Hold onto your monkey suits, platforming fanatics! The wait is officially over. This week, one of the most beloved and criminally overlooked PlayStation 1 sequels makes a triumphant, swine-stomping return.
Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition launches on December 15th, bringing the feral, pink-haired hero back to modern consoles (PS5, Switch, and PC via Steam) and delivering the definitive version fans have been dreaming of for over two decades.
If you played the original in 1999, you know this is more than just a re-release; it’s a redemption arc for a unique, genre-bending masterpiece. If you’ve never heard of it, get ready to discover a platforming adventure that mixes the best of side-scrolling action with deep RPG-style questing.
What’s the Story? More Pigs, Higher Stakes!
Tomba! 2 picks up shortly after the first game, but things quickly go south for our wild-child protagonist. The terrifying Evil Pigs—who curse the land and turn its inhabitants into pig-faced minions—are back. Worse yet, Tomba’s friend, Tabby, has been kidnapped!
The game plunges you into a vibrant, fully 3D world, where Tomba leaps, swings, and grapples across predetermined 2.5D pathways. Unlike typical platformers, Tomba! 2 is built around an Event System. You don’t just move from left to right; you unlock 137 massive missions and side-quests by interacting with characters or environmental elements. These events are crucial for progressing the story, granting new items, and lifting the five curses placed upon the world by the Evil Pigs.
The heart of the challenge is not just the jumping, but figuring out how to solve the bizarre problems the Evil Pigs have caused—like finding the materials for a freezing-cold character’s hot shower, or retrieving a lost item to open a new path.
The Special Edition Fixes Everything
The original Tomba! 2 was notoriously challenging, often due to unforgiving platforming and a save system that forced players to backtrack long distances. The developers, Limited Run Games and Whoopee Camp, heard the fans’ pleas, and the Special Edition transforms the experience:
- Save Anywhere: This is the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade. No more panicking about finding a save point! You can now save your progress at any time, making those tricky platforming sections far less frustrating.
- Rewind Feature: Missed a jump? Got blindsided by a flying pig? The new rewind function lets you instantly undo mistakes, preserving the challenge of the original while easing the pain of an accidental death.
- Museum Mode: Dive deep into the game’s history with a comprehensive Museum Mode. This feature is packed with rare original artwork, behind-the-scenes design documents, classic merchandise photos, and restored box art. It’s a nostalgic goldmine for fans.
- Restored Japanese Soundtrack: Purists rejoice! The game includes the option to enjoy the restored original Japanese soundtrack, a massive bonus for those who prefer the original audio mix.
Price and Availability
The Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition is available digitally starting December 15th.
- Digital Price: $19.99 USD
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. (Note: The physical copies, released earlier for pre-order, are often sold out but included premium items like soundtrack CDs and action figures.)
This re-release offers a fantastic opportunity to revisit an unforgettable classic or experience one of the most unique 3D platformers ever made. Don’t let the Evil Pigs win—grab your Boomerang and get ready to jump!
I am a passionate content writer from the Chandigarh–Panchkula region. I am curious and love exploring diverse topics. At DailyBarta.in, I primarily write about video games and sports, bringing readers fresh insights, engaging analysis, and easy-to-understand breakdowns of the latest trends.
