"Sometimes you need fresh perspectives" – How external development helped Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

GamesIndustry.biz reports that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is being treated as a full reimagining rather than a straight remaster, with Crystal Dynamics partnering closely with Polish studio Flying Wild Hog on development. The team described the project as a shared effort internally known as Team Atlantis, with Crystal’s long-running franchise knowledge paired with Flying Wild Hog’s fresh perspective.

For developers, the notable design shift is that the game is moving away from the original’s survival-light structure and toward more modern progression systems. The demo featured crafting for healing tinctures and stat-boosting meals, plus a skill tree that can improve weapons such as Lara’s dual pistols. The control scheme has also been updated for contemporary players, with tank controls explicitly left behind.

The studios said they began by replaying both the 1996 original and Tomb Raider: Anniversary to identify what had to remain intact and where they could expand. That suggests a preservation-first remake approach: keep the iconic locations and moments, but reinterpret the surrounding systems for current expectations.

Amazon is publishing Legacy of Atlantis as well as Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and Crystal Dynamics says it is coordinating across the franchise while keeping each project distinct. Legacy of Atlantis was originally slated for 2026, but is now due on February 12, 2027.