The original Tombi! and its sequel Tombi! 2: The Evil Swine Return hold a special place in platforming history—those rare late-90s PlayStation games that combined quirky humor, heartfelt charm, and inventive gameplay with a style that felt unmistakably their own. Now, with Tombi! 2: The Evil Swine Return – Special Edition, fans finally get a definitive modern re-release of one of the most creative platform-adventure titles of its time.
This edition does more than just preserve a cult classic—it lets a new generation understand why so many players have spent decades praising a pink-haired jungle boy and his war against malicious pig sorcerers.
A Heartfelt, Absurd, and Surprisingly Ambitious Adventure
Tombi! 2 continues the weird, wonderful story of Tombi as he embarks on a journey to rescue his childhood friend Tabby, who has been captured by the Evil Swine—magical pigs who have wrapped entire regions of the world in cursed, cartoonish enchantments.
As bizarre as that setup sounds, the charm of the Tombi series lies in its tonal range. It’s silly on the surface—pig wizards, over-the-top villagers, chaotic side quests—but the worldbuilding is surprisingly deep. Each cursed region feels handcrafted, with imaginative problems to solve, emotional character moments, and an infectious sense of adventure.
The Special Edition does a brilliant job preserving this tone while smoothing out some rougher edges from the original release.
Gameplay: Platforming Meets Quest-Driven Exploration
While Tombi! 2 is remembered as a platformer, it’s something far more unusual: a hybrid side-scrolling 2.5D adventure game filled with collectible items, puzzle scenarios, character-driven quests, and environmental transformations.
A World Built on Hundreds of Quests
Every region is packed with objectives ranging from heroic to ridiculous, including:
- retrieving stolen items
- helping confused villagers
- solving logical puzzles
- discovering new routes
- curing cursed areas
- fighting off monstrous pigs
The sheer variety keeps the pace exhilarating. One minute you’re helping a ghost bake cookies; the next you’re leaping between mine carts or sneaking through a pig-patrolled factory.
Movement and Combat Are Uniquely Tombi
Tombi’s signature mechanics return in full force:
- jump-grab attacks on enemies
- sling-shot style propulsion using enemies as launch points
- tool-based progression including weapons, suits, and gadgets
- costumes that unlock new moves (like the squirrel suit’s gliding ability)
Even today, the grab-and-toss combat feels distinct—dynamic, fast, and oddly tactile.
Exploration Rewarded Through Backtracking
Many quests require abilities acquired later in the game, encouraging revisits to earlier zones. In lesser titles this would feel tedious, but the Special Edition improves navigation and clarity, making the loop satisfying rather than confusing.
The Evil Swine Battles: A Recurring Highlight
The boss fights against the Evil Swine remain among the most memorable parts of the game. Each boss is a physical puzzle––a fight where the environment matters as much as Tombi’s moveset.
The Special Edition tightens controls and camera angles, making these arenas more readable and enjoyable than ever.
Visuals: A Beautiful Restoration of a PlayStation Oddity
Tombi! 2 was originally one of the more visually striking games on PS1, using 3D environments with expressive 2D-inspired character designs. The Special Edition enhances:
- resolution clarity
- colour vibrancy
- character outlines
- environmental textures
- frame pacing
Importantly, it does not rewrite the original art style. Instead, it sharpens it to its ideal state: a vibrant, toybox world full of personality.
Character animations remain lively, exaggerated, and adorable. Enemies bounce, wobble, and emote with cartoon flair. Tombi himself remains one of the most expressive protagonists of the PS1 era.
Updated Features: Modern Comforts Without Breaking the Experience
The Special Edition includes a range of quality-of-life features designed to help players enjoy the adventure without frustration:
- save states
- rewind functionality
- enhanced camera options
- customisable controls
- improved quest log tracking
- optional hints for obscure quests
These additions significantly improve accessibility. The original game’s quest tracking was notoriously cryptic; the new system keeps the challenge without the confusion.
Sound and Music: Nostalgia and Whimsy Restored
The soundtrack remains as whimsical and upbeat as ever—full of playful melodies, tribal drumming, and goofy instrument choices that perfectly match the game’s personality.
The Special Edition offers cleaned-up audio without removing the retro feel. Voice lines, while still campy and compressed, are presented authentically to preserve tone.
Where the Special Edition Shows Its Age
Tombi! 2’s core design is as charming as ever, but certain elements feel dated, even with improvements:
Occasional Quest Vagueness
Some tasks still rely on trial and error or obscure hints, even with the improved quest log.
Platforming Precision
Tombi’s jump physics, while iconic, remain floaty compared to modern standards.
Camera Angles in 2.5D Areas
Certain transitions still cause momentary disorientation.
Backtracking
While less cumbersome than before, it can still slow pacing for players unused to Metroidvania-style revisits.
These shortcomings don’t undermine the experience, but they do remind you that this is a lovingly restored PS1 game—not a completely modernised remake.
Why Tombi! 2 Still Matters
The Tombi! series represents something rare: a fearless, imaginative approach to platforming that refused to follow trends. It blended genres before that became commonplace, valued personality over polish, and embraced creativity in every frame.
The Special Edition proves that this spirit still resonates. The game holds up because it was always bold, colorful, weird, and joyful.
This re-release isn’t just for nostalgia enthusiasts—it’s for anyone who wants a platform-adventure experience unlike anything else on the market.
Verdict: A Brilliant Restoration of a Cult Classic
Tombi! 2: The Evil Swine Return – Special Edition is an excellent revival of one of the PlayStation’s most inventive and charming titles. It enhances accessibility without compromising originality, updates visuals without homogenising art direction, and reminds players why the series still inspires so much affection.
For fans, this is the definitive way to revisit a beloved classic.
For newcomers, it’s a doorway into one of gaming’s most imaginative adventures.
