Editing Tomba!

{{Short description|1997 video game}}
{{good article}}{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}{{Redirect-multi|2|Tomba|Tombi}}
{{confused|Tumba (disambiguation){{!}}Tumba}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tomba!
| image = Tomba! NTSC.png
| alt = 
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = Whoopee Camp
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Whoopee Camp|WW|[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]}}
| platforms = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| released = {{Video game release|JP|December 25, 1997|NA|July 16, 1998|EU|August 28, 1998}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[Platformer|platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| director = [[Tokuro Fujiwara]]
| producer = Tokuro Fujiwara
| designer = {{ubl|Tokuro Fujiwara|Toshihiko Uda|Masayoshi Kurokawa}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Toshihiko Uda|Masayoshi Kurokawa}}
| artist = Tokuro Fujiwara
| writer = {{ubl|Masayoshi Kurokawa|Akira Kinoshita}}
| composer = [[Harumi Fujita]]
}}
'''''Tomba!'''''{{efn|Known as '''''Tombi!''''' in Europe and {{nihongo|'''''Ore! Tomba'''''|オレっ!トンバ|Ore! Tonba|lit. "Me! Tomba"}} in Japan.}} is a 1997 [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[Platformer|platform]] [[video game]] developed and published by Whoopee Camp for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. It was released in Japan in 1997 and internationally by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] the following year. The game centers on the eponymous [[feral child]] as he attempts to recover his grandfather's bracelet from an evil race of [[anthropomorphic]] pigs.

Creator [[Tokuro Fujiwara]] developed ''Tomba!'' after leaving [[Capcom]] in 1995, founding Whoopee Camp as director, producer and lead designer. He chose the game's 2D [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] perspective for the format's straightforward nature, and created a [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] "[[Quest (video games)|event]]" system to differentiate the game from other platforming titles. 

''Tomba!'' was received positively by critics, with praise for its controls, visuals, and varied gameplay objectives. However, the game's audio received a more mixed reception. Despite the game's lackluster commercial performance, it was followed by a sequel in 1999, ''[[Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return]]''. ''Tomba!'' maintained a [[cult following]] years after its debut, and was re-released on the [[PlayStation Network]] in 2011. [[Limited Run Games]] released an enhanced version for the [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Windows]] in 2024, with a [[PlayStation 4]] version releasing in the future.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Tomba_1_Gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|An example of gameplay in ''Tomba!''. The title character attacks enemies such as the Koma Pig below him by leaping onto and biting into their backs before tossing them.]]
''Tomba!'' is an [[open world]] [[Metroidvania]] game with [[Role-playing video game|RPG elements]].<ref name="HG101">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/tomba/ |title=Tomba! |last=Engström |first=Erik |date=April 17, 2016 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718223523/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/tomba/ |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/04/29/15-playstation-metroidvania-games-that-you-need-to-play |title=15 PlayStation Metroidvania Games That You Need to Play |last=Treese |first=Tyler |date=April 29, 2015 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle |publisher=Evolve Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311001403/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/04/29/15-playstation-metroidvania-games-that-you-need-to-play |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> The player controls the titular character Tomba, who must explore his home island, defeat the evil Koma Pigs and recover his grandfather's golden bracelet.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|p=4}} Most of the game takes place in a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling perspective]]. However, Tomba can occasionally climb over walls to move between the foreground and background as separate areas. Some areas allow the player to explore them in an [[Isometric projection|isometric view]].{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=14–15}} Along with the ability to jump, Tomba can attack enemy characters by leaping onto and biting into their back before tossing them in a straightforward trajectory.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=12–13}} Tomba can also attack enemies by obtaining various weapons, such as [[Flail (weapon)|flails]] and [[boomerang]]s.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=24–25}} Signposts scattered throughout the environment state how to use the game's controls and abilities,<ref name="GSpot1">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tomba-review/1900-2546092/ |title=Tomba! Review |last=Broady |first=John |date=August 12, 1998 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012161805/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/tomba/review.html |archive-date=October 12, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> while a select few can be used to save the player's progress.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=5–9}}

When Tomba interacts with a certain character or environmental element, an "[[Quest (video games)|event]]" may be initiated, in which Tomba is given a task to accomplish or an obstacle to overcome. Such events may consist of finding a lost item, rescuing a stranded character or clearing a blockade in the imminent path.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=22–23}} Upon completing an event, the player is rewarded with "Adventure Points", which can be used to access additional events and unlock specifically-marked chests. Multiple events can be undertaken at once and often do not require being cleared in any specific order. The game features an inventory system that displays the player's current collection of items and events.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=16–21}} The game includes a total of 130 events.<ref name="GamePro">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_109_August_1998/page/n105/mode/2up |title=Tomba! |author=Bro Buzz |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |issue=119 |date=August 1998 |page=104 |access-date=September 15, 2023  |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>

The player begins the game with a maximum of four "[[Health (game terminology)|vitality points]]" that are represented as a series of yellow bars on the upper-left corner of the screen. Tomba loses a vitality point if he is hit by an enemy, touches a sharp object, or falls into deep water. Vitality points can be restored by eating fruit. When all vitality points are depleted or if Tomba falls down a bottomless chasm, the player loses a [[Life (video games)|life]]. If all lives are lost, the game [[Game over|ends prematurely]].{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|pp=16–21}}

==Plot==
Years ago on an uncharted [[archipelago]], a group known as the Seven Evil Pigs appeared and used their magical powers to tarnish the land. Their underlings, the Koma Pigs, began terrorizing the populace with their mischievous pranks. Years later, a curious and energetic boy named Tomba diligently protects his grandfather's grave and wears a gold [[bracelet]] as an heirloom. One day, Tomba's bracelet is stolen following a confrontation with a group of Koma Pigs.{{sfn|Luisi and Usui|1998|p=3}} He pursues them to a nearby village, where he is directed to the 100-Year-Old Wise Man.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=[[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] |level=Village of All Beginnings |quote='''Villager:''' Well, if you need any info, go to the small hut on top of that hill up ahead. This crazy old geezer lives up there, but he should be able to help you out.}}</ref> The Wise Man tells the story of the Seven Evil Pigs' rise to power, and reveals that the Koma Pigs are stockpiling gold. He advises Tomba to find his bracelet by hunting the seven Evil Pigs hiding throughout the land.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=Village of All Beginnings |quote='''The 100-Year-Old Wise Man:''' This was once a beautiful, peaceful land... until 7 Evil Pigs came. They suddenly appeared and used their powers to change this land into an ugly world... For some reason, the Evil Pigs seem to be collecting gold. I bet your Grandpa's bracelet that was stolen by the Evil Pigs was made out of gold, too. The 7 Evil Pigs are hiding somewhere in this world. If you find them, I'm sure you'll be able to find your bracelet as well. Just remember, be very careful.}}</ref> He also describes the Evil Pig Bags that could reveal the Pigs' hiding places, and suggests learning more from the Dwarf Elder in the next village.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=Village of All Beginnings |quote='''The 100-Year-Old Wise Man:''' Ah yes... you'll also need the Evil Pig Bags in order to find the Evil Pigs. Without the Evil Pig Bags you won't be able to find their hiding places. Go ask the Dwarf Elder about the Evil Pig Bags. You'll find him past the forest above here. He should be able to tell you everything you need to know about the Evil Pig Bags.}}</ref> The Dwarf Elder gives Tomba a blue Pig Bag and tells him that the Bags can reveal the entrance to an Evil Pig's hideout if Tomba approaches it. However, he warns that the individual Evil Pigs do not hide in the same area where they have cast their spell.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=Dwarf Forest |quote='''Dwarf Elder:''' This is the Evil Pig Bag for the Pig that cast a spell on this village. Take it. The Bag will help you find the Evil Pigs. When you're near the Pig's hideout, the Bag will reveal the Evil Pig Gate, the entrance to his hideout. But remember, the Evil Pigs do not hide in the places where they have cast their evil spells.}}</ref> Tomba explores the continent and gathers the rest of the Pig Bags. In the midst of his travels, an older Wise Man informs Tomba that the gold being hoarded by the Seven Evil Pigs is the source of their power.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=Haunted Mansion |quote='''The 1,000-Year-Old Wise Man:''' The Evil Pigs use very powerful magic that can warp an entire area under their control. However, they need an enormous amount of gold to produce this kind of magic.}}</ref> After Tomba captures the Seven Evil Pigs and lifts their spells over the land, an eighth Evil Pig Bag manifests within his possession and reveals the lair of the Evil Pigs' creator and leader, the Real Evil Pig.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=The Strange Small Room |quote='''The Million-Year-Old Wise Man:''' What?! How could this be?! All seven Pigs have been sealed, and yet... Another Evil Pig Bag and another Evil Pig Gate! This can only mean... Listen carefully, now. I heard that there could be one more Evil Pig hiding somewhere, but until now, I thought it was just a rumor... This Pig has to be the one that controlled the other seven... the ultimate Evil Pig...}}</ref> After defeating the Real Evil Pig in his trove of gold, Tomba recovers his bracelet and leaves it resting upon his grandfather's grave.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 16, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=The Real Evil Pig}}</ref>

==Development==
''Tomba!'' was created by [[Tokuro Fujiwara]], who left [[Capcom]] in December 1995 after 13 years as an employee. Fujiwara's motivation stemmed from a desire to create new and original games, which he felt he was unable to do within Capcom. Upon exhausting his accumulated vacation days, Fujiwara resigned immediately following the release of ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]''.<ref name="ResEvil2">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/21/18187446/resident-evil-2-history-capcom-hideki-kamiya |title=How ''Resident Evil 2'' fell apart, then became one of Capcom's biggest hits |last=Aniel |first=Alex |date=January 21, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121173509/https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/21/18187446/resident-evil-2-history-capcom-hideki-kamiya |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref> Fujiwara soon established the independent development studio Whoopee Camp,<ref name="ResEvil2"/> and became the director, producer and lead designer of the studio's debut game ''Tomba!''.<ref name="credits">{{cite video game |title=Tomba! |developer=Whoopee Camp |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=July 22, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |level=Credits}}</ref>

Fujiwara chose to make a side-scrolling game as he believed this fundamental experience would excite players in a straightforward way. To distinguish ''Tomba!'' from other action games, Fujiwara designed a [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] event system, as well as Tomba's gradual growth in abilities and resources.<ref name="Dengeki">{{cite magazine |url=https://shmuplations.com/tomba/ |title=Tomba! – 1997 Developer Interview |magazine=[[Dengeki PlayStation]] |year=1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728221550/https://shmuplations.com/tomba/ |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2018}}</ref> ''Tomba!''{{'}}s score was composed by Fujiwara's longtime Capcom collaborator [[Harumi Fujita]], who eagerly approached Fujiwara for a position upon learning of Whoopee Camp's establishment.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://shmuplations.com/harumifujita/ |title=Harumi Fujita – 2011 Composer Interview |magazine=Shooter Gameside |year=2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714135545/https://shmuplations.com/harumifujita/ |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2021}}</ref> The game's Japanese version features the song "Paradise" by Tokyo Channel Q as its opening theme,<ref name="HG101"/> and "Que Serã Serã" by Fumitaka Fuchigami as the ending theme.<ref name="credits"/>

==Release==
''Tomba!'' was released in Japan on December 25, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps01144.html |title=オレっ!トンバ |language=ja |website=PlayStation Software Catalogue |publisher=[[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218061313/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps01144.html |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021}}</ref> Promotional plush figures of Tomba and a Koma Pig were distributed in limited quantities around the game's original release date.<ref name="Dengeki"/> The figures were also offered as prizes in a [[sweepstake]] run by ''[[Gamers' Republic]]'' in 1999.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/7/73/GamersRepublic_US_08.pdf |title=Do You Know Tomba? |magazine=Gamers' Republic |publisher=Millennium Publications |issue=8 |date=January 1999 |page=128 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222212601/https://retrocdn.net/images/7/73/GamersRepublic_US_08.pdf |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>

The international publishing rights for ''Tomba!'' were given to [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_39/page/n101/mode/2up |title=NG Alphas: Ore Tomba |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |issue=39 |date=March 1998 |page=99 |access-date=September 15, 2023  |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> ''Tomba!'' was released in North America on July 16, 1998 and in Europe on August 28, 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/%22Tomba!%22+Brings+Pink+Hair+and+Pigs+to+the+PlayStation+Game+Console%3b...-a020909214 |title=Tomba! Brings Pink Hair and Pigs to the PlayStation Game Console; Action Platform Video Game Provides Wacky, Creative Gameplay for Kids of All Ages. |last=Campana |first=Jannifer |date=July 16, 1998 |website=[[Business Wire]] |publisher=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511140548/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/%22Tomba!%22+Brings+Pink+Hair+and+Pigs+to+the+PlayStation+Game+Console%3b...-a020909214 |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Games Guide |magazine=Computer Trade Weekly |location=United Kingdom |issue=702 |date=August 24, 1998 |page=20}}</ref> The international release was improved, with shorter load times, more responsive controls, [[Gouraud shading]] on background elements, and other visual improvements.<ref name="IGN1">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/25/tomba |title=Tomba! |last=Nelson |first=Randy |date=August 24, 1998 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818054554/https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/25/tomba |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> The intro theme "Paradise" was retained for the American release, but with the vocals removed. The game is titled ''Tombi!'' in European territories; Erik Engström of ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]'' speculated that the change was motivated by the fact that "tomba" is an [[Italian language|Italian word]] meaning "[[grave]]". The opening theme for the European version is "No Sweat" by North & South, which was also used as the theme song of the [[No Sweat (TV series)|television series of the same name]].<ref name="HG101"/>

''Tomba!'' was re-released on the [[PlayStation Network]] in Japan on July 6, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0747npjj00566_000000000000000001.html |title=オレっ！トンバ |language=ja |website=PlayStation Software Catalogue |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |date=July 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728142627/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0747npjj00566_000000000000000001.html |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2021}}</ref> Distributor MonkeyPaw Games spent one year formulating an English-language distribution deal with Sony and Fujiwara.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2012/06/15/monkeypaw-president-john-greiner-discusses-acquiring-the-rights-to-re-release-tomba-import-games/ |title=MonkeyPaw President John Greiner Discusses Acquiring The Rights To Re-Release Tomba! & Import Games |last=Michetti |first=Nick |date=June 15, 2012 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle |publisher=Evolve Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617114759/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2012/06/15/monkeypaw-president-john-greiner-discusses-acquiring-the-rights-to-re-release-tomba-import-games/ |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=April 22, 2018}}</ref> The English-language version of ''Tomba!'' was re-released on the PlayStation Network in North America on June 19, 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2012/06/19/psone-classic-tomba-pounces-to-psn-today/ |title=PSone Classic Tomba! Pounces to PSN Today |last=Almeda |first=Ray |date=June 19, 2012 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329033354/https://blog.playstation.com/2012/06/19/psone-classic-tomba-pounces-to-psn-today/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> and in Europe on October 3, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/10/03/tomba-swings-onto-psn-today/ |title=Tomba! Swings Onto PSN Today! |last=Almeda |first=Ray |date=October 3, 2012 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606232002/https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/10/03/tomba-swings-onto-psn-today/ |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> The deal between MonkeyPaw Games, Sony and Fujiwara did not initially include the game's sequel, and the involved parties elected to wait until ''Tomba!''{{'}}s re-release showed satisfactory sales figures before arranging the sequel's re-release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-05-23-tomba-comes-to-playstation-network-as-a-psone-classic-this-summ.html |title=Tomba! comes to PlayStation Network as a PSOne Classic this summer |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=May 23, 2012 |website=[[Engadget]] ([[Joystiq]]) |publisher=[[Yahoo (2017–present)|Yahoo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727040159/https://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tomba-comes-to-playstation-network-as-a-psone-classic-this-summ/ |archive-date=July 27, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> In the month of its North American debut, ''Tomba!'' was the third best-selling [[List of downloadable PlayStation games (North America)|PSOne Classic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2012/07/11/june-2012-psn-top-sellers-magic-the-gathering-casts-a-powerful-spell/ |title=June 2012 PSN Top Sellers – Magic: The Gathering Casts a Powerful Spell |last=Haro |first=Morgan |date=July 11, 2012 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607012934/https://blog.playstation.com/2012/07/11/june-2012-psn-top-sellers-magic-the-gathering-casts-a-powerful-spell/ |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>

On July 12, 2023, [[Limited Run Games]] announced they would be working with Fujiwara to release an enhanced version of ''Tomba!'' on [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. The new version will run on Limited Run Games' Carbon Engine and feature a new soundtrack by Fujita.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/tomba-coming-to-ps5-ps4-switch-and-pc |title=Tomba! coming to PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=July 12, 2023 |website=Gematsu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712210835/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/tomba-coming-to-ps5-ps4-switch-and-pc |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> The soundtrack for the enhanced version is arranged from the original compositions Fujita created on the [[synthesizer]] as opposed to the tracks from the PlayStation version, which used [[sampled audio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/interview-capcom-legend-harumi-fujita-reflects-on-her-impressive-40-year-career-in-games |title=Capcom Legend Harumi Fujita Reflects On Her Impressive 40-Year Career In Games |last=Yarwood |first=Jack |website=Time Extension |publisher=[[Hookshot Media]] |date=November 9, 2024 |access-date=November 11, 2024}}</ref> The enhanced version, titled ''Tomba! Special Edition'', was released on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Steam on August 1, 2024, with a PlayStation 4 release to follow later.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/05/31/tomba-creator-tokuro-fujiwara-discusses-the-colorful-side-scrollers-playstation-heritage/ |title=Tomba creator Tokuro Fujiwara discusses the colorful side-scroller's PlayStation heritage |last=Alambeigi |first=Alena |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 84%<ref name="GR1">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199051-tomba/index.html |title=Tomba! for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209014811/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199051-tomba/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2019}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12189&tab=review |title=Tomba! - Review |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn |website=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114205810/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12189&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| CNG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Tomba/ |title=Tomba! |last=D'Aprile |first=Jason |date=September 25, 1998 |website=Gamecenter |publisher=[[CNET]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816210742/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Tomba/ |archive-date=August 16, 2000 |access-date=September 16, 2023}}</ref>
| Edge = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/Edge_UK_056.pdf |title=Ore Tomba [JP Import] |author=Edge staff |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |issue=56 |date=March 1998 |page=100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707225316/https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/Edge_UK_056.pdf |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.75/10<ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-108-july-1998_20210613/page/n143/mode/2up |title=Tomba! |last1=Ricciardi |first1=John |last2=Kujawa |first2=Kraig |last3=Smith |first3=Shawn |last4=Boyer |first4=Crispin |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |location=[[Lombard, Illinois|Lombard]] |issue=108 |date=July 1998 |page=140 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>{{efn|Two critics of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave the game each a score of 9/10, and two others gave it each a score of 8.5/10.}}
| Fam = 31/40<ref name="Fam">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16900&redirect=no |title=オレっ！トンバ |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719033017/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16900&redirect=no |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| GI = 8.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jul98&doc=tomba |title=Tomba! |last1=McNamara |first1=Andy |last2=Storm |first2=Jon |last3=Reiner |first3=Andrew |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[FuncoLand]] |issue=63 |date=July 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990912213619/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=psx&path=jul98&doc=tomba |archive-date=September 12, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| GameRev = B+<ref name="GameRev1">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34076-tomba-review |title=Tomba! |last=Cooke |first=Mark |date=August 1998 |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040219013503/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/sony/action/tomba.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot1"/>
| IGN = 8.7/10<ref name="IGN1"/>
| NGen = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="NGen">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_45/page/n137/mode/2up |title=Tomba |magazine=Next Generation |publisher=Imagine Media |issue=45 |date=September 1998 |page=136 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>
| OPM = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="OPM">{{cite magazine |title=Tomba! |last=Rybicki |first=Joe |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |volume=1 |issue=11 |date=August 1998 |page=86}}</ref>
| PG = (PSP) {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/tomba/tomba/ |title=Tomba! |last=Willington |first=Peter |date=July 9, 2012 |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media Ltd |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230915235042/https://www.pocketgamer.com/tomba/tomba/ |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>
| PSQ = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps1/tomba |title=Tomba! Review |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=December 3, 2014 |website=Push Square |publisher=[[Gamer Network|Hookshot Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702052447/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps1/tomba |archive-date=July 2, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2023}}</ref>
}}

''Tomba!'' received favorable reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[GameRankings]].<ref name="GR1"/> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of 31 out of 40.<ref name="Fam"/>

The events were praised for their variety, quantity, and non-linearity.<ref name="EGM"/><ref name="GamePro"/><ref name="IGN1"/><ref name="GameRev1"/><ref name="NGen"/><ref name="OPM"/> Mark Cooke of ''[[GameRevolution]]'' noted that ''Tomba!'' was the first platform game to grant such freedom, following attempts by [[Role-playing video game|RPG]]s such as ''[[The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall]]''.<ref name="GameRev1"/> However, John Ricciardi of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' and Joe Rybicki of ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' warned that the overlapping events may easily result in players getting sidetracked.<ref name="EGM"/><ref name="OPM"/> The game's side-scrolling segments were considered reminiscent of platform games from earlier generations, particularly Fujiwara's past titles ''[[Ghosts 'n Goblins (video game)|Ghosts 'n Goblins]]'' and ''[[Ghouls 'n Ghosts]]''.<ref name="GSpot1"/><ref name="IGN1"/><ref name="NGen"/> Cooke, however, felt that the lack of innovation made the gameplay "a little too tired".<ref name="GameRev1"/> Several reviewers praised the responsiveness of the controls.<ref name="GamePro"/><ref name="IGN1"/><ref name="PSM">{{cite magazine |title=Tomba! |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |issue=11 |date=July 1998 |page=33}}</ref> Rybicki cited the high amount of load times as a negative point,<ref name="OPM"/> and John Broady of ''[[GameSpot]]'' criticized the limited save system as a "chore", suggesting that a system that saves the game after each event would have been more logical.<ref name="GSpot1"/>

The game's visuals were lauded for their bright and colorful presentation,<ref name="GSpot1"/><ref name="GamePro"/><ref name="OPM"/> smooth character animation,<ref name="NGen"/><ref name="PSM"/> and combination of 2D character [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] and 3D [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygonal]] environments.<ref name="IGN1"/><ref name="EGM"/><ref name="GameRev1"/> Crispin Boyer of ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' compared the game's visuals to ''[[Klonoa: Door to Phantomile]]'', particularly in the "almost perfect marriage" of its disparate graphical elements.<ref name="EGM"/> Cooke described the hand-drawn cutscenes as endearing and humorous, and regarded the introduction to be the game's best feature.<ref name="GameRev1"/> All four reviewers for ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' appreciated the game's eccentric and lightly humorous tone,<ref name="EGM"/> as did Rybicki, who found the game refreshing after a glut of [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] three-dimensional [[third-person shooter]]s at [[E3|E3 1998]].<ref name="OPM"/> Erik Engström of ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' saw influences by various [[anime]] from the late 1970s and early 1980s; he compared the game's rural and fantastical setting and occasional scatological references to [[Akira Toriyama]]'s ''[[Dr. Slump]]'', and compared the Koma Pigs to the ''[[Yatterman]]'' character Odate Buta.<ref name="HG101"/>

Reactions to the audio were more mixed. Some were impressed by the soundtrack and considered it catchy, with Cooke declaring that the game "may set a new high water mark for platformers."<ref name="EGM"/><ref name="GameRev1"/><ref name="NGen"/><ref name="PSM"/> Others were more apathetic, with Bro Buzz of ''[[GamePro]]'' finding the sound effects "minimal to an extreme" and claiming that the music was "limited to one catchy but repetitive, goofy tune".{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the game 4/5 for graphics, 3/5 for sound, and two 4.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.}}<ref name="GSpot1"/><ref name="GamePro"/><ref name="IGN1"/>

{{clear}}

==Sequel==
{{main|Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return}}
Despite ''Tomba!''{{'}}s positive critical reception, its commercial performance proved lukewarm; the game did not sell enough copies to qualify for inclusion in Sony's [[Greatest Hits (PlayStation)|Greatest Hits]], although it sold well enough to justify a sequel. Whoopee Camp released ''[[Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return]]'' for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in 1999, and the game was also met with positive reviews. However, it sold less than its predecessor and Whoopee Camp disbanded after its release. ''Tomba!'' later garnered a [[cult following]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/14/5-more-video-game-industry-one-hit-wonders |title=5 More Video Game Industry One-Hit Wonders |last=Reilly |first=Luke |date=May 13, 2012 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517000320/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/14/5-more-video-game-industry-one-hit-wonders |archive-date=May 17, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/the-most-unappreciated-platformers-of-the-90s-1687497360 |title=The Most Unappreciated Platformers of the '90s |last=Bertoli |first=Ben |date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226093534/https://kotaku.com/the-most-unappreciated-platformers-of-the-90s-1687497360 |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2018}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |title=Tomba! Instruction Booklet |last1=Luisi |first1=Seth |last2=Usui |first2=Misako |id=SCUS-94236 |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |year=1998 |ref={{SfnRef|Luisi and Usui|1998}}}}

==External links==
* {{MobyGames|id=/9214/tomba/}}

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