Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered [PlayStation 5] | REVIEW

There’s something special about revisiting a classic platformer, especially one that never quite reached the same legendary status as some of the more prolific platforming greats, but that still holds a fond place in the hearts of many. Croc: Legend of the Gobbos may not have been the most revolutionary 3D platformer of its era, but its charm, simplicity, and endearing reptilian protagonist earned it a dedicated fan base. And now, with this remaster, original developers Argonaut Games have brought the game back into the spotlight, polishing the experience while also fleshing things out with a wealth of bonus materials that outline the legacy of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Right from the start, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered absolutely embraces its nostalgia, with the opening sequence (that has a nod to playing games back in the 90s), the bright visuals, and that iconic title theme immediately transporting me back to my time playing the game in my younger years on Christmas day. It was special, and I’ll be honest, that long-lasting love for the game has actually made this stand out as one of the releases that I’ve been most excited for this year. I’m so glad that it delivers everything that I hoped for from it.

The game stays true to its original aesthetic but with clear visual enhancements, with character models noticeably more detailed, environments cleaner with enhanced lighting, and animations much smoother to make for a more fluid gameplay experience. It’s not a revolutionary change by any means, but it makes everything look sharper and prettier to better suit modern gamers. The option to toggle retro visuals (whilst maintaining the modern refinements to the gameplay) or even apply CRT filters is a welcome touch too, catering to players who want to relive the experience EXACTLY as they remember it. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly at 60fps, ensuring a polished and responsive experience. Load times are practically non-existent too, allowing players to jump into levels instantly.

However, while the graphical updates are impressive, the most meaningful improvement comes in the form of the modernised controls. The original game relied on tank controls, which could feel stiff and limiting – especially for a platforming game. Whilst those controls are still available for purists, the addition of full analogue movement and full camera control makes an incredible difference. Navigating Croc through levels feels far more natural, ensuring jumps and platforming sequences feel more precise and enjoyable. It’ll also make the game much more appealing for younger gamers, which is something I noticed when playing with my little one – she couldn’t grasp the classic controls at all, but with the modernised options, she flew through levels.

“Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered is a heartfelt revival of a cult classic, bringing the beloved reptilian hero back to life with a blend of nostalgia and modern refinements.”

The only caveat? The game was originally designed with tank controls in mind, so the gameplay is MUCH easier with the new control scheme. A lot of the difficulty of the original game came with dealing with tank controls, demanding more precision and better timing from the player. But now? It’s much, much easier, with a lot of the challenge of the game completely alleviated.

It doesn’t make things any less fun though, even if Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a pretty straightforward 3D platformer as far as its mechanics are concerned. Each level tasks players with reaching the goal while collecting six hidden Gobbos and five coloured gems, with the latter unlocking an extra area of the level to complete near the exit. Though optional, collecting them all is necessary for accessing the final boss and true ending, and while levels are structured in a relatively linear fashion, there are some elements of light puzzle-solving and exploration that’ll be required if you want to find them all.

Where Croc: Legend of the Gobbos can show its age is with its level design, which can feel somewhat basic – even when compared to other platformers of the same era. It’s always clear where you need to go and what you need to do, while some elements of the level design feel randomly placed as opposed to being thoughtfully laid out. It’s not a problem, but when compared to the likes of Crash Bandicoot or Super Mario 64 that had more thoughtful level designs that felt natural and immersive, it’s easy to see where Croc: Legend of the Gobbos can be simpler in comparison.

Check out some screenshots down below:

It does have some flaws then, but still, there’s an undeniable charm to Croc: Legend of the Gobbos that makes it so endearing to play so many years on from its original release. The colourful levels, the satisfying platforming, and the adorable characters keep the experience engaging, while the brisk level structure ensures that nothing ever overstays its welcome. Boss fights, while mechanically simple, are another highlight, featuring creative foes to face off against – and sure, as mentioned, the modernised controls do make these easier than back in the day, but they still make for fun encounters that change up the gameplay experience.

One of the standout additions in this remaster is the Crocipedia, a comprehensive museum section filled with fascinating extras that old-school gamers are sure to love. Players can browse through old marketing materials, early concept art, and even scripts from a planned Croc cartoon series, while developer interviews provide insightful reflections on the game’s history and the ambitions behind the original project. For fans of gaming history, this collection is a fantastic addition and elevates the remaster beyond a simple graphical update, with the Crocipedia standing out as one of the more impressive bonus additions I’ve seen in any classic remastered release.

Developer: Argonaut Games
Publisher: Argonaut Games
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Website: https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/UB1036-PPSA25070_00-0690402907917905