Tamarin, an upcoming 3D platformer, may remind players of classic 3D platformers from the Nintendo 64 era. This is the exact vibe the game’s developers, Chameleon Games, are going for, as they’re working in collaboration with former developers from Rare, the company behind classic series such as Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie.
In new interview with GameSpot, the development team and game director Omar Sawi discussed their experiences working with former Rare level designer Richard Vaucher and lead composer David Wise to bring Tamarin to life. Sawi wanted Tamarin to bring elements of different Rare games together, mixing “cute and charming” with the “other platformers and shooters [that] felt different.” Understanding the nostalgic value at play, Sawi wants the game to have a “wider appeal,” catering to players of all ages.
GameSpot also chatted with Wise and Vaucher, who both touched upon nostalgia and the connection between Tamarin and past Rare games.
Wise noted that Tamarin may remind older players of when they were younger and playing classic 3D platformers, but he hopes Tamarin can take those players further with its updated and expanded features. “There are only so many styles of game,” Wise added. “So it’s nice to jump in and jump out of different styles and different genres.”
Vaucher explained that the development team wanted to make Tamarin familiar for older fans, yet still “keep things interesting” for them. “We’re mixing different kinds of Rare games,” Vaucher said. “It’s adding a bit of variety to that familiar experience.” He’s excited to see players’ reactions as they explore the world of Tamarin and discover new things.
In Tamarin, players take on the role of the titular Tamarin, who is, in fact, a tamarin—a squirrel-sized monkey. Tamarin must defend his home from aggressive bug-like creatures trying to invade and conquer the land. Players will explore different areas and levels across Tamarin’s homeland, utilizing the same weapons used by the bug baddies to fight back against them.
Tamarin is set to release on PC and PlayStation 4 by the end of summer. It’s unclear if it will make its way to Xbox One or Nintendo Switch, as the game’s website notes the small development team is already preoccupied with the PC and PS4 versions. Eager players can preorder the game directly from their website.