By Marty Mulrooney
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a remaster of the beloved 3D platformer of the same name originally released in 1997 for PlayStation, Sega Saturn and PC. With updated modern controls, HD graphics and a ‘Crocipedia’ filled with video interviews, development materials, music and more, this new release from reformed studio Argonaut Games brings the multi-million-selling hit to modern PCs and consoles, including the PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox digital storefronts.
Originally positioned by Argonaut Games as a Lara Croft/Crash Bandicoot/Mario killer (something that was even suggested in its marketing materials), Croc never quite beat the competition at their own game – but he certainly gave them a run for their money. When Nintendo turned down Argonaut’s offer to make a Yoshi 3D platformer, the project was retooled as an original property; Croc was born as a result, with his debut setting him on a quest to rescue the Gobbos and defeat Baron Dante.
As a family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos proved particularly popular on Sony’s PlayStation; here in the UK it was a bestseller for two months, and it eventually went on to sell over three million copies worldwide. Not bad for a little crocodile with a snaggletooth trying to save his adopted family! A sequel followed on PlayStation and PC (along with a few loose ports on Game Boy Color), but eventually, Croc was lost in the mists of time… until now.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is made up of 45 levels spread across five islands: Forest Island, Ice Island, Desert Island, Castle Island and Crystal Island. Each level contains five hidden Gobbos, with a sixth Gobbo that can only be found by collecting five Colour Crystals and unlocking a Rainbow Door. Meanwhile, the regular White Crystals provide protection, with Croc dropping them when an enemy attacks instead of losing a life (so you’ll always want at least one). There are also two jigsaw pieces in each of the first four worlds (eight in total), which must be collected to unlock the fifth and final world and truly beat the game.
The core gameplay is interesting because Croc was originally moved with tank controls, and this input method is still available on PlayStation 5 via the D-pad. However, this remaster introduces true analogue controls, with Croc controlled with the left stick and the camera controlled with the right stick. It makes 360-degree movement a breeze, although I still found the original tank controls more precise when trying to land on a tiny platform after a jump – or when smashing a box from above and quickly moving to the next one before falling…
The platforming gameplay – running and jumping throughout each level – is still a lot of fun almost three decades later, although there is a lack of feedback when swiping enemies with Croc’s tail that makes combat less enjoyable than it should be. This extends to the boss fights, too, which are quite clever – but the final, killer blow often clips right through the enemy. The accompanying trophy pops, and you realise you’ve won, but it’s a slightly hollow victory. Adding rumble to this mechanic would have made a world of difference.
Thankfully, combat isn’t the focus, and it can often be avoided anyway. Croc is about exploration and bright levels full of personality and a wonderful soundtrack, and all of this has been translated beautifully to the HD era. The folks at Argonaut Games obviously love Croc, and the included Crocipedia goes the extra mile to make this remaster a true celebration for fans both old and new. It’s crammed with video interviews, concept art, music and a variety of surprises that is nothing short of delightful. Other developers, please take note: this is how bonus content should be included.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is an old-school classic that is still a lot of fun to play in 2025, especially with improved graphics and controls. You can switch between the old graphics and the new with the click of a button (similar to other recent remasters, such as Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged and Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered), and it always feels a little bit magical. There are even ‘Retro Display’ VGA and CRT filters that look pretty cool!
If there’s one drawback, it’s that the HD textures ironically lose a bit of texture: the grainy-sand floors and walls of the original become smoother in the desert levels, for example. It’s a minor complaint, but it’s worth mentioning. What was once a triple-A release in the ’90s is now an indie endeavour, so expectations need to be adjusted accordingly. This isn’t a remake: beneath all the modern polish to make it look nice on modern televisions and monitors, it’s still the same game you played after school as a kid.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is easy to recommend. It’s a charming throwback to a time when games were simpler, with a focus on personality and fun, and it remains highly playable. As video game remasters go, it’s up there with the best, and the included Crocipedia is a genuinely interesting history lesson that is quite possibly worth the price of admission alone. It’s starting to show its age now, but that’s all part of the charm. Argonaut Games, if you’re reading this: Croc 2 next, please!
8 OUT OF 10
Martin Mulrooney
Guest/Previous
Alternative Magazine Online 