A solid 3D platformer that still packs plenty of charm
By Paul Hunter
Nearly three decades after his debut, Croc is back in action with Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered, a faithfully rebuilt version of the 1997 original. Developed and published by Argonaut Games, this remaster brings the bouncy green reptile to modern hardware while preserving the spirit of its PlayStation roots. Argonaut had pitched a 3D Yoshi game to Nintendo, an idea they ultimately rejected, but the team decided to rework the prototype into the Croc game we know today.
The remaster gives you the best of both worlds—cleaned-up visuals and updated controls—while still holding onto that charming quirkiness the original was known for. Whether you grew up collecting crystals or are meeting Croc for the first time, this version offers the definition edition of an iconic 3D platformer. You’ll hop through trap-filled stages, chase hidden collectibles, and ride on the wings of a yellow bird named Beany, all while rescuing the pint-sized Gobbos from the mischievous Baron Dante.
So, after all these years, is Croc’s return a must-play nostalgia trip? Let’s dive in and see what this rebooted adventure has to offer.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered opens with a short cutscene showing Croc getting raised by a tribe of fuzzy, wide-eyed critters called Gobbos. Years later, Baron Dante suddenly invades Gobbo Valley, capturing their king, and scatters the tribe across the land. Without hesitation, Croc springs into action, determined to save his adoptive family—one stomp, whip, and crystal at a time.
The structure that follows is pure 90s platformer charm. Each level contains six hidden Gobbos to rescue, but finding them all isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Five colourful crystals are hidden throughout every stage, and collecting them unlocks a secret room where the final Gobbo often waits behind a quirky challenge—think mini-games, hidden chambers, or a shell game with a sneaky twist. None of it is explained outright, yet it all makes intuitive sense, keeping things light, inventive, and playful.
Storytelling it told through vibes, not voiceovers. The story unfolds entirely via animation and atmosphere, leaning on expressive characters and vibrant world design rather than dialogue during cutscenes. There’s no text to read, no lore to keep track of, and no dramatic twists around the corner—just a kind-hearted crocodile doing his best to right a wrong. That simplicity is part of the appeal.
Despite the minimalism, there’s heart behind every jump. Whether you’re navigating floating platforms in a lava-filled cavern or bouncing through a snow-covered fortress, Croc’s mission feels genuine—like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life. Croc’s journey is short, sweet, and wrapped in enough personality to give it staying power. For longtime fans, it’s a welcome reminder of why the character stuck with them in the first place. For newcomers, it’s a nostalgic slice of platforming history that still manages to charm.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered's gameplay walks a playful tightrope between old-school charm and modern enhancements. At its core, it’s a collect-a-thon platformer where the goal is clear: grab crystals, rescue Gobbos, and beat bosses. But underneath that simplicity is a game that demands more precision than its bouncy aesthetic suggests.
You’ll guide Croc through five themed worlds, each with multiple stages packed with hazards, puzzles, and a hidden Gobbo or two lurking just out of reach. Croc’s moveset is pretty straightforward—jump, butt-stomp, tail-whip—but you’re constantly asked to use those basics in creative ways. Sometimes it’s grounding pounding blocks to reach new areas; other times it’s timing jumps across vanishing platforms. One moment you’re casually collecting crystals in a breezy meadow, the next you’re sweating through a lava level with no floor and a spooky ghost chasing you to the exit.
The remaster introduces two control schemes: one using the left and right analog sticks like modern-day 3D platforming games, with smoother movement, and a faithful “tank control” style by using the D-pad. Naturally, I stuck with the modern controls as it's easier to rotate the camera and landing difficult jumps. Even with the improved controls, I found the jumping mechanic is still a bit floaty, and judging distances isn’t always intuitive—especially in levels with moving platforms or isometric angles.
One moment that still makes me laugh was trying to reach a bonus door locked behind five well-hidden coloured crystals. I’d scoured the level twice, only to find the final one disguised as a regular clear crystal inside well that I’d tail-whipped the lid by accident. Total fluke—but it felt earned. Moments like that make completion feel less like a checklist and more like solving a gentle mystery.
That said, some difficulty spikes feel less fair and more like the game showing its age. Falling off a ledge near the finish line and restarting the entire level—lives and all—can feel punishing. But there's also a thrill to finally nailing a tough sequence on your last heart.
Croc doesn’t reinvent platforming, but it’s a rewarding loop once you settle into its rhythm.
Visually, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered offers a satisfying glow-up while staying true to its roots. The remaster lets you toggle between ‘retro’ and ‘remastered’ modes, and while both stick closely to the original’s playful aesthetic, the updated textures and lighting give the world a fresher, more cohesive feel. The colours are especially vibrant in the remastered setting—lush greens, bright blues, and lava reds really pop in motion. There's even CRT and VGA-style filters for those craving that fuzzy, old-school vibe.
Performance on PS5 is impressively smooth. I didn’t encounter any stutters, crashes, or input lag, even during the more hectic platforming sections. Load times are fast, and the framerate remains consistent throughout. That extra responsiveness makes a big difference during tricky sequences, where a mistimed jump can cost you progress. Movement feels tighter and more deliberate now, especially when navigating narrow ledges or quick platform chains.
The music carries the same joyful energy it had nearly three decades ago. Each world comes with its own looping theme, and they never wear thin even when you're replaying levels for hidden collectibles. Tthere's a surprising amount of variation tucked in—ambient underground tunes, battle jingles, and even a few cheeky nods to the original game’s MIDI tracks.
The updated sound effects are crisp, where it's Croc's tail whips, crystal pickups, and goofy vocalisations. All effects been cleaned up just enough to avoid sounding tinny or flat through modern speakers.
Menus are snappy and well-organized, and the addition of the Crocipedia—a behind-the-scenes treasure trove filled with developer interviews and original artwork—is a delightful touch. It’s clear the developers approached this remaster with genuine affection, offering fans more than a fresh coat of paint. While some visual updates slightly smooth over the original’s quirks, it’s hard to argue with how clean and lively the game looks and runs now.
Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good
Developer: Argonaut Games, Titanium Studios, Big Boat Interactive
Publisher: Argonaut Games
Genre: Platformer, Action
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Nearly three decades after his debut, Croc is back in action with Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered, a faithfully rebuilt version of the 1997 original. Developed and published by Argonaut Games, this remaster brings the bouncy green reptile to modern hardware while preserving the spirit of its PlayStation roots. Argonaut had pitched a 3D Yoshi game to Nintendo, an idea they ultimately rejected, but the team decided to rework the prototype into the Croc game we know today.
The remaster gives you the best of both worlds—cleaned-up visuals and updated controls—while still holding onto that charming quirkiness the original was known for. Whether you grew up collecting crystals or are meeting Croc for the first time, this version offers the definition edition of an iconic 3D platformer. You’ll hop through trap-filled stages, chase hidden collectibles, and ride on the wings of a yellow bird named Beany, all while rescuing the pint-sized Gobbos from the mischievous Baron Dante.
So, after all these years, is Croc’s return a must-play nostalgia trip? Let’s dive in and see what this rebooted adventure has to offer.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered opens with a short cutscene showing Croc getting raised by a tribe of fuzzy, wide-eyed critters called Gobbos. Years later, Baron Dante suddenly invades Gobbo Valley, capturing their king, and scatters the tribe across the land. Without hesitation, Croc springs into action, determined to save his adoptive family—one stomp, whip, and crystal at a time.
The structure that follows is pure 90s platformer charm. Each level contains six hidden Gobbos to rescue, but finding them all isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Five colourful crystals are hidden throughout every stage, and collecting them unlocks a secret room where the final Gobbo often waits behind a quirky challenge—think mini-games, hidden chambers, or a shell game with a sneaky twist. None of it is explained outright, yet it all makes intuitive sense, keeping things light, inventive, and playful.
Storytelling it told through vibes, not voiceovers. The story unfolds entirely via animation and atmosphere, leaning on expressive characters and vibrant world design rather than dialogue during cutscenes. There’s no text to read, no lore to keep track of, and no dramatic twists around the corner—just a kind-hearted crocodile doing his best to right a wrong. That simplicity is part of the appeal.
Despite the minimalism, there’s heart behind every jump. Whether you’re navigating floating platforms in a lava-filled cavern or bouncing through a snow-covered fortress, Croc’s mission feels genuine—like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life. Croc’s journey is short, sweet, and wrapped in enough personality to give it staying power. For longtime fans, it’s a welcome reminder of why the character stuck with them in the first place. For newcomers, it’s a nostalgic slice of platforming history that still manages to charm.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered's gameplay walks a playful tightrope between old-school charm and modern enhancements. At its core, it’s a collect-a-thon platformer where the goal is clear: grab crystals, rescue Gobbos, and beat bosses. But underneath that simplicity is a game that demands more precision than its bouncy aesthetic suggests.
You’ll guide Croc through five themed worlds, each with multiple stages packed with hazards, puzzles, and a hidden Gobbo or two lurking just out of reach. Croc’s moveset is pretty straightforward—jump, butt-stomp, tail-whip—but you’re constantly asked to use those basics in creative ways. Sometimes it’s grounding pounding blocks to reach new areas; other times it’s timing jumps across vanishing platforms. One moment you’re casually collecting crystals in a breezy meadow, the next you’re sweating through a lava level with no floor and a spooky ghost chasing you to the exit.
The remaster introduces two control schemes: one using the left and right analog sticks like modern-day 3D platforming games, with smoother movement, and a faithful “tank control” style by using the D-pad. Naturally, I stuck with the modern controls as it's easier to rotate the camera and landing difficult jumps. Even with the improved controls, I found the jumping mechanic is still a bit floaty, and judging distances isn’t always intuitive—especially in levels with moving platforms or isometric angles.
One moment that still makes me laugh was trying to reach a bonus door locked behind five well-hidden coloured crystals. I’d scoured the level twice, only to find the final one disguised as a regular clear crystal inside well that I’d tail-whipped the lid by accident. Total fluke—but it felt earned. Moments like that make completion feel less like a checklist and more like solving a gentle mystery.
That said, some difficulty spikes feel less fair and more like the game showing its age. Falling off a ledge near the finish line and restarting the entire level—lives and all—can feel punishing. But there's also a thrill to finally nailing a tough sequence on your last heart.
Croc doesn’t reinvent platforming, but it’s a rewarding loop once you settle into its rhythm.
Visually, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered offers a satisfying glow-up while staying true to its roots. The remaster lets you toggle between ‘retro’ and ‘remastered’ modes, and while both stick closely to the original’s playful aesthetic, the updated textures and lighting give the world a fresher, more cohesive feel. The colours are especially vibrant in the remastered setting—lush greens, bright blues, and lava reds really pop in motion. There's even CRT and VGA-style filters for those craving that fuzzy, old-school vibe.
Performance on PS5 is impressively smooth. I didn’t encounter any stutters, crashes, or input lag, even during the more hectic platforming sections. Load times are fast, and the framerate remains consistent throughout. That extra responsiveness makes a big difference during tricky sequences, where a mistimed jump can cost you progress. Movement feels tighter and more deliberate now, especially when navigating narrow ledges or quick platform chains.
The music carries the same joyful energy it had nearly three decades ago. Each world comes with its own looping theme, and they never wear thin even when you're replaying levels for hidden collectibles. Tthere's a surprising amount of variation tucked in—ambient underground tunes, battle jingles, and even a few cheeky nods to the original game’s MIDI tracks.
The updated sound effects are crisp, where it's Croc's tail whips, crystal pickups, and goofy vocalisations. All effects been cleaned up just enough to avoid sounding tinny or flat through modern speakers.
Menus are snappy and well-organized, and the addition of the Crocipedia—a behind-the-scenes treasure trove filled with developer interviews and original artwork—is a delightful touch. It’s clear the developers approached this remaster with genuine affection, offering fans more than a fresh coat of paint. While some visual updates slightly smooth over the original’s quirks, it’s hard to argue with how clean and lively the game looks and runs now.
The Verdict
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered brings the charming 3D platformer back to life with enhanced visuals and revamped controls. While some platforming sections can still feel a bit frustrating, the modern dual analog controls offer a smoother and more playable experience. The Crocipedia adds valuable insight into the game’s history, and the accessible mechanics ensure it remains enjoyable. Though it won’t revolutionize the platforming genre, this remaster is a nostalgic trip worth taking for anyone seeking a fun and character-filled adventure.Final Score: 7.5/10 - Good
Croc Legend of the Gobbos details
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Argonaut Games, Titanium Studios, Big Boat Interactive
Publisher: Argonaut Games
Genre: Platformer, Action
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.