about our needs and our vision, and the partnership evolved naturally.” He went on to note that while Crystal Dynamics brings a deep‑seated history with the Tomb Raider franchise, bringing in an external perspective can spark innovation. “Sometimes you need fresh perspectives.
Sometimes you need someone new to look at what you have so you can create something unique,” Siqueira remarked. “That collaboration has been one of the best parts of this project.” Flying Wild Hog is not the only outside collaborator on Legacy of Atlantis.
Amazon, a tech and retail behemoth, is acting as publisher for both this title and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and is also producing a television series based on the IP starring Sophie Turner. Siqueira described the relationship with Amazon as “pretty close,” noting a shared commitment to the franchise that extends beyond the studio walls.
He highlighted an internal franchise team at Crystal Dynamics, composed of veterans with more than two decades of experience, who work across all Tomb Raider projects to ensure consistency and quality. When asked about the challenges of re‑creating a beloved classic, Siqueira explained that the team began by replaying both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This exercise revealed how memory can distort perception; players often recall a game differently than it actually is.
By revisiting the titles, the team could pinpoint essential moments and locations that must remain untouched, while also identifying opportunities to “color outside the lines” and introduce new ideas. Beyond the crafting and skill‑tree additions, one notable omission is the series’ infamous tank‑control scheme. Siqueira clarified that the controls have been modernized to suit contemporary audiences.
“The original games are always available—you can still play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel,” he said. “If you’re eager to experience tank controls again, I respect that enthusiasm, but after trying them many times, I can tell you they’re brutally hard.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, recalling his own experience playing the original after two decades and finding the controls unintuitive. Legacy of Atlantis was announced alongside Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel set years after 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld.
Siqueira confirmed that while there is “definite collaboration” between the two games, each remains a distinct project. He stressed that the Lara featured in Legacy of Atlantis is the same incarnation seen in the Survivor era—spanning the reboot trilogy of 2013’s Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider—and will continue to appear across future titles. This continuity ensures that fans can follow a coherent narrative arc while still enjoying fresh gameplay experiences. In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how external development can inject new life into a storied franchise.
By embracing modern mechanics like crafting, skill trees, and refined controls, while preserving key narrative beats and environments, the team aims to deliver a game that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The collaboration with Amazon adds another layer of cross‑media synergy, promising not only a game but also a broader entertainment ecosystem around Lara Croft. As the February launch approaches, fans can anticipate a reimagined adventure that respects its heritage while boldly stepping into new territory. Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.