Last week at Gamescom, a hands‑off showcase of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis made it clear that this title is far more than a straightforward remaster of the 1996 classic; it is a full‑scale reimagining of Lara Croft’s inaugural adventure. The responsibility for bringing this vision to life has been handed over to the Polish development house Flying Wild Hog, which has injected a number of fresh ideas into the long‑standing Tomb Raider formula.
For example, the familiar first‑aid kits have vanished, replaced by a new crafting system where Lara can mix health‑restoring tinctures and prepare meals that boost her stats using ingredients scattered throughout the world. In addition, the game now features a skill tree; the demo highlighted how players can spend skill points to extend the range of Lara’s signature dual pistols, adding a layer of customization that the original lacked. Following the demo, a round‑table Q&A was held with Raul Siqueira, game director at Crystal Dynamics, and Arek Tomaszewski, art director at Flying Wild Hog.
The two executives shed light on how the external development partnership operates, how the studios coordinate with Amazon, and why fans won’t see the return of the notoriously clunky tank‑control scheme when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12. Both Crystal Dynamics, based in California, and Flying Wild Hog, based in Poland, are listed as co‑developers, but Siqueira emphasized that everyone works under a single banner: “Team Atlantis.” He explained, “We’re very good at tearing down the invisible walls that can appear between studios during a project. From the first conversations it was obvious that both teams share the same philosophy about game development. We’re brutally honest about what we need and how we want to achieve it, and that honesty made the collaboration feel natural.” Siqueira continued, “Crystal brings a deep heritage of Tomb Raider titles and a wealth of history, but sometimes you need fresh eyes.
Bringing in an external partner lets you look at the material from a new angle and create something truly unique. That partnership has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.” Flying Wild Hog isn’t the only outside relationship Crystal Dynamics is juggling for Legacy of Atlantis.
The tech and retail giant Amazon is acting as publisher for both this game and the forthcoming Tomb Raider: 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 to Lara that goes beyond the walls of our studios,” he said. “We have an internal franchise team at Crystal that’s been shepherding the series for more than two decades. They’re involved in every project, ensuring a seamless collaboration.” He added with a laugh, “If I start talking about the other projects, someone might throw me off the stage!” When the development team began, they replayed both the original 1996 game and the 2007 remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, to understand 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 explained.
“That exercise helped us pinpoint the moments and locations that must stay exactly as they are, while also identifying where we could safely color outside the lines.” Team Atlantis has indeed added new systems such as crafting and weapon upgrades, but one hallmark of the original has been deliberately omitted: tank controls. “The control scheme has been updated for modern audiences,” Siqueira said.
“The original versions are still available—you can play Tomb Raider 1 Remastered if you want the classic feel. I respect anyone who wants to revisit tank controls, but after trying them many times I can tell you they’re extremely cumbersome.” Tomaszewski echoed this sentiment, noting, “When you remember a game from twenty years ago, it can feel glorious, but playing it now with the same controls feels like a punishment.” Legacy of Atlantis was announced 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 that there is “definite collaboration,” but stressed that each project remains distinct. “We’re making the games together, yet it’s crucial to keep Legacy of Atlantis as its own faithful adaptation of the original.
Lara’s journey in this game respects both the titles that preceded it and those that will follow. 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 character across our future projects.” In summary, the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog illustrates how an external studio can inject fresh ideas while honoring a beloved legacy. By replacing outdated mechanics with modern systems like crafting and skill trees, and by streamlining controls for contemporary players, Legacy of Atlantis aims to deliver a nostalgic yet forward‑looking experience. The close ties with Amazon further expand the franchise’s reach across games, television, and merchandising, ensuring that Lara Croft remains a cultural icon for years to come.
Disclosure: Alex Forbes‑Calvin has previously collaborated with Crystal Dynamics on the book *Chronicles of the Tomb Raider*.