Developer: WayForward
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Platforming
Platforms: Microsoft Windows/Xbox 360/PlayStation 3/Nintendo Wii U
Released: August 13, 2013
Website: www.ducktalesremastered.com

Ratings

Design: 8.2/10
Gameplay: 8.3/10
Presentation: 9.1/10
Overall score: 8.7/10

We all remember DuckTales, the wonderful cartoon show starring Scrooge McDuck and his colourful cast of characters. The series was so popular that it gave birth to one of the most challenging and entertaining games on the Nintendo Entertainment System, beloved by all those who got a chance to play it. Disney realised how successful an entity DuckTales was, and set the plans in motion for an HD-remake of the old NES classic.

DuckTales Remastered is a glorious update to a game that takes you back in time to relive the nostalgia when Saturday mornings were all about cartoons and video games. As Scrooge, you’ll be navigating levels and bouncing on your cane while collecting treasures and defeating enemies.

Levels are structured in a non-linear fashion and provide plenty of room to explore for hidden items. Players can jump into any of the existing levels and play them in any order, clearing them all unlocks the final level of the game, similar to classic games such as the Mega Man series.

The inclusion of an expanded storyline chronicles Scrooge and the gang’s adventures across all the levels. The cast from the original TV show returns to lend their voice acting talents to the characters, and the results are quite impressive. From Scrooge McDuck and his bumbling pilot Launchpad, to the more sinister Magica De Spell and the Beagle Boys, every character is full of personality and charm, increasing the nostalgia factor already present in the game.

The only downside is the number of cut scenes, they’re way too frequent! It seems the developers want to remind the audience of how good the cartoon show was. The original game lacked cut scenes altogether, and they now seem out of place within the HD release since the original game didn’t have any. Levels are taken right out of the NES version, with entire sections recreated and the remixed tunes from the original game playing in the background.

You’ll have the option of unlocking various prizes such as gallery portraits and artwork with the treasure you collect ingame, though the extras are not as appealing and can be ignored most of the time. The HD visuals are stunning, with the game coming to life with the use of high-resolution sprites that look just as good, if not better, as the cartoon series.

Ducktales Remastered can be quite challenging for players that don’t know their way about it, and it might take some time to get used to the wonky hit-detection, even with Scrooge’s new simplified control options. In summary, this game is a joyous title that brings back lots of charm and magic from the original series, and the game gets a lot of things right even with its faltered steps. Consider adding this one to your library for sheer nostalgia.