Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition is the second attempt to bring the Tomba series back into the spotlight on modern platforms. This time, it targets more systems, making it a much stronger effort than the last one, when Sony simply released the PS1 games on PSP and Vita. I remember buying these games back then to play on the go, but they were just emulated versions with no real enhancements. Unfortunately, those releases are not playable on PS4 or PS5, leaving them stuck on older, legacy hardware.
It took some time, but Limited Run Games eventually managed to bring the franchise back, starting with Tomba! 1. While I have fond memories of the first game, the sequel is closer to my heart because I spent much more time with it. Like the special edition of Tomba! 1, this is not just a basic emulated port. It includes several extras, especially for devoted fans like myself who discovered the series a little late.
The special edition extras include artwork, cover art, the original manual, and character renders, giving fans a look at the behind-the-scenes development of this cult classic. Tomba! is essentially a Metroidvania-style adventure game where you play as Tomba, alongside companions like a monkey named Charles and a fairy called Zippo, who offers clues on where to go next. The sequel focuses on Tomba’s friend Tabby, who goes missing after Tomba learns about it through a letter. This turns the story into a rescue mission rather than the more straightforward setup of Tomba! 1, while still building on the foundation established by the first game.
As for the quality of the port, I found it to be solid overall. Yes, it is still an emulated version, but considering the budget price, the large amount of extras that are not available anywhere else, and the inclusion of quality-of-life features such as save and load anywhere, rewind, filters, and resolution options, it ends up being a great way to experience this classic. The display resolution can be adjusted easily, along with the aspect ratio, which stretches nicely to 16:9 on the Steam Deck. Some players may prefer sticking to the native resolution, while a downsampled rendering mode is also available. Personally, I did not like it, as it removes the jagged edges that I feel are part of the game’s charm.
When it comes to the game itself, Tomba! 2 is not something everyone will enjoy. The gameplay can feel clunky, with movement and animations that sometimes require very precise jumps. The jumping feels both floaty and twitchy, and combat is not exactly one of the game’s strong points. I think Tomba! 2 is best suited for those who have played it before and have a nostalgic attachment to the game and the series as a whole. Where it truly shines is its adventure-driven gameplay loop, which strongly rewards exploration. That said, it can be quite difficult to finish without a guide, as missions are often given with little to no direction or clear objectives. Because of this, it may not appeal to modern players who prefer constant guidance and hand-holding.
When this edition originally launched, there was a lot of backlash due to the lack of an English soundtrack. However, a post-launch update addressed this issue, bringing it more in line with the quality of the previous release. While the music and overall emulation quality may not match what is possible through tools like DuckStation, this is still the only legal way to purchase the series. For fans of Tomba, this version is easy to recommend, especially for those who want to support the franchise and keep the hope alive that it may return someday. That may be a long shot, but there is no harm in holding onto that hope.
While the port itself is solid and plays well on the Steam Deck, there are still minor audio related bugs that show up from time to time. The quality of life additions, such as the rewind feature, make the game much easier to manage. The same applies to the ability to save anywhere. These changes go a long way in making Tomba less frustrating to play. The game is also not very long, but players can easily get stuck due to the lack of guidance. If you follow a guide, it is possible to complete everything and reach 100 percent completion within around 20 hours.
Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition Game Information
- Price: $19.99
- Publisher: Limited Run Games
- Developer: Limited Run Games
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
