Tomba! Special Edition Reviews
Tombi! might just be the most 8/10 game ever, and absolutely no higher than that. I personally love it; but the esoteric quests, remarkably easy boss fights, and slightly wonky controls at times do make it a hard sell. However, if you want a daft and weird little curio to spend some hours in, this will keep you as happy as a pig in – well – you know. Oh, also, if you loved the demo on the demo disc, you owe it to yourself to see what's beyond the 100 Year Old Man, believe me.
Games as special as this one continue to attract attention decades later. Some facets of control and exploration have aged regularly, but their charisma and depth are still appealing to this day, especially with all the extras Limited Run has incorporated.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Tomba! Special Edition is a thorough remaster of a classic underappreciated title from PlayStation history that manages to stand out among a sea of other mascot platformers. A pioneering force in the popularisation of the 2.5D platformer, I enjoyed being given the chance to see where this subgenre began. While there are definitely relics of archaic PlayStation-era design, these are almost an expectation rather than a point of heavy critique. For those familiar with the antics of this cave boy, you'll feel right at home. And the bonus materials sweeten the deal too.
Tomba! is still a weird and mostly wonderful little platformer, packed with character and charm from beginning to end. Some of its more convoluted design elements can frustrate, and the backtracking's a bit of a slog at times, but the core, grab-happy gameplay remains satisfyingly fun. And, with the addition of unlimited saves and a rewind function, it's hard not to appreciate and enjoy this revived PS1 oddity.
Tomba! Special Edition is a fantastic and unique game. Even though I had hoped for a full remaster, the original is still fun just the way it is. The added content and features-like saving anywhere and rewinding-are great, and despite some dated mechanics, the colorful world and quirky side quests make it a rewarding, fun experience that is definitely worth playing. While the 34 year old me scores Tomba at an 8.5, purely due to outdated mechanics, the 7 year old me gives it a 10/10 ;)
Tomba! Special Edition perfectly preserves the 1997 classic. The game is just as good as it was back then, and perhaps even better now with tons of quality of life features and extras. This is an incredibly special game, and I hope it finally gets the recognition it deserves.
Tombi! Special Edition is a great example of how something like LRG's Carbon Engine can be used to help preserve a game accurately and respectfully while also modernising the experience enough to make it compatible and palatable for future audiences. The bonus materials could be better-presented, and the game's original blemishes remain by virtue of its preservation, but it's a great way to re-live an underappreciated classic in the genre.
Tomba! Special Edition is first and foremost a preservation operation. It is a definitive edition of a classic PlayStation game with some extra and some quality of life improvements.
Review in Italian | Read full review
There is a reason why used copies of Tomba! fetch prices past the $100 range in the second-hand market. It is a blissfully enjoyable experience that makes you feel like a hyper kid again with snot running down your nose as you hold in your pee because you don’t want to stop playing. Given how many remakes and remasters get things wrong, maybe it was for the best that Tomba! Special Edition is as safe as it is.
Tomba! Special Edition is definitely a great game for those who have nostalgia for the PS1 era while everyone else will certainly find its quirkiness charming and its unconventional gameplay entertaining.
Tomba! Special Edition is the definitive version of the classic Whoopee Camp, finally made available in a revised and corrected offering for a wider contemporary audience. Now as then, the title is fun and rich in detail, almost futuristic in its blend of linear and nonlinear play styles. Practically mandatory for more seasoned gamers, conversely it may be a dive into the past all too edgy for everyone else.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tombi, 30 years later, is still a very strange little platformer with definite charisma, full of charm and some pretty good gimmicks. Some of its more convoluted design elements are at times a little too tiring for many users today, but the basic gameplay remains satisfying to the point. The additions are good, although something more could have been done on the technical front.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tomba! Special Edition successfully brings back a beloved classic from the PlayStation era. The game’s vibrant visuals and charming character designs create an engaging atmosphere that captures the spirit of the original.
With the added ease of a modern platform release, and all the benefits of new quality of life features, there’s never been a better time to experience this underrated classic. While Tomba! Special Edition very much feels like a retro title, its unique gameplay merits the attention of a modern audience.
Tomba! Special Edition is a must-buy for fans of classic PlayStation titles. Even with the minor gameplay inconveniences, the extra content and the ability to save anywhere make this version a clear improvement over the original. So jump in there and throw some pigs!
Tomba! Special Edition is a painstaking tribute to an enduring PlayStation oddity. Hopefully this is an opening salvo for rereleases of older, odder games.
Tomba! Special Edition is a really cool title to lift from the annals of history, and I think that it deserves both recognition and appreciation for what it does. While the series never quite took off in a longform way, I think Fujiwara-san should be proud of his creation and all that went into Tomba! and its sequel. Moreover, I just love that fans get a chance to play something that isn’t a go-to PS1 title when talking about this generation.
Tomba! Special Edition brings back the beloved and quirky PS1 classic, delivering a delightful blend of nostalgic charm and thoughtful modern enhancements. While the game is primarily an emulated version, Limited Run Games has enriched the experience with behind-the-scenes content, a new OST, and widescreen support, making it more than just a simple port. Despite its age, the game’s unique art style and engaging Metroidvania mechanics hold up well, though the controls can feel dated.
Tomba! The memorable PlayStation platformer is back with a remaster that does its job very well and gives the Whoopee Camp franchise a new lease of life. The Tokuro Fujiwara-designed game continues to stand out among modern offerings. It does so thanks to its colorful scenery, ingenious level design and the particular charm of our pink-haired protagonist. The 2.5D gameplay has aged like a fine wine and, although it does not reach the excellence of other titles by the author, it is a beautiful chapter in the history of gaming that is worth visiting.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The PlayStation classic is back with a slight facelift, new modes, extras, and zero intention of making new friends.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review