Croc (GBC)

The green little crocodile Croc was, at the end of the nineties, Argonaut's hope for a mascot that could rival Mario and Crash — and even though he never became a first-rate star, his pocket Croc on the Game Boy Color is a lovely reminder of that era. Studio Argonaut, which was also behind the technical side of the legendary Star Fox, took its original 3D platformer hit here and cleverly retold it in a classic 2D form suited to the small screen.

The player guides the adorable crocodile through colorful worlds full of jumping, collecting gems, and freeing furry creatures called Gobbos. The level design bets on classic platforming virtues — precise jumps, searching for hidden nooks, and simple but fun combat mechanics including Croc's characteristic tail whip. The graphics use the GBC's color capabilities to create a pleasantly cheerful visual that holds together even on the small display.

For collectors and fans of retro platformers, Croc on the GBC is a pleasant piece for the collection — no revolution, but an honest, accessible jumper with a charm of its own that's a good way to unwind. It recalls a time when every company had its cute animal hero and competed for the attention of young players.