Summary
At Limited Run’s 2024 edition of LRG3, game developer Tokuro Fujiwara confirmed that a remaster ofTomba 2is in development, and will be released in 2025. Fujiwara also stated that the upcoming remaster will be made with help fromLimited Run Games, and will use the Carbon Engine to bring the PS1 classic to modern systems via emulation.
The news came nearly a year afterthe firstTombagame was confirmed to return. Originally released in 1997,Tomba, also calledTombiin Europe, is a 2D platformer developed by Fujiwara’s independent studio, Whoopee Camp. InTomba, players assumed the mantle of the titular, pink-haired protagonist and fought against a horde of Evil Pigs that stole his late grandfather’s golden bracelet. A sequel, 1999’sTomba 2: The Evil Swine Return, included 3D graphics but retained similar gameplay mechanics.TombaandTomba 2remained PlayStation exclusives for decades but were re-released in the PS3’s “PSOne Classics” catalog during the console’s lifespan.
ThoughTomba Special Editionwill launch on August 1, Fujiwara confirmed that the sequel would receive a similar treatment. During the 2024 broadcast of LRG3, Fujiwara shared a message with fans of theTombagames. Fujiwara said that Whoopee Camp remained hard at work to releaseTomba Special Editionin August. Fujiwara subsequently confirmed thatTomba 2: The Evil Swine Returnwould get a remaster in 2025, but did not state any additional details. Fujiwara closed the message by sharing his hope that players would enjoy bothTombaremasters. Fujiwara’s message was followed by the original opening trailer forTomba 2, which was upscaled from the PS1 version.
Tomba 2 Remaster Is Coming in 2025
The trailer showed Tomba and his simian friend, Charles, fighting off some Evil Pigs. The trailer ends with a letter addressed to Tomba arriving from the sky, thus kicking off the story ofTomba 2. The letter stated that Tomba’s childhood friend, a girl named Tabby, had gone missing. Assuming that the Evil Pigs kidnapped Tabby, Tomba crosses the seas to rescue her from his porcine foes. LikeTomba Special Edition, the remaster ofTomba 2will utilize Limited Run’s Carbon Engine, which has been used for otherPS1-era remasters such as theGextrilogy.
WhileTomba Special Editionwill include some quality-of-life changes such as save states, bonus artwork, and a remastered soundtrack, it is unknown what enhancements will be included in theTomba 2remaster. Only time will tell whatbonuses Limited Run will offerto longtimeTombafans.
