Return Of The Queen

Tomb Raider stands among innovative trend-setters such as Crash Bandicoot and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, laying the groundwork for compelling action-adventure games in a 3D space. Although Lara Croft’s 1996 debut was reimagined once before in 2007’s Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Crystal Dynamics is reawakening the series from its eight-year slumber by taking another pass at the original game with the help of Shadow Warrior developer Flying Wild Hog. Legacy of Atlantis draws upon 30 years of series evolution and design expertise to stand as the definitive version of Lara’s seminal adventure. After playing a few hours of the game within Crystal Dynamics and talking to the team, I’m eager to search for Atlantis alongside Lara once again.

Looking Back To Move Ahead

Crystal Dynamics was founded in 1992, four years before developer Core Design’s Tomb Raider burst onto the scene. The studio made its name on series such as Gex and Legacy of Kain, only inheriting the Tomb Raider franchise from Core Design in 2006. Despite adopting Lara Croft, Crystal Dynamics has shepherded the series longer than Lara’s parents ever did – 20 of the franchise’s 30-year history – and the team has spent those years reviving and reinventing it. This, in turn, has kept it relevant. Like the best adoptive parents, Crystal Dynamics has loved and cared for Tomb Raider like its own child, and this affection is evident as I tour its relatively new San Carlos, California office.