Tomba! Special Edition review: nostalgic platformer re-release with new features.
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Tomba! Special Edition Review — A Masterpiece Ahead of Its Time
Everyone has that one game from their childhood that captivated them. For some, it might be a Mario or Zelda game, or maybe Chrono Trigger. For me, it was Tomba!. From the moment I first played, I was drawn in by its colorful world, catchy music, and quirky characters. Although I never managed to beat it, I would often return to Tomba’s world, reliving the nostalgia. Without Tomba!, I likely wouldn’t be writing about and creating games today. My original PS1 disc is barely functional now, struggling to play music or even load the first area. Fortunately, Limited Run Games has stepped in to re-release Tomba! on modern platforms, featuring a newly arranged soundtrack, a museum containing documents from Whoopee Camp’s original development process, and interviews with some of the original staff. It feels like this re-release was made just for me. But let’s set aside nostalgia and preference (as much as possible) and see how Tomba! Special Edition holds up.
The Story and Characters
Tomba! places you in the role of Tomba, a boy living his best life in the wilderness. The game begins when a group of evil pigs start harassing the wildlife. In an attempt to defend the animals, Tomba is knocked unconscious. The pigs make the mistake of stealing Tomba’s bracelet, a memento from his grandfather, prompting him to embark on a mission to stop their rampage.
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The plot of Tomba! is straightforward and engaging. It isn’t particularly deep, but it’s unique and relatable enough to draw you in. The story is communicated through a wordless opening animation, with more specifics revealed as you progress. This minimalist storytelling is a stark contrast to its much wordier sequel, and it’s a refreshing approach.
As you play, you’ll learn about the evil pigs and the curses they’ve placed on each land you explore. The game introduces these elements upfront, making it easy to understand your goals. Despite its simplicity, Tomba!’s plot and characters have a charm that keeps you invested throughout the adventure.
Gameplay Mechanics
Platforming and Exploration
Tomba! is a 2.5D platformer/adventure hybrid. You move Tomba left and right, jumping, dashing, and biting enemies. At certain points, you can move up or down onto another plane. For instance, in the first area, the Village of All Beginnings, you might notice items and enemies behind a fence. You can get behind the fence by climbing a building, with the game seamlessly tutorializing this mechanic by placing a door where you climb up.
Changing planes feels natural and intuitive, though there are occasional moments where you might miss a pathway and need to comb a level to find it. Overall, the exploration in Tomba! is satisfying and well-designed.
Items, Weapons, and Quests
Tomba has a variety of items, weapons, and pants at his disposal. You start with the Blackjack, which stuns enemies when thrown, but you can find a boomerang, a grappling hook, and more as you explore. Tomba! is part adventure game, and soon you’ll have an inventory full of useful items.
The game features over 100 quests, known as Events. Some are optional, while others are crucial to your progress. Events can range from capturing an Evil Pig to finding cheese for a character. Even side quests often contribute to the main quest, making everything you do feel important.
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The variety in these quests keeps the gameplay engaging. While some involve repetitive tasks, most are interesting and diverse, such as finding missing people, unlocking special doors, and fixing a clocktower. The game feels like an open-world experience without the unnecessary filler.
World Design and Connectivity
Tomba!’s world is expansive and interconnected. You might initially think it’s a linear platformer, but you’ll eventually loop back to previous areas or discover new paths with items you’ve acquired. The world is surprisingly large, with shortcuts linking different regions, even in the final hours of the game.
Navigation is made easier with Charity Feathers, which allow you to teleport to any save point, and quests that unlock permanent fast travel options. The sense of discovery and connectivity in Tomba! is a major part of its appeal. If you enjoy exploring interconnected worlds like in Dark Souls or Metroidvania games, Tomba! will resonate with you.
Quality of Life Improvements
The Special Edition includes several quality of life features that make the game more accessible. You can now save anywhere, including during cutscenes, and there’s a handy rewind feature for tricky jumps. The game offers three screen modes: Full Screen (pixel perfect), 4:3 (original aspect ratio), and 16:9 (stretched).
There’s also a CRT filter to add scanlines, though it doesn’t fully replicate the softness of CRTs. I played mostly in 4:3 on my Steam Deck, and the game looked great, with only minor vertical stretching in cutscenes. These options ensure that both new players and returning fans can enjoy the game in their preferred style.
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Soundtrack and Presentation
One of the highlights of Tomba! Special Edition is its newly arranged soundtrack by the original composer, Harumi Fujita, with contributions from Tee Lopes. While the original soundtrack is still available, the new arrangements are fantastic. The opening track’s new version has a great energy, showcasing Fujita’s passion and respect for the original composition.
The Special Edition also includes a music player in the main menu, allowing you to listen to every track in the game. Additionally, the museum section features promotional art, box art, game manuals, concept art with translated notes, an early development cutscene, a promotional video, and interviews with creator Tokuro Fujiwara and composer Harumi Fujita. These extras provide a fascinating look into the game’s development and add significant value for fans and those interested in game design.
Challenges and Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, Tomba! has some flaws. The map is notably lacking, making it difficult to navigate specific areas, especially the Haunted Mansion. This location features numerous rooms across multiple planes and dimensions, and the game frequently requires you to return here. Each visit often involved a frustrating search through every room.
A more detailed map or minimap would have significantly improved the experience. However, this port aims to preserve the original game as it was on the PlayStation, prioritizing authenticity over convenience.
Conclusion
Tomba! Special Edition is a lovingly crafted re-release that preserves the charm and appeal of the original while adding modern conveniences. Its engaging gameplay, expansive world, and unique quests make it a joy to play. The newly arranged soundtrack and additional content provide a deep dive into the game’s history and development.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Tomba! Special Edition is a must-play. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of well-designed games and a reminder of why Tomba! remains a beloved classic.
FAQs
What is Tomba! Special Edition?
Tomba! Special Edition is a re-release of the classic 2.5D platformer/adventure game Tomba! for modern platforms. It includes a newly arranged soundtrack, quality of life improvements, and additional content such as a museum and developer interviews.
What are the main improvements in Tomba! Special Edition?
The main improvements include a newly arranged soundtrack, the ability to save anywhere, a rewind feature, multiple screen modes (Full Screen, 4:3, 16:9), and a CRT filter. The game also features a museum with promotional art, box art, game manuals, concept art, an early development cutscene, a promotional video, and interviews with the original developers.
Can I play Tomba! Special Edition on my Steam Deck?
Yes, Tomba! Special Edition is playable on the Steam Deck. The game offers multiple screen modes to suit different preferences, and it looks great on the device.
How does the newly arranged soundtrack compare to the original?
The newly arranged soundtrack, composed by Harumi Fujita with contributions from Tee Lopes, is fantastic. While the original soundtrack is still available, the new arrangements add fresh energy and passion. Both soundtracks are worth experiencing.
What are the major challenges in Tomba! Special Edition?
One of the main challenges is navigation, especially in complex areas like the Haunted Mansion. The map is quite basic, making it difficult to find specific locations. A more detailed map would have been helpful, but the game prioritizes preserving the original experience.
Is Tomba! Special Edition suitable for new players?
Yes, Tomba! Special Edition is suitable for both new players and returning fans. The quality of life improvements, such as the ability to save anywhere and the rewind feature, make it accessible to newcomers. The engaging gameplay and charming world will appeal to a wide audience.
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Does Tomba! Special Edition include the original game’s content?
Yes, Tomba! Special Edition includes all the content from the original game. It also adds new features, such as the newly arranged soundtrack, a museum with additional content, and quality of life improvements.
What additional content is included in the museum?
The museum in Tomba! Special Edition includes promotional art, box art, game manuals, concept art with translated notes, an early development cutscene, a promotional video, and interviews with creator Tokuro Fujiwara and composer Harumi Fujita. This content provides a fascinating look into the game’s development and adds significant value for fans and those interested in game design.
How long is Tomba! Special Edition?
Tomba! Special Edition is a relatively short game compared to modern titles, but it offers a rich and engaging experience. The game’s length varies depending on how much time you spend exploring and completing optional quests. On average, it takes around 10-15 hours to complete.
Is Tomba! Special Edition worth playing if I missed the original ?
Absolutely. Tomba! Special Edition is a must-play for anyone who enjoys platformers, adventure games, or classic gaming experiences. Its engaging gameplay, charming world, and unique quests make it a joy to play, and the quality of life improvements ensure it’s accessible to new players.