Decades have gone by since the pink-haired jungle boy has received any sort of resurgence. During the Limited Run Games 2023 Summer Games Showcase it was announced this 1997 PlayStation platformer title will get a comeback release.
At the event only the opening animation was revealed which is enough to get fans excited. However, onTwitter, the team provided a bit more information. Tomba! is coming to modern consoles thanks to their Carbon Engine. A new soundtrack is being developed. And physical versions of the game are also being produced. During the presentation it was one they were excited announce and it’s great seeing this cult classic re-emerge.
Tomba! follows a young boy on a mission to recover a stolen heirloom, a bracelet from his late grandfather, that was taken by the Evil Pigs. Tomba’s main ways of attacking enemies are to hurl weapons like a mace or boomerang. He can also leap onto the backs of enemies to throw them. But Tomba must defeat seven of the Evil Pig bosses across the land, then he can encounter the final boss. Throughout the game you will find new items, meet friendly characters and complete side quests.
After Tokuro Fujiwara left Capcom as the director and producer for Ghosts n' Goblins, Mega Man 2, DuckTales and other iconic titles, he wanted to focus on something new. He started up Whoopee Camp and produced Tomba! under the new studio. Harumi Fujita composed the music and will come back again for the re-release’s soundtrack. In 1997, Tomba! received very positive reviews in Japan. And again in 1998 when it released in North America and Europe. However, it did sell as well as the team had hoped. But it did sell well enough to receive a sequel. Tomba! did get a quick re-release on the PlayStation Network back in 2012 but this news from Limited Run Games has us looking forward to those physical copies once again. It will make an excellent collectible for fans who missed out years ago.
It has been noted that long loading times and the amount of side quests could sort of throw players off-track. However, it’s one worth completing. This writer in particular feels very nostalgic toward Tomba!. It’s one full of charm and wackiness that newcomers will definitely enjoy. Hopefully with this announcement, that means Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return will also be coming soon.
The ending of the trailer shows it will be available on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Steam. No official date as of yet.
