TOMBA! Special Edition | PS5 Review

From Limited Run Games straight to your PS5 comes a PSOne classic from a bygone era. That classic being TOMBA! TOMBA returns in all of it's former glory complete with all the artwork, videos, and music that led up to the game's release and booming success. Not only do you get the game in an updated fashion, but you also get to choose whether or not you want to experience it with the original or newly arranged soundtrack. It's something long time fans will be grateful for.

TOMBA! Special Edition, follows the story of a pink haired island boy named Tomba who is seeking his late grandfather's stolen bracelet which was taken by evil Koma pigs who have, through their magic, transformed the island into a wasteland of monsters and grotesque plant life. In Tomba's quest he will not only seek to get back what is rightfully his, but restore his habitat to the jungle paradise it once was.

As Tomba you have a few things going for you. You have an interchangeable weapon as well as the ability to mount, bite, and throw enemies. This along with key items and equipment will help you navigate the various islands locales while looting them and dealing with the enemy threat. Something that will add to your increasing score tally on a quest to quest basis.

Quests of course lead Tomba where he needs to be, and allows him to explore in a unique perspective changing way. He can travel in the foreground, in the background, and even rotate the area to climb up and platform his way across the environmental set pieces. Using his jump and mount ability along with his swinging option, and weapon/item usage he'll be able to navigate and do all that needs to be done. In some instances this is nothing more than tending to fetch quests given by NPCs, and other times it's a rescue mission or a boss/enemy clearing battle. Needless to say there is definitely a variety among quest objectives, and this variation extends to the environmental themes you'll make your way through.

As Tomba does what he has set out to do he is tethered to a life meter that once depleted will reset his position back to the last checkpoint. Unless you save at saving sign posts in each location this progress can also be lost to a GAME OVER due to too many deaths. Lives are limited in Tomba's adventure so minding the hazards and enemies is a must. Fruit being your only means of regaining lost health is a scarce commodity that is useful for progress though.

The Presentation ...

TOMBA! Special Edition is spruced and spiced up to be compatible with modern day consoles like the PS5. Though it does not offer a full screen display the screen does cover most of a 4K television, and in clear clarity. It maintains it's original art, and original soundtrack with an optional remastered soundtrack for those looking for something new. Museum art, and items vary graphically, and do contain some more dated video clips that show what the game would look like from the original software and hardware.

The Verdict ...

Limited Run's 'TOMBA! Special Edition' is the perfect nostalgia trip. Not only does it feature a beloved fan favorite, but presents it in a more modern, and up-to-date way while preserving it's history. You'll find everything from promo videos to actual manuals and even a music player for players to enjoy their favorite tracks. It covers all the bases of a historical collector's edition, and is decently priced as well. If you want to take that trip back down memory lane with one of the best video games ever to grace a PlayStation console then 'TOMBA! Special Edition' is meant for you!!!

CONTENT WARNING: Contains occultism through the evil Koma Pigs