Summary

Release Year: 1997
Genres: Adventure, Platform
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Developers: Whoopee Camp
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

Tomba! (1997): A Unique and Charming Side-Scrolling Platformer

Released in 1997, Tomba! is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Whoopee Camp and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. The game follows the adventures of Tomba, a wild boy on a quest to recover his grandfather’s stolen bangle from a group of evil pigs.

Tomba! is known for its unique gameplay, which combines traditional platforming elements with a mission-based system. Players must complete various tasks and missions to progress through the game, earning adventure points (AP) along the way. AP can be used to open AP boxes, which contain food, items, and other rewards.

In addition to his jumping and running abilities, Tomba can also use a variety of weapons and tools to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. These include maces, boomerangs, and even tree branches. Tomba can also swing on poles and climb up walls, adding an extra layer of depth to the platforming gameplay.

One of the most unique aspects of Tomba! is its large and interconnected world. The game features over 130 missions, many of which are interconnected and rely on each other to be completed. This gives the game a sense of depth and replayability, as players can explore different areas and complete missions in any order they choose.

The game’s world is also filled with a variety of colorful characters, both friendly and hostile. Tomba will encounter a cast of quirky allies, including a talking pig named Zippo and a wise old monkey named Pongo. He will also face off against a variety of enemies, including the evil pigs who stole his grandfather’s bangle.

Tomba! was praised for its unique gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics. The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It has since been re-released on the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita.

Gameplay

Tomba! is a side-scrolling platformer with a unique mission-based system. Players control Tomba, a wild boy on a quest to recover his grandfather’s stolen bangle. Tomba can jump, run, and climb, and he can use a variety of weapons and tools to defeat enemies and solve puzzles.

The game world is divided into a series of interconnected levels, each with its own unique challenges and missions. Players must complete missions to earn adventure points (AP), which can be used to open AP boxes containing food, items, and other rewards.

Tomba! features a variety of gameplay elements, including:

Platforming: Tomba can jump, run, and climb to navigate the game world. He can also swing on poles and climb up walls.
Combat: Tomba can use a variety of weapons and tools to defeat enemies, including maces, boomerangs, and even tree branches.
Puzzles: Tomba must solve a variety of puzzles to progress through the game. These puzzles can involve finding hidden objects, activating switches, and defeating enemies in a specific order.
Missions: Tomba must complete over 130 missions to progress through the game. Missions can involve defeating enemies, collecting items, and solving puzzles.

Characters

Tomba! features a cast of colorful and charming characters, both friendly and hostile. Tomba himself is a wild boy with a heart of gold. He is always willing to help those in need, and he is determined to recover his grandfather’s stolen bangle.

Other friendly characters in the game include:

Zippo: A talking pig who is Tomba’s best friend. Zippo is a loyal and courageous companion, and he is always ready to help Tomba out of a jam.
Pongo: A wise old monkey who serves as Tomba’s mentor. Pongo knows a great deal about the world, and he is always willing to share his knowledge with Tomba.
Tabby: A female cat who is Tomba’s love interest. Tabby is a kind and compassionate cat, and she is always there for Tomba when he needs her.

Tomba will also face off against a variety of enemies, including:

Evil pigs: The main antagonists of the game. The evil pigs are a group of greedy and ruthless creatures who stole Tomba’s grandfather’s bangle.
Bats: Flying creatures that attack Tomba with their sharp teeth and claws.
Snakes: Slithering creatures that attack Tomba with their venomous bites.
Spiders: Giant spiders that attack Tomba with their webs and fangs.

Setting

Tomba! is set in a colorful and vibrant world filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers. The game’s world is home to a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile.

The game’s story begins in the village of Kodai, where Tomba lives with his grandfather, the village elder. One day, a group of evil pigs attack the village and steal Tomba’s grandfather’s bangle. Tomba sets out on a quest to recover the bangle and defeat the evil pigs.

Along the way, Tomba will travel through a variety of different environments, including forests, caves, mountains, and deserts. He will also visit a variety of towns and villages, each with its own unique characters and challenges.

Graphics and Sound

Tomba! features beautiful and colorful 2D graphics. The game’s world is full of lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers. The characters are all well-animated and expressive.

The game’s soundtrack is composed by Michiru Yamane, who is known for her work on the Castlevania series. The soundtrack is a mix of upbeat and whimsical tunes that perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy

Tomba! was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics. It has since been re-released on the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita.

Tomba! has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including the Jak and Daxter series and the Ratchet & Clank series. The game’s unique mission-based system has also been praised by critics.

Tomba! is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s unique gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.