Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis star reveals her ‘unapologetic’ take on Lara Croft
Crystal Dynamics is developing Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original 1996 Tomb Raider game that prioritizes recapturing the franchise’s classic identity. The project restores Lara Croft to her most iconic appearance: the blue tank top, khaki shorts, and distinctive boots that defined the character during the original game’s debut.
This visual return to the source material marks a deliberate departure from the recent trilogy of Tomb Raider games, which adopted a grittier and more realistic approach to both the character and her world. With Legacy of Atlantis, Crystal Dynamics is actively rediscovering and reclaiming a specific iteration of Lara Croft that represented the character’s identity in the 1990s.
The decision to restore Lara’s original appearance is more than cosmetic—it reflects the development team’s broader philosophy for the remake. The classic look serves as a visual anchor for longtime fans who grew up with the 1996 game while also introducing a new generation to the character’s original aesthetic and adventuring spirit.
Polygon recently conducted interviews with several creative team members working on Legacy of Atlantis to explore the design philosophy behind reimagining this beloved character. The article discusses what motivated the team’s choice to return to Lara’s foundational identity and what “legacy” the 1996 game continues to represent for the franchise.