Fans of the beloved 1990s platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos will have to wait a little longer to relive their childhood memories. Developer Argonaut Games has announced that the remaster of the PlayStation classic, initially slated for a December 2024 release, has been delayed to the first quarter of 2025. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, the remaster is set to launch across all major current-generation consoles and PC.
For those unfamiliar, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos was a standout title in the 1990s platforming genre. Originally released in 1997 for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and PC, the game followed the adventures of Croc, a charming crocodile on a mission to rescue the furry Gobbos from the clutches of the evil Baron Dante. It was often compared to titles like Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot, offering players a whimsical alternative in a similar structure, with platforming challenges and collectible-based gameplay.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Argonaut Games expressed their commitment to ensuring the highest quality for the remaster, citing quality assurance as the primary reason for the delay. The developer apologized to fans for missing the holiday release window but emphasized their dedication to delivering an experience that lives up to expectations. “While we understand the disappointment, we want to make sure Croc’s return is as polished and enjoyable as possible,” the statement read.
The delay comes as no surprise to many in the gaming community, as the industry has seen a trend of developers prioritizing quality over rushed timelines. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 have served as cautionary tales about the risks of releasing a title before it’s fully ready, and fans are generally more understanding of delays if they result in a better product.
While not as mainstream as Spyro or Crash, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos has a dedicated fanbase that cherishes its quirky charm. The game’s blend of puzzle-solving, platforming, and collectible hunting drew inspiration from contemporaries like Banjo-Kazooie and Tomb Raider. Croc’s movement mechanics, in particular, borrowed from Tomb Raider, adding a unique layer of challenge and appeal.
The remaster announcement surprised many, given Croc’s niche status in gaming history. However, the success of similar retro re-releases suggests there’s a market for revisiting underappreciated classics. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy and SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated are prime examples of how modern remasters can breathe new life into older franchises, often achieving strong sales and critical acclaim.
The delay of the Croc remaster underscores a broader trend in gaming: the revival of retro platformers. Over the past decade, fan-favorite titles from the 1990s and early 2000s have seen a resurgence in the form of remasters, remakes, and ports. This trend appeals to both nostalgic gamers and newcomers curious about the classics that defined an era.
