Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Review – Nostalgic Platforming Adventure That Reveals Its Age

Initially launched in 1997, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos has developed a devoted fan base over the years, despite its relatively under-the-radar status. Crafted by Argonaut Games, the original concept was pitched as a 3D Yoshi platformer for Nintendo. Now, this enchanting adventure makes a return, freshly remastered to captivate today’s gamers.

This remaster provides an excellent opportunity for both nostalgic gamers longing for the classic 3D platforming experience and new players curious about Croc’s charming world. As someone who cherished playing the demo during my childhood and eagerly anticipated this launch, I was excited to dive back into Croc’s universe.

Let’s explore why Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a game you shouldn’t miss.

The Timeless Allure of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos

Navigate perilous obstacles to collect Crystals (Image via Argonaut Games)

The premise behind the game is refreshingly straightforward. Having been raised by a gentle group of creatures known as Gobbos, Croc’s serene upbringing is shattered when the malevolent Baron Dante invades their home, abducting Croc’s family and scattering them across various islands.

To restore peace, Croc embarks on a thrilling journey, traversing diverse landscapes including lush forests, icy caves, underwater realms, and arid deserts. Players will find Croc’s controls intuitive; he can run, jump, and grab ledges, with additional offensive options like a tail swipe and a mid-air stomp to dispatch enemies and break open boxes.

These boxes hide various treasures, including plentiful Crystals and elusive Gobbos positioned throughout the stages. The Crystals operate similarly to the rings in SEGA’s iconic titles, serving as lifelines for Croc; taking damage results in lost Crystals, and losing them all leads to game over.

Search high and low for every collectible (Image via Argonaut Games)

Finding the Gobbos is pivotal, with players aiming to gather a total of six in each level. Searching for these creatures often requires players to delve into hidden boxes or unlock cages with special keys. The sixth Gobbo is particularly elusive, accessible only through a secret door that opens after collecting all of a rarer type of item: Colored Crystals, which are cleverly concealed throughout the levels.

In terms of platforming, the levels are compact and feature straightforward challenges like jumping across platforms, avoiding pitfalls, and toggling switches. Collecting Crystals is critical, as the game may prove surprisingly challenging despite its seemingly simple mechanics. Some of the difficulty stems from its nostalgia-driven design, including occasionally quirky hitboxes and somewhat slippery movement controls.

The game mechanics remain largely unchanged despite the visual upgrades (Image via Argonaut Games)

As this is a remaster, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos retains the same fundamental gameplay mechanics that players remember from nearly three decades ago. While newcomers might take time to acclimate to these mechanics, the game’s essence remains intact. However, it isn’t just a simple graphical upgrade; the remaster introduces a plethora of new features to delight longtime fans.

One highlight is the new Crocopedia tab, which provides fascinating insights into the game’s development. Here, players can explore artwork, the soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes content like design documents and interviews, enriching the experience and deepening appreciation for Croc: Legend of the Gobbos.

Visual Enhancements, Soundtrack, and Performance Insights

Switch back to original graphics with ease (Image via Argonaut Games)

This remaster honors the distinct visuals of the original while enhancing textures and assets for improved clarity on modern screens. The result is a sharp, polished aesthetic that may occasionally appear a bit sterile compared to the original’s charm. Fortunately, players can toggle back to the classic low-poly graphics with the press of a button for that nostalgic experience.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly without any noticeable hitches, which is commendable for a title of its age. The soundtrack remains whimsical and engaging, fostering a lighthearted atmosphere reminiscent of Nintendo’s classic 3D titles, such as those from the Super Mario or Donkey Kong series. This catchy music will undoubtedly evoke nostalgia for fans of the platforming genre.

Final Thoughts

Unearth hidden levels featuring additional Crystals to collect (Image via Argonaut Games)

The remaster of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos marks a triumphant return for Argonaut Games, which has spent years in relative obscurity. While certain elements may feel dated, fans of the platforming genre will find pleasure in navigating the vibrant levels and engaging with the game’s charming yet challenging mechanics, all starring the endearing Croc.

Moreover, the additional content enhances this remaster’s value for those who have long awaited Croc’s resurgence. With renewed interest from the developers, there is hope for a modern revival of this classic title on contemporary gaming platforms.