Tomb Raider Chronicles - NOAH HUGHES REFLECTS ON DEVELOPING TOMB RAIDER LEGEND

Crystal Dynamics has published an interview with Tomb Raider Legend's Creative Franchise Director, Noah Hughes, who reflected on the studio's experience reimagining the iconic franchise. The interview, marking nineteen years since the release of the Tomb Raider reboot, was published on the official Tomb Raider website.

According to Hughes, the team emphasised its deep respect for the work done by Core Design and their mission to honour Lara Croft's legacy rather than reinvent her. Working closely with original creator Toby Gard and character artist Kam Yu, the developers crafted a modern yet familiar version of Lara, blending updated visuals with the essence of her iconic character.

Hughes highlighted how the team focused heavily on player experience, particularly Lara's movement and interaction with the world. Under Riley Cooper's guidance, they revisited the fundamentals of character, controls, and camera to ensure fluidity and responsiveness. Memorable sequences like the neon-lit Tokyo rooftop climb demonstrated the game's refined traversal system, which aimed to enhance - rather than replace - the classic gameplay fans had loved for years.

Puzzle design also received a significant overhaul, with the introduction of physics-based challenges that encouraged experimentation and curiosity. Hughes pointed to the teeter-totter puzzle in the Bolivia level as an example of how new mechanics supported Lara's intelligence and the spirit of discovery central to the franchise.

Looking back, Hughes described Tomb Raider Legend as a pivotal moment for Crystal Dynamics: "Whether or not we achieved that balance is ultimately up to the players to decide. What mattered most to us was doing right by Lara's legacy, and we were honoured to have the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to her iconic tapestry."