Tomba! Special Edition offers a nostalgic experience for enthusiasts of the original PlayStation gem and a chance for newcomers to try this ‘90s classic that was originally created by Tokuro Fujiwara (who also created Ghosts’ n Goblins).

Published and developed by Limited Run Games, this new version brings back the eccentric, pink-haired jungle adventurer, Tomba, in his full splendor.

The game is a non-linear action-platformer that seamlessly blends beautiful visuals, captivating gameplay and a unique plot about Tomba retrieving his grandfather’s stolen bracelet from the evil Koma Pigs.

Timeless Non-Linear Gameplay in Tomba!

Since this is more like a faithful port of the original game (with minor improvements), the core gameplay of Tomba! remains basically unchanged. Players control Tomba and explore a 2.5D non-linear world, completing various quests and events that unlock while progressing with the story.

Combat is straightforward but satisfying, with Tomba able to jump on enemies, bite them or use weapons like flails and boomerangs to defeat them. Enemies are diverse and there is a great number of boss battles, each one combining platforming skills with strategic thinking.

Completing quests and defeating enemies grants Adventure Points (AP) that can be used to unlock new abilities and items.

A Faithful Re-release with Minor QoL Improvements

Visually speaking, Tomba! Special Edition retains the original art style and charm of the original. The Special Edition introduces several quality-of-life improvements and options. This includes improved controls, a CRT filter, rewind feature, and save states, enhancing the overall experience.

There’s also an option to switch between the original soundtrack and a newly remastered version.

If you want to dive deeper into the history of Tomba, there is a digital museum that features concept art, manual scans, behind-the-scenes material and interviews with the original developers.

Tomba! is Perfect for Retro Gaming Streams

Tomba! Special Edition is a fantastic choice for live streaming, especially if your audience loves retro gaming. Many viewers have fond memories of the original game, and seeing it brought back to life in the Special Edition can attract a nostalgic audience.

This can lead to engaging conversations as viewers share their experiences with the original game and explore the additions in this new version.

With its numerous quests, hidden secrets, and multiple ways to approach challenges, Tomba! also offers significant replay value. Players can revisit areas with new abilities to uncover previously inaccessible secrets, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.

The performance is also great, the game has been ported using the Carbon Engine (a proprietary emulation software developed by Limited Run Games) and runs smoothly on modern hardware.

STREAMER SCORE

Tomba! Special Edition (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) - 2024

Overall

3.8

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Summary

Tomba! Special Edition is a love letter to fans of the original game, but also an unmissable chance for new players who appreciate classic 2.5D platformers. Some aspects of the game are certainly outdated, but the quality-of-life improvements make it a worthwhile addition to any gaming library and a great choice for live streaming.