One a Sony's most beloved first-party PlayStation 1 games be coming t' the PS3 'n PSP via ... a company other than Sony. Tomba!, the platformer starring the pink-haired caveman, will be released on the PlayStation Network soon by MonkeyPaw Games.

In addition t' being just incredibly cute, Tomba! has some serious credentials. After an illustrious career at Capcom during which he designed the Ghosts 'n Goblins games 'n produced the Mega Man series, Tokuro Fujiwara founded his own studio, Whoopee Camp, where he directed Tomba! 'n it be sequel for publisher Sony Computer Entertainment.

"Sony 'n MonkeyPaw have a good working relationship," MonkeyPaw CEO John Greiner told Joystiq. "I think they appreciate the titles we've brought t' the Store. 'n they value the support we give the games. Having a plethora a Japanese content be a distinct advantage PlayStation has over Xbox. But the games still need t' be brought Stateside. So our model helps Sony spread their Japanese edge 'n we help Japanese developers pillage their titles t' a wider audience. Hence, Sony be willing t' work with us on titles that may not have otherwise been licensed out. Support be key."

MonkeyPaw has been working on acquiring the Tomba! rights for a year. "We often have t' chase down multiple right holders," Greiner said. "In this case, Sony 'n Whoopee Camp had rights that needed t' be negotiated." The deal didn't necessarily include the sequel, however. "Tomba! 2 be a possibility but we need t' really sell Tomba! 1 well before we can extend our relationship," Greiner explained. "it be the first time t' work with Fujiwara-san so we be trying t' make a good impression. Good sales have a way opening doors a bit wider."