Croc: Legend of the Gobbos

Game review

Released in 1999 for Windows, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is an engaging platformer that tells the heartwarming tale of Croc, a crocodile raised by the small, furry creatures known as Gobbos. The peace of their island home is shattered when the evil Baron Dante and his minions launch an attack, capturing most of the Gobbos. It falls upon Croc, who has grown three times the size of his adoptive family, to embark on a heroic quest to rescue them and restore peace to the island.

The game is structured around Croc's journey across several uniquely themed islands, each presenting its distinct environment, ranging from lush forests and snowy landscapes to arid deserts and imposing castles. This diversity in settings keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, as players navigate Croc through various challenges and obstacles in his quest to save the Gobbos.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos features a variety of gameplay mechanics that add depth and variety to the platforming experience. Players collect crystals throughout the levels that act as health points for Croc, rescue Gobbos imprisoned by Baron Dante, and confront numerous enemies and formidable bosses. Croc's primary attack involves using his tail to strike enemies, but he also possesses other abilities, such as a ground-pound attack that can break crates and, in certain levels, the ability to swim, which introduces new gameplay dynamics.

A key aspect of the game is its exploration and collection elements. Besides the main objective of rescuing Gobbos, players are encouraged to discover secret stages and a hidden island, which can only be unlocked by saving all Gobbos in the game and collecting all jigsaw pieces in the secret stages. This encourages thorough exploration and adds an additional layer of challenge for completionists.

The charm of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos lies not only in its gameplay but also in its presentation. The game features colorful, vibrant graphics that bring its whimsical world to life, accompanied by a memorable soundtrack that complements the various environments Croc explores. The character design, particularly the adorable Gobbos and the titular Croc, adds a significant appeal to the game, endearing players to its cast of characters.