Tomba! Special Edition is an ambitious project aimed at reviving a franchise that, while obscure, is widely regarded for its high quality. Originally developed by Whoopee Camp and released on the PS1, the first Tomba! game and its sequel are considered among the best side-scrolling Metroidvania games of their time. Remarkably, despite being over two decades old, the games have aged well, particularly in terms of their visual appeal. This lasting charm is largely due to their distinctive art style. However, the controls can be somewhat clunky, occasionally leading to frustration. Nevertheless, the game offers an enjoyable exploration experience within a Metroidvania framework, where players are not led by the hand to the next checkpoint.
One of the aspects that made Tomba! on the PS1 so captivating was the sense of mystery that permeated its quests. Each time players made progress, they uncovered new quests that often connected with earlier ones. When Tomba! was first released, there were no online resources to consult, leaving players to figure out everything on their own. This absence of guides made exploring Tomba! and its sequel particularly rewarding for me. However, this design choice may not appeal to everyone, especially those accustomed to the more guided experiences typical of modern games.
Tomba! Special Edition is a true treasure for those who hold nostalgic memories of playing the original game during their teenage years. However, it may be challenging for new players to get into, as the game features quirky humor and lacks a traditional narrative. Its appeal lies in its humorous cast of characters, deeply engaging quest design, and the joy of exploration. While the controls are not as refined as those of modern platformers and the combat is simple, with few boss fights, the game still manages to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination that few others can match.
I was initially disappointed to discover that this release is merely an emulated version of the original game, rather than a native PC port. However, there is more to it than just a simple port. Limited Run Games has done an admirable job by collaborating with the original developer to include behind-the-scenes content, such as the making of the game, various concept arts, and even early prototype footage. As a fan of the series, I find these additions fascinating, and I appreciate that they were included in this release. These features were not available on the PS1, so incorporating them required significant effort and resources.
Regarding the emulation itself, the game runs smoothly based on my experience so far. The ability to easily load or save states is a helpful feature in this game. The resolution is satisfactory, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the game offers widescreen support, at least for the main menu screen and user interface. Additionally, there are options to switch the screen layout with the press of a button, allowing players to toggle between a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, or even go fully wide. For those who prefer a more retro experience, a CRT filter is also available.
The game features a new OST, which initially had some issues at launch. However, the developers were quick to release a patch that seems to have resolved these problems. There is also a music launcher accessible from the main menu, adding to the list of extras in this release. Despite being an older game, it holds up well for me, and these new additions only enhance the overall experience.
If you are a fan of Metroidvania games, I highly recommend Tomba! The main character is a bit of a goofball, and the story does not take itself too seriously. What truly sets the game apart are the details—the quests and the sense of discovery. You may come across a puzzle with no immediate solution, only to find the answer later on a different path. The game is not particularly difficult, as most of the main story content is straightforward, but there is some enjoyable side content that can be easily overlooked. Best of all, Tomba! is a game that is easy to replay and does not take long to complete.
Tomba! Special Edition is a fun experience that may not be groundbreaking, but its return to modern platforms has been a delightful and nostalgic journey. I am especially looking forward to playing the sequel, which is an even better game. Overall, I would highly recommend Tomba! to anyone, even if you do not have nostalgic memories of the original.
Tomba! 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
