Croc (series)
| Company type | Video game franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founder | Argonaut Software |
| Products | Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, Croc 2, Croc (Game Boy Color), Croc 2 (Game Boy Color), Croc Mobile: Jungle Rumble!, Croc Mobile: Pinball, Croc Mobile: Volcanic Panic! |
| Owner | Fox Interactive (original publisher) |
Croc is a video game franchise created by Argonaut Software and released by Fox Interactive. The series consists of two primary titles along with three games designed for mobile devices. Although a third main entry was planned, it was ultimately abandoned because of Argonaut's monetary challenges. Additionally, an animated television adaptation was proposed but never came to fruition. By January 2001, combined sales of the series had surpassed 2.4 million units globally across the PlayStation and Game Boy Color platforms.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos (1997)
Developed by Argonaut and published by Fox Interactive in 1997, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos was available on PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Microsoft Windows. In Japan, Mitsui MediaQuest handled its release under the title Croc! Pau Pau Island.
The narrative centers on Croc, a crocodile orphan nurtured by furry beings known as Gobbos. When the villainous Baron Dante kidnaps both the Gobbos and their ruler King Rufus, Croc embarks on a mission to rescue them and defeat the antagonist.
Initially, the game began as a 3D platformer prototype called Yoshi Racing, intended to feature Yoshi. Nintendo declined this concept due to their focus on developing Super Mario 64, but elements from this prototype influenced the final product.
Croc 2 (1999)
The sequel, Croc 2, developed by Argonaut and published by Fox Interactive for PlayStation in 1999 and for Windows in 2000, continues Croc’s adventures. Released in Japan by Koei under the name Croc Adventure, this installment follows Croc as he searches for his parents after discovering a message in a bottle. Throughout his journey, he confronts Baron Dante once more while attempting to save Professor Gobbo.
Croc (2000)
This Game Boy Color adaptation of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos was developed by Virtucraft and published by THQ. It reimagines the original game as a two-dimensional platformer.
Croc 2 (2001)
Developed by Natsume and published by THQ for Game Boy Color, this alternative sequel employs a top-down perspective combining elements of platforming, action-adventure gameplay, and puzzle-solving.
Croc Mobile: Jungle Rumble! (2005)
Released in October 2005 for mobile phones, this isometric platformer was both developed and published by Morpheme. It represents the inaugural title of the Croc Mobile series, focusing on Baron Dante’s resurgence and Croc’s efforts to thwart his plans.
Croc Mobile: Pinball (2006)
The second installment in the mobile series, also developed and published by Morpheme in 2006, is a classic pinball game featuring boards themed around Croc.
Croc Mobile: Volcanic Panic! (2006)
The final entry in the series, released in 2006 by Morpheme, is another isometric platformer. Its storyline involves Croc rescuing Princess Tara and wedding guests who have been abducted by Baron Dante during King Rufus’s wedding ceremony.
Cancelled projects
A third main game titled Croc 3 was planned to offer an online multiplayer experience on the original Xbox, where Croc would train other crocodiles for new quests. However, this project was discontinued due to financial issues faced by Argonaut.
Fox Interactive also had intentions to produce an animated television series based on the franchise, but this project never progressed beyond planning stages.
HD Remaster
On June 6, 2023, Jez San, the founder of Argonaut, announced the initial stages of developing an HD remaster for Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. Later, on August 28, 2024, Argonaut Games revealed its comeback along with plans to launch the remastered version across all modern consoles and PC on April 2, 2025. This updated edition features improved graphics, refined controls, and additional extras including concept artwork and interviews with the development team.