Julio Neves
After months of anticipation and excitement, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, the beloved PS1 classic, is officially getting pushed back into 2025. Originally slated for release sometime in 2024, the remaster—confirmed for PS5 and PS4—will now miss its previously teased launch window.
In a statement released by Argonaut Games, the developers shared the tough decision to delay the game into early 2025. While the news might sting for those eager to relive their nostalgic adventures, the studio firmly believes the extra time will help refine the remaster to deliver the quality fans deserve.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the statement reads. “We believe that a little more time is needed to add the final touches to ensure the game meets the high standards that we aspire to and which you deserve.”
The message continued with a heartfelt acknowledgment of how long fans have been waiting:
“We understand that after 27 years of waiting, this news might be a little disappointing, especially with the festive season coming soon. […] We appreciate your patience and support as we work to bring Croc back in the best possible way.”
— Argonaut Games (@ArgonautGames_) December 6, 2024
Why the Delay Isn’t All Bad News
To put it plainly, delays are rarely what gamers want to hear, especially when nostalgia is involved. For many, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos holds a special place in their childhood memories. First released in 1997 for the PlayStation 1, the platformer introduced players to Croc, a charming little crocodile on a mission to rescue the adorable Gobbos from the evil Baron Dante. Its whimsical visuals, charming soundtrack, and memorable gameplay made it an instant favorite in the late ’90s.
Remasters, however, are tricky. With heightened expectations and sharper comparisons to modern platformers, it’s easy for studios to stumble. A half-baked product with glitches, underwhelming visuals, or clunky controls could tarnish the game’s legacy instead of honoring it. Argonaut’s choice to delay signals a commitment to quality over speed—a decision that, as history shows, often pays off in the end.
In recent years, remasters and remakes like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited Trilogy set the bar high, modernizing retro titles without losing their original charm. For Croc to stand alongside those success stories, Argonaut Games needs the time to make every jump, Gobbo, and camera angle feel just right.
The Nostalgic Impact of Croc
For those who didn’t grow up with it, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos might seem like just another platformer. But in the late ’90s, it was much more than that. The game was one of the earliest attempts to bring 3D platforming to consoles, competing with Super Mario 64 and paving the way for countless other titles.
The story was simple but lovable. You controlled Croc, a crocodile raised by the Gobbos, a peaceful race of furry creatures. When the villainous Baron Dante kidnaps the Gobbos, Croc sets out on a heroic quest across islands filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies.
The gameplay leaned heavily on exploration, platforming challenges, and quirky enemies, while the visuals were bursting with colorful charm. Croc’s waddling walk, cute sound effects, and big-hearted theme made it hard not to fall in love with the game.
Despite its success, Croc often flew under the radar compared to bigger platforming franchises. The remaster now has the chance to reintroduce Croc to a modern audience and remind everyone why this game became such a cult classic.
What to Expect from the Croc Remaster
While Argonaut Games hasn’t revealed all the specifics, we can assume the remaster will include the following upgrades:
- Enhanced Graphics: Higher resolution textures, improved lighting, and reimagined character models to bring Croc and the Gobbos into the modern age.
- Smoother Gameplay: Modernized controls, refined camera mechanics, and bug fixes to eliminate the frustrations of the PS1-era version.
- Updated Audio: A polished soundtrack and reworked sound effects to stay true to the original while enhancing the experience.
- New Content?: While not confirmed, many fans are hoping for additional levels, challenges, or Easter eggs to reward players for diving back into Croc’s world.
If Argonaut delivers on these promises, the wait will likely feel well worth it.
Why Delays Are Better Than Disappointment
It’s worth remembering that some of gaming’s greatest successes were delayed to ensure quality. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Cyberpunk 2077 (after patch fixes), and The Last of Us Part II experienced delays but ultimately earned praise for their polished, immersive gameplay.
The alternative—rushing a release—can often lead to broken mechanics, technical issues, and disappointment. Just ask fans of games like Battlefield 2042 or No Man’s Sky at launch, both of which suffered due to rushed development timelines.
In short: we’ve waited 27 years for a Croc remaster. Another few months won’t hurt—especially if it means the Gobbos are rescued in style.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For now, all eyes are on Argonaut Games as they polish Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer eager to discover what made this quirky platformer so special, the remaster has the potential to be something truly memorable.
Patience isn’t always easy—but when it comes to beloved classics, getting things right is far more important than getting them fast. Here’s to 2025, Croc fans!
In the meantime, keep those Gobbos safe and let us know: Were you planning to play the Croc remaster this year? How do you feel about the delay? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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