Gobliiins Collection Review: A Must-Play Museum Piece

The Gobliiins Collection is a masterclass in how to handle a legacy series. For those of us who grew up with the unconventional puzzles and Jim Henson-inspired aesthetic of these graphic adventures, this multi-platform release is a treat. It manages to preserve the quirks of the originals while providing the modern conveniences necessary for a 2026 audience.

A Unique Approach to Puzzle Solving

The series remains defined by its multi-character control scheme. Rather than relying on a complex verb-menu at the bottom of the screen, you control characters with specific abilities. Oups handles dialogue and items, Asgard manages the heavy lifting, and the unpredictable Ignatius utilizes magic. This mechanic avoids the frustration typical of early point-and-click games, turning puzzle-solving into a collaborative effort where you must switch characters to find the right solution.

From Brown and Static to Modern 3D

The consistency of the collection is impressive, though the games show their age differently. Gobliiins 1 is the creakiest of the lot, with static, brown-hued art and occasionally illogical puzzle solutions. Gobliins 2 remains the highlight for many, featuring fantastic world-building and the chaotic dynamic between Fungus and Winkle. Gobliiins 3 looks vibrant, feeling like a living cartoon.

The transition to 3D in Gobliiins 4 is the collection's weakest point. The early chapters suffer from unintelligible, cluttered environments that lack the charm of the 2D entries. However, the game improves as you progress. Finally, 2023’s Gobliiins 5 serves as a brilliant capstone, perfectly balancing the series' classic charm with modern accessibility.

Preservation Done Right

Red Art has treated this series with immense respect. Players can choose between floppy or CD formats, soundtracks are preserved in a jukebox, and the inclusion of six mini-documentaries featuring creator Pierre Gilhodes provides invaluable insight into the creative process. While the user interface for menus and inventories isn't unified across the five titles, making the transition between games slightly awkward, it is a minor grievance in an otherwise feature-complete package.