The original PlayStation gave birth to numerous iconic franchises that have shaped the gaming industry. Games like Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Tomb Raider, and Resident Evil all originated during this era and have become some of the biggest franchises in gaming today. However, there are also hidden gems from this time that didn’t receive the same level of commercial success. One such example is Tomba, a cult classic that was recently given a new lease on life.
Tomba is a 2.5D platformer developed by Whoopee Camp that stands the test of time due to its open structure and satisfying platforming mechanics. When I discovered the PSP classics re-release of the game years ago, I was surprised that Tomba didn’t gain more popularity. Perhaps it was overshadowed by 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot, or maybe its protagonist wasn’t as immediately appealing as other iconic characters. Whatever the reason for Tomba‘s lack of mainstream success, I’m disappointed that this series only saw one sequel.
Fortunately, Limited Run Games recently released Tomba! Special Edition on PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. While I don’t expect Tomba to dethrone Mario anytime soon, I’m grateful that there is now an easy way to experience this fantastic game.
An immersive platformer experience
Like many mascot platformers of its time, Tomba puts players in the shoes of its titular character as they embark on an entertaining adventure filled with obstacles to overcome. In the game, Tomba’s grandfather’s golden bracelet is stolen by evil pigs, prompting Tomba to defeat the seven evil pigs and retrieve it.
While the main story may not be groundbreaking, the humor and charm in Tomba still resonate today. The game’s world is engaging, with quirky scenarios that keep players entertained and eager to explore further.
Tomba rewards players’ curiosity by offering a world full of “Events” to complete, some necessary for progression and others for fun or rewards. The game goes beyond simple left-to-right platforming, creating an adventure that feels dynamic, deep, and filled with surprises in every direction.
The gameplay mechanics of Tomba remain solid, allowing players to jump, grab, throw enemies, climb walls, swing, and navigate the 2D backgrounds with ease. The game’s 2.5D perspective adds a sense of exploration and depth to every screen, making it a unique platforming experience.
Tomba! Special Edition offers features like gameplay rewind, CRT filters, colorful borders, and a Museum showcasing the game’s development assets. The inclusion of interviews with key developers sheds light on the game’s creation during an experimental period in the industry.
These interviews highlight the fascinating stories behind game development, even for lesser-known titles. While it’s disappointing that Tomba! 2’s re-release is separate, the original game still stands out as an enjoyable platformer in 2024. Playing it might make you wish that Tomba had achieved greater recognition in the gaming world, as I do.
Tomba! Special Edition is now available for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
