Ever nostalgic for the quirky charm and fun of classic adventure-platformers? Buckle up, because a blast from the past is on the way.
Publisher Limited Run Games, in partnership with developer Whoopee Camp, has announced a shiny new remaster of the iconic PlayStation game Tomba!, a beloved title from the late ’90s that fused whimsy, adventure, and platforming elements into a unique gameplay experience.
Coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC via Steam, the new remaster aims to re-release the wacky and enchanting world of Tomba! for both long-time fans and new players alike. At the helm of this project is the original creator of Tomba!, Tokuro Fujiwara, who will lend his genius and visionary guidance to the remastered edition.
Fujiwara, a seasoned game designer and producer, is well-renowned for his work in the gaming industry. His collaboration with Limited Run Games on this remaster assure fans that the essence of Tomba! will not only be maintained but amplified, with the right amount of modern enhancements.
On the technical front, the upgraded Tomba! will run on Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine, suggesting a potential for the smoother gameplay and graphics that will make the game feel at home on today’s gaming platforms.
And what’s an adventure without an immersive soundtrack to go with it? Providing the sonic backdrop for Tomba!’s various escapades is a new soundtrack crafted by Fujita Harumi, an addition that promises to breathe new life into the game’s memorable environments and scenarios.
The original Tomba! first saw the light of day on December 25, 1997, in Japan, arriving in North America and Europe in mid to late 1998. The game, with its distinctive pink-haired protagonist and fusion of adventure and platforming mechanics, had quickly carved out a special place in the hearts of gamers around the world. Its charming aesthetic and engaging gameplay made it a unique offering in the PlayStation’s roster, winning it a loyal fanbase. Besides, who can ever forget a game that lets you fight against a bunch of anthropomorphic villainous pigs who can transform the world with some sort of strange magic?
While the game was known for its steep learning curve, the memories of overcoming its numerous challenges remain deep in the minds of fans. It was an irrefutable draw that rewarded patience, challenged players, and introduced a cast of characters as charming as the game’s vibrant aesthetic.
In many ways, it was a game ahead of its time, eschewing the era’s popular trends to carve its place within the platforming genre.
With this remaster, new and returning players have an exciting opportunity to revisit the gnome forests, the unusual mix of creatures, and the timeless charm that made Tomba! such a standout title.
Fingers crossed, we’ll get a remaster of Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return next.
Speaking of remasters of older titles, Square Enix is reportedly gearing up to play Russian roulette with its treasure trove of classic games. This is on top of the remasters it has already released over the past few years as well as other rumored remasters like Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy Tactics.
