Why are more game companies releasing classic remasters these days? Well, two reasons. First off, the development cost is pretty low. The games are done, right? True, there’s a lot of effort going into their remastering. But we know the release is a success in its own right – you just have to make it better. And second, it’s likely cost efficient. Surely more so than a AAA release that costs somewhere in the millions. Sometimes gamers want it simple.
Limited Run Games knows this. It’s done a bang-up job with a number of its retro releases already. This includes its incredible Rocket Knight Adventures Re-Sparked package. Now it’s at it again with Tomba! Special Edition, bringing back the long-lost PlayStation platformer to a new generation.
The original Tomba! isn’t exactly perfect, and some of the problems from the PS1 release persist here. But kudos to Limited Run Games and series creator Tokuro Fujiwara for staying the course. And, for that matter, giving us another silly, entertaining retro platformer to enjoy in modern times.
In Tomba! Special Edition, The Pigs Have Taken Over
Stupid pigs. Thinking they can run the place. But that’s what happens in Tomba! Special Edition, as they overtake the land. Fortunately, the heroic Tomba is here, ready to ride them into ruin.
The game uses a quirky side-scrolling style of gameplay that still works, even with some rough edges. What’s more, though, you can ride pigs to great success, while also getting around with neat platforming tactics. It never really evolves too much from that. But by staying the simple course, Tomba! retains everything that made it work so well to begin with.
There is the ability to use analog control, which is nice. That will certainly save your thumbs from D-pad wearout, as you did on the old PS One release. But there are still some gameplay quirks to come across, including imperfect jumping. Once you get used to it, however, it’s not too big a deal.
To complement the gameplay, Tomba! Special Edition also includes an awesome museum. Here, you can check out original advertisements and game packaging. There are also documents galore, as well as interviews with Fujiwara. It’s a treasure trove of content for anyone who loved this game – or grows to love it.
I do wish Tomba! 2 was in this package instead of being sold separately. But the $20 price tag isn’t bad. And the addition of museum goodies is a nice touch. You’ll get your money’s worth here.
A Good Lookin’ Pig
Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine technology continues to work wonders.
Even though the game still decisively looks like a PS1 release, Tomba! doesn’t disappoint. The visuals still look great on newer TVs, and the animations are cute to watch. I love the backgrounds in some of these stages as well, as jagged as they seem. There are minor glitches here and there. Overall, though, a solid port.
It’s also nice to have different options available too. Those of you looking for a better screen resolution will get it. And you can go old-school CRT as well if you prefer. There’s nothing terrible too high-def here, but we are talking about a PS1 game. It’s another example of retro remastering done to a great degree.
Also, the game features a newly remastered soundtrack by original composer Harumi Fujita. It does notdisappoint. The game has never sounded better. And coupled with the classic sound effects, it truly delivers on its performance. Kudos to Limited Run Games for getting the idea to include Fujita in the mix as well.
Overall, the game doesn’t get an overwhelming overhaul. But, then again, it keeps it simple and joyous, and that’s how Tomba! fans will want to take it.
Riding Into Victory
Despite small gameplay hiccups and the lack of the sequel in the same package, Tomba! Special Edition is very cool. It reminds us of an easier time in gaming, and at a very affordable price. The gameplay, though oddball, should please fans and newcomers alike. Plus the presentation touch-ups are really something; and the museum bonuses are awesome.
It’s good to see a long-lost favorite like this return. And with games like Bubsy Collection and Gex Collectionon the way, Limited Run Games isn’t done yet.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Overload PR for the review code! Tomba! Special: Edition is available now for Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
