In celebration of one of gaming’s most influential franchises, Crystal Dynamics has officially announced Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a modern reinvention of the legendary 1996 PlayStation title.
The reveal honors the 30th anniversary of Tomb Raider, a franchise that has continually evolved since its inception and remains a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming.
Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 and making its way to current platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and eShop, this reimagined classic aims to introduce the original’s magic to both loyal fans and newcomers. The decision to return to Lara Croft’s earliest adventure comes nearly two decades after the series last revisited its origins with Tomb Raider: Anniversary in 2007.
In a recent interview with Video Games Chronicle, Crystal Dynamics studio head Scott Amos and game director Will Kerslake offered insight into what makes this anniversary so significant.
Kerslake explained that, while nostalgia plays a role, the true challenge lies in recapturing the feeling players had when they first experienced Tomb Raider, while ensuring the gameplay meets today's standards.
"Our objective is to have the game feel as it did for players in 1996, but to play like a contemporary experience," Kerslake emphasized, noting that three decades of technical innovations have expanded the creative possibilities beyond anything achievable on the PS1. Scott Amos underscored the project’s personal resonance, calling Legacy of Atlantis "a heartfelt tribute from fans, for fans." With the milestone 30th anniversary in sight, Crystal Dynamics set out to not only celebrate the franchise’s enduring impact, but also honor the foundational work of Core Design, whose vision first brought Lara Croft to life.
Amos further highlighted that the forthcoming title is less a traditional remake and more a bold reimagining.
"By leveraging Unreal Engine 5, we're able to revisit, expand, and modernize the core concepts and mechanics—while preserving the series’ DNA," Amos stated. Iconic moments from the original adventure, such as the unforgettable T-Rex encounter and the challenging Midas chamber, are set to return, albeit with fresh twists designed to both satisfy veteran fans and captivate new players.
Kerslake remarked, "Certain memories stick with players—the collapsing bridge, the wolf den, the T-Rex.
We're striving to faithfully recreate those experiences while enhancing them with modern design sensibilities." When asked about involvement from the original development team, Amos clarified that longstanding Crystal Dynamics employees—some with decades of experience across multiple Tomb Raider titles—are actively contributing to Legacy of Atlantis.
Additionally, the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, renowned for its expertise in action titles like Hard Reset and the Shadow Warrior series, joins the effort to help refine combat and shooting mechanics, allowing Crystal Dynamics to focus on the game’s hallmark puzzle and exploration elements. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis stands as a significant moment for Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider, and the broader gaming community, uniting fans of the original PS1 adventure with a new generation of players on platforms like Nintendo Switch.
As anticipation builds for its official unveiling, Legacy of Atlantis promises to be a celebration worthy of Lara Croft’s influential legacy in interactive entertainment.
The reveal honors the 30th anniversary of Tomb Raider, a franchise that has continually evolved since its inception and remains a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming.
Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 and making its way to current platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and eShop, this reimagined classic aims to introduce the original’s magic to both loyal fans and newcomers. The decision to return to Lara Croft’s earliest adventure comes nearly two decades after the series last revisited its origins with Tomb Raider: Anniversary in 2007.
In a recent interview with Video Games Chronicle, Crystal Dynamics studio head Scott Amos and game director Will Kerslake offered insight into what makes this anniversary so significant.
Kerslake explained that, while nostalgia plays a role, the true challenge lies in recapturing the feeling players had when they first experienced Tomb Raider, while ensuring the gameplay meets today's standards.
"Our objective is to have the game feel as it did for players in 1996, but to play like a contemporary experience," Kerslake emphasized, noting that three decades of technical innovations have expanded the creative possibilities beyond anything achievable on the PS1. Scott Amos underscored the project’s personal resonance, calling Legacy of Atlantis "a heartfelt tribute from fans, for fans." With the milestone 30th anniversary in sight, Crystal Dynamics set out to not only celebrate the franchise’s enduring impact, but also honor the foundational work of Core Design, whose vision first brought Lara Croft to life.
Amos further highlighted that the forthcoming title is less a traditional remake and more a bold reimagining.
"By leveraging Unreal Engine 5, we're able to revisit, expand, and modernize the core concepts and mechanics—while preserving the series’ DNA," Amos stated. Iconic moments from the original adventure, such as the unforgettable T-Rex encounter and the challenging Midas chamber, are set to return, albeit with fresh twists designed to both satisfy veteran fans and captivate new players.
Kerslake remarked, "Certain memories stick with players—the collapsing bridge, the wolf den, the T-Rex.
We're striving to faithfully recreate those experiences while enhancing them with modern design sensibilities." When asked about involvement from the original development team, Amos clarified that longstanding Crystal Dynamics employees—some with decades of experience across multiple Tomb Raider titles—are actively contributing to Legacy of Atlantis.
Additionally, the Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, renowned for its expertise in action titles like Hard Reset and the Shadow Warrior series, joins the effort to help refine combat and shooting mechanics, allowing Crystal Dynamics to focus on the game’s hallmark puzzle and exploration elements. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis stands as a significant moment for Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider, and the broader gaming community, uniting fans of the original PS1 adventure with a new generation of players on platforms like Nintendo Switch.
As anticipation builds for its official unveiling, Legacy of Atlantis promises to be a celebration worthy of Lara Croft’s influential legacy in interactive entertainment.
