Tomba is back!
By Paul Hunter
Tomba! Special Edition is a delightful return to a beloved classic that first graced the PlayStation in 1998. Originally developed by Whoopee Camp and now updated by Limited Run Games, this quirky platformer has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. You step into the vibrant world of Tomba, a wild-haired caveman on a mission to rescue his grandfather’s stolen bracelet from mischievous pigs.
Originally released when 2D games were transitioning to 3D, Tomba! stood out with its unique blend of colourful visuals and engaging gameplay. Despite being overshadowed by heavyweights like Mario and Sonic, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. This Special Edition not only preserves the charm of the original but also enhances it for modern platforms.
With its remastered soundtrack and a treasure trove of bonus content, Tomba! Special Edition invites both newcomers and returning fans to experience its whimsical adventures. Let’s explore what makes Tomba! Special Edition a must-play for any platforming enthusiast!
Tomba! Special Edition is set in a whimsical world filled with adventure and charm. The story revolves around Tomba, a pink-haired caveman on a quest to reclaim his grandfather’s stolen bracelet. This isn’t just any ordinary bracelet; it’s a symbol of family and heritage. Behind this theft is a group of mischievous pigs, led by an evil sorcerer. Their antics create chaos in Tomba’s vibrant world, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
As you navigate through beautifully designed environments, you'll encounter a variety of interesting and quirky characters. Each character, ranging from an old man to dwarves to a phoenix, provides unique quests and challenges, and the interactions often lead to unexpected surprises. The quests you're asked to undertake are usually filled with humour and absurdity, making it a joy to play through the adventure.
The game’s storyline is not just about retrieving the bracelet; it’s about exploration and discovery. You’ll find yourself solving puzzles, battling enemies, and uncovering hidden treasures. The blend of platforming and RPG elements enhances the gameplay, allowing Tomba to evolve as he defeats foes and collects items.
Tomba! Special Edition offers a captivating gameplay experience that focuses on platforming with some light RPG elements. One of the standout aspects of Tomba! is its non-linear structure. You can explore various areas at your own pace, discovering hidden treasures and completing quests. This freedom allows for a more immersive experience, as you can choose how to tackle challenges. The game also enables Tomba to level up and equip different items that grant new abilities, like swimming.
What's also unique about Tomba is how stages are presented in 2.5D, allowing you to enter the background at specific spots to explore whole new sections filled with new items, enemies and platforming challenges. The mix of platforming and exploration creates a satisfying balance, as you navigate through both foreground and background layers of the environment.
Tomba! Special Edition also features modern enhancements, such as save states and rewind options. These additions make the game more accessible to new players while preserving its original charm. All in all, Tomba! Special Edition is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-play for fans of classic platformers.
Looking at the game's presentation, Tomba! Special Edition impresses with its vibrant and charming visuals. The game retains its original 2.5D art style, which beautifully blends 2D and 3D elements. The graphics have been updated for modern platforms, ensuring they look great no matter your platform of choice.
The character design is particularly memorable, with Tomba’s wild pink hair and expressive animations. Each enemy and NPC is distinct, adding to the game’s whimsical charm. The environments are richly detailed, encouraging exploration and discovery. You’ll find hidden areas and treasures that enhance the overall experience.
The fully remastered soundtrack features catchy tunes that perfectly match the game’s playful tone. Each area has its own unique music, helping to immerse you in the adventure. The sound effects are equally delightful, from the satisfying jumps to the funny noises made by characters and enemies.
Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Developer: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Limited Run Games
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Tomba! Special Edition is a delightful return to a beloved classic that first graced the PlayStation in 1998. Originally developed by Whoopee Camp and now updated by Limited Run Games, this quirky platformer has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. You step into the vibrant world of Tomba, a wild-haired caveman on a mission to rescue his grandfather’s stolen bracelet from mischievous pigs.
Originally released when 2D games were transitioning to 3D, Tomba! stood out with its unique blend of colourful visuals and engaging gameplay. Despite being overshadowed by heavyweights like Mario and Sonic, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. This Special Edition not only preserves the charm of the original but also enhances it for modern platforms.
With its remastered soundtrack and a treasure trove of bonus content, Tomba! Special Edition invites both newcomers and returning fans to experience its whimsical adventures. Let’s explore what makes Tomba! Special Edition a must-play for any platforming enthusiast!
Tomba! Special Edition is set in a whimsical world filled with adventure and charm. The story revolves around Tomba, a pink-haired caveman on a quest to reclaim his grandfather’s stolen bracelet. This isn’t just any ordinary bracelet; it’s a symbol of family and heritage. Behind this theft is a group of mischievous pigs, led by an evil sorcerer. Their antics create chaos in Tomba’s vibrant world, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
As you navigate through beautifully designed environments, you'll encounter a variety of interesting and quirky characters. Each character, ranging from an old man to dwarves to a phoenix, provides unique quests and challenges, and the interactions often lead to unexpected surprises. The quests you're asked to undertake are usually filled with humour and absurdity, making it a joy to play through the adventure.
The game’s storyline is not just about retrieving the bracelet; it’s about exploration and discovery. You’ll find yourself solving puzzles, battling enemies, and uncovering hidden treasures. The blend of platforming and RPG elements enhances the gameplay, allowing Tomba to evolve as he defeats foes and collects items.
Tomba! Special Edition offers a captivating gameplay experience that focuses on platforming with some light RPG elements. One of the standout aspects of Tomba! is its non-linear structure. You can explore various areas at your own pace, discovering hidden treasures and completing quests. This freedom allows for a more immersive experience, as you can choose how to tackle challenges. The game also enables Tomba to level up and equip different items that grant new abilities, like swimming.
What's also unique about Tomba is how stages are presented in 2.5D, allowing you to enter the background at specific spots to explore whole new sections filled with new items, enemies and platforming challenges. The mix of platforming and exploration creates a satisfying balance, as you navigate through both foreground and background layers of the environment.
Tomba! Special Edition also features modern enhancements, such as save states and rewind options. These additions make the game more accessible to new players while preserving its original charm. All in all, Tomba! Special Edition is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-play for fans of classic platformers.
Looking at the game's presentation, Tomba! Special Edition impresses with its vibrant and charming visuals. The game retains its original 2.5D art style, which beautifully blends 2D and 3D elements. The graphics have been updated for modern platforms, ensuring they look great no matter your platform of choice.
The character design is particularly memorable, with Tomba’s wild pink hair and expressive animations. Each enemy and NPC is distinct, adding to the game’s whimsical charm. The environments are richly detailed, encouraging exploration and discovery. You’ll find hidden areas and treasures that enhance the overall experience.
The fully remastered soundtrack features catchy tunes that perfectly match the game’s playful tone. Each area has its own unique music, helping to immerse you in the adventure. The sound effects are equally delightful, from the satisfying jumps to the funny noises made by characters and enemies.
The Verdict
Tomba! Special Edition successfully brings back a beloved classic from the PlayStation era. The game’s vibrant visuals and charming character designs create an engaging atmosphere that captures the spirit of the original. The blend of platforming and RPG elements adds depth to the gameplay, and the updated graphics and soundtrack enhance the overall presentation, making it appealing to both old fans and new players alike. If you appreciate classic platformers with a twist, Tomba! Special Edition is definitely worth your time.Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Tomba! Special Edition details
Platform: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Limited Run Games
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A key was provided by the publisher.