Toobin' (Game Boy Color)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 2.0 stars Mediocre
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 4.7 (2.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Frank Provo
• Reviewed on: 06/08/2000
• Released on: 05/18/2000
• Originally published on GameSpot: Toobin' (Game Boy Color) Review

Between illicit emulation and legitimate rereleases, retro gaming is a popular niche nowadays. As it pertains to Game Boy Color, games such as R-Type, Super Mario Bros., and Crystalis have made significant impressions years after their original debuts. Thanks to Midway's ownership of Atari's classics, you can notch one more retro release on the GBC's bedpost - the inner-tube racer Toobin'.

In the arcade version of Toobin', you paddled down various rivers competing against either a computer or human opponent for the glory of first place. There were separate buttons for controlling your tuber's left and right hands, and the game required excellent hand-eye coordination. The Game Boy Color release is similar, except the opponents are gone, and there's only one button to paddle with. Down an array of 27 unique rivers, you'll turn and wriggle your way around dangerous crabs, avoid shotgun-toting hillbillies, and evade anything that doesn't resemble a soda can, patches, or a beach ball. Soda cans are your weapons to throw at obstacles, while patches offer collision recovery, and beach balls provide limited invincibility. In and of itself, Toobin' is an interesting game that is a cross between a surfing game and a shooter.

Unfortunately, it's the juxtaposition of shooter-style gameplay and unvaried river-rafting that eventually yields boredom. One can only progress so far before avoiding repetitious obstacles and tossing soda becomes excruciating. Furthermore, since the controls are simplified, steering is more difficult than it should be, and, unlike the arcade game, you can't retrace your steps. If you miss a gate or get stuck, powering off the system is your only option. Hit detection is also suspect, as sometimes you can float over a dangerous object with no effect, or you'll snag on objects the raft obviously isn't touching. The removal of the game's competition factor also limits the inherent replay value.

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