The PS1 generation ofretro3D platformers is a delight, with many heroes like Crash, Spyro and Rayman making their way into the mainstream. One character that’s also on that list is Croc, a mascot from Argonaut Games that spun off from a Yoshi platformer pitch to Nintendo.Croc Legend of the Gobbosis worth bringing back as it has stellar 3D platforming, but has hang-ups due to its age.
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ThisCroc Legend of the Gobbosremaster brings its classic, sometimes nightmare-worthy, visuals back to modern platforms, but has a slick layer of paint to make it shine. Most of the levels will look dated with basic textures on the walls, but there’s a bright sense of color from each stage. The lava has a gorgeous red and the character models themselves, especially Croc’s, look fantastic. Those big, blank eyes, however, will haunt many nightmares.
A Decent Remaster, but Lacking Modern Features
As previously mentioned, this Croc remaster does a decent job of bringing its older visuals back for modern audiences. The textures on the walls and each object are much sharper in 4K, making them stand out. Some of the liquids that appear below Croc, however, look odd. you may see the lines in between the textures, really taking you out of the experience.
If you’re not a fan of the remastered visuals or want to see what it looked like back in the ’90s on the PS1, you can revert the graphics straight away in the menu. You can even change the models to Remastered and have the original textures (or vice versa) if you’d like. There are also retro filters available, including CRT and VGA, but they look ghastly on an HDTV. There’s a lighting system added to the game as well, which enhances the shadows of this old-school title.
Some of the enemies also have simple designs. They can be giant blobs of a particular color with big eyes on top and it would have been great to see an overhaul on these creatures. The remastered settings in the graphics options, however, are decent enough. What the game is lacking, on the other hand, are save states and rewind functionality. With the levels being relatively long (and sometimes repetitive in multiple playthroughs), it would have been great to go back to a save state or rewind. Croc only has three lives by default when you restart a stage, which isn’t enough, especially for newcomers of the genre.
Improved Gameplay Across the Board
The controls have significantly improved. you may now use the right analogue stick to turn the camera and the left analogue stick now gives greater control over the reptile. The movement doesn’t feel so stiff in this 2025 edition. If you want to go back to the old school controls, however, you can simply use the D-Pad and buttons. The swimming controls have also been improved, using the trigger buttons to go up and down while swimming.
Unfortunately, the jumping doesn’t feel as stellar as modern platformers, even this remaster’s contemporaries, like theCrash Bandicoot N’Sane TrilogyandSpyro Reignited Trilogy. You’ll miss some jumps you think you nailed and Croc has a hard time clinging onto edges that you think he should manage. The level design doesn’t particularly help matters, especially in the third world and parts of the fourth, as the platforms become ridiculously small. Once again, a rewind feature would have been lovely to have to negate these issues.
Speaking of the level design,Croc Legend of the Gobboshas a crazy difficulty spike mid-game. During the third world, you’ll find yourself dying many times over tough jumps and difficult platforming segments. There are moments like the swinging spikes, tiny circular platforms and flying enemies that get on your nerves.
Most of the time, however, this platforming is a blast as you’re quickly jumping past obstacles, figuring out simple puzzles and obtaining all the collectibles. There are genuinely-engaging mechanics to find. One of the last levels, for example, Panic at Platform Pete’s Lair, constantly rotates each of the platforms as Pete strikes a switch with his hammer. There is one particular section that’s frustrating, but overall, this level is challenging in all the right ways. Also, the butt stomp will always be satisfying.
Despite the stellar controls and decent level design in many parts ofCroc Legend of the Gobbos,the bosses are some of the worst moments of this retro platformer. The timing of when you should attack these foes feel finicky and the bosses' aggressive moves are simple to counter. They feel tacked on. The cutscenes that introduce them and conclude each battle also feel underwhelming and awkward.
Speaking of the level design,Croc Legend of the Gobboshas a crazy difficulty spike mid-game.
The Extras
Another element ofCroc Legend of the Gobbosthat feels awkward is the music. Most of the time, the soundtrack by Justin Scharvona is delightful. You can’t help but smile at the main theme. As you enter each room, however, the music abruptly changes. It feels different from games likeSuper Mario 64andBanjo-Kazooie,which both have world themes that stand on their own two feet. The music hasn’t been re-arranged like other remasters either, so don’t expect an orchestral cover of “Into the Forest” or “Across the Desert.” Thankfully, the original compositions are strong enough to carry you and Croc through this 3D platforming adventure.
Thankfully, you can listen to the entire soundtrack in the comprehensive Crocipedia. This is a treat for fans of the original game as it includes interviews, the work-in-progress soundtrack and concept art. There are even remaster remixes from various cover artists like The Living Tombstone and Nocturnalplant. The main attraction of the Crocipedia, arguably, are the interviews. These videos are lengthy chats with the original developers and producers of the original PS1 game, in addition to the developers of the remaster and members of the media.
One particular interview with Jez San and John Edelson together is fascinating as they talk about Argonaut Games' history with Nintendo and how it originally pitched a Yoshi 3D platformer to the company after its work on Star Fox. That pitch ultimately turned intoCroc Legend of the Gobbos.
Closing Comments:
Croc Legend of the Gobbosis a fun little platformer that was great during the PS1 era, but doesn’t hold up to platformers to this day likeAstro Bot.The levels vary and keep surprising you with their mechanics, but the environments themselves are basic and feel repetitive. There’s also a steep difficulty curve in the middle of the game that hits you like a freight train and causes you to retry the levels over and over again. The lack of save states and a rewind feature would have resolved some of the quirks. Argonaut Games has done an admirable job of updating the graphics with remastered models and improved textures (for the most part), and it’s a great to have the option to switch to the retro look if so desired. Despite annoying levels here and there,Croc Legend of the Gobbosis a 3D platformer worth revisiting.
Croc Legend of the Gobbos
Version reviewed: PlayStation 5
Croc’s back and he’s still got the moves!Croc Legend of the Gobbos is the heartwarming journey of an endearing, humble little crocodile equipped with only his iconic backpack and a wiggly butt as he platforms his way across a series of unique worlds by running, jumping, climbing, swimming and tail spinning on his quest to rescue his adopted family of Gobbos from the grasp of the evil sorcerer Baron Dante and his impish Dantini hordes.With its broad appeal and groundbreaking creativity, the original game quickly became a multi-million selling platforming classic, and while the Croc Legend of the Gobbos remaster delivers an authentic gameplay experience that transports players back to the golden age of gaming, it also introduces a roster of modern updates including enhanced HD graphics, modern control mechanics with an updated camera, and retro video modes to recreate the gaming experience that charmed us in the 1990s.Dive into a beautifully recreated world filled with vibrant colors, captivating landscapes, and playful challenges which will ignite your imagination. The Croc Legend of the Gobbos remaster offers an authentic blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay, ensuring a gaming experience that pays homage to the original while inviting a new generation to discover its timeless magic.The game features 45 levels packed with enemies and bosses, spread across 5 different worlds including volcanoes, ice glaciers, underwater caves and even more…
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