Summary
In the world of gaming nostalgia, few things spark as much fond sentimentality as classicDisney platform games. For those who cut their gaming teeth in the 80s and 90s, Disney platformers brought a bit of magic (and frustration) into their everyday lives.
This was a time of experimentation, pushing the envelope of what video games could be. While some have been remastered in recent years, our focus will be on the original releases that first captured the imagination of gamers worldwide.
10The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck
Magica De Spell is at it again!.She stole Scrooge McDuck’s Number One Dime and kidnapped Huey, Dewey, and Louie. It’s up toDonald Duckto track down Magica to save his nephews and rescue Scrooge’s lucky dime.
The Lucky Dime Caper in the UK offered a limited edition box set that bundled a t-shirt and a cassette tape with the game.
The platforming in Lucky Dime Caper is challenging, but not impossible. It requires practice and technique to master. The graphics were revolutionary for the time, pushing expectations for Disney platform games moving forward.
9Hercules Action Game
The clunkily titled Hercules Action Game follows the premise of the movie: Hercules is stripped of his godhood as a baby and now must prove himself to be a true hero to enter Mount Olympus.
Hercules is a transitional game between the 16-bit and 32-bit eras of gaming. It features mostly 2D side-scrolling platforming, but integrates some 3D mechanics, expanding the gaming arena into multiple dimensions. The game’s pixel art is fun, but the real graphical gems are its hand-drawn cutscenes.
8QuackShot Starring Donald Duck
If you crossed Indiana Jones with Donald Duck, you’d get QuackShot. Donald discovers a map in Scrooge’s library that leads the way to the treasure of King Garuzia, the ancient ruler of the Great Duck Kingdom. Donald and his nephews race across the world to reach the treasure before it is swiped by Big Bad Pete.
Each level has an overland section that connects to dungeons. The dungeons contain clues to solve subsequent puzzles, so you need to be attentive. The game combines side-scrolling mechanics and Donald’s gun, which can shoot plungers, gum, and popcorn for different effects.
7The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse
The Magical Quest begins with Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto playing catch in the park. Mickey is separated from his friends and falls into a magical world. He learns that Emperor Pete has captured Pluto, and now it’s up to Mickey to save the day.
The Magical Quest utilizes standard platformer controls with the added feature of different outfits for Mickey. Mickey can unlock up to four outfits throughout the game that give him different abilities. The gameplay combined with the game’s graphics are fantastic, though the unlimited ‘continues’ reduces the game’s tension.
6Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers
Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers draws inspiration from the television show of the same name. Up to two players take control of Chip and Dale to help a little girl find her missing cat. The stakes are raised when their friend, Gadget, is kidnapped, leading to a whirlwind adventure.
Chip n’ Dale’s cooperative mode makes it a great party game. The gameplay is endearing, and the mechanics are well-tuned. The graphics and soundtrack hearken back to the television show, creating a nostalgic experience.
The main downside to Chip n’ Dale is that there are no passwords, the old-school style of saving games. A game over means that you have to start from the beginning.
5Darkwing Duck
Darkwing Duck is called to action when a crime wave hits the city of St. Canard. The caped crusader pits his strength and wits against the evil F.O.W.L. organization as they release Darkwing Duck’s arch-enemies on the streets of the city.
In 2018, Aaron Sparrow of Headcannon (developer responsible for Sonic Mania) and James Silvani (Disney comic artist) approached CapCom about creating a Darkwing Duck sequel. The project was scrapped, but Headcannon posted a demo on their website. The demo has since been removed, but Let’s Play videosare still available on YouTube.
Darkwing Duck expertly utilizes classic platforming mechanics as you fight your way through enemies with a gas gun. Throughout the game, you find different types of gas canisters that give the gun different abilities.
The graphics, combined with the soundtrack are engaging, enhancing world building despite the limited technology. Darkwing Duck is a delightful game that is an excellent example of early 90s platforming.
4Disney’s Aladdin
Disney’s Aladdinclosely follows the premise of the titular movie: Aladdin and Abu platform across Agrabah to defeat the evil Jafar and win the heart of Princess Jasmine.
In the Sega Genesis version of the game, Aladdin wields a scimitar and starts the game with extra lives.
The game incorporates beautiful graphics, animations, and well-implemented game mechanics. The platforming controls are smooth and precise. The platform challenges are a bit easier than comparable Capcom platform games, making Aladdin a good entry to platforming for new players.
3The Lion King
The Lion Kingretells the story of its original movie, with Simba travelling across the African savannah on his journey to become the rightful king of Pride Rock.
The game mechanics for The Lion King are similar to Aladdin, with fine-tuned controls, beautiful graphics, and a well-scored soundtrack. Simba’s controls are more reactive and the character is faster, so you’re able to be more precise while platforming.The puzzles are far more difficult, but not impossible. This game appeals to players that enjoy grinding and mastering their platforming skills.
2DuckTales
InDuckTales, Scrooge McDuck’sthirst for wealthtakes him across the world and into space to track down five priceless treasures. But Scrooge can’t undertake this mission alone; Launchpad McQuack and his nephews support him along the way.
Despite the limited technology of the time, this 8-bit platformer makes full use of the available graphics and controls. The level designs have a good variety of unique puzzles and environments. The game features three different endings: one for clearing the game, another for collecting at least $10,000,000, and a bad ending for going broke.
The only way to get the bad ending is by spamming the life-restore cheat code.
1Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Castle of Illusion follows Mickey on his epic quest to save Minnie from the evil witch Mizrabel. He explores the different wings of Mizrabel’s castle, which are transformed into a variety of whimsical worlds.
The Master System and Game Gear version of Castle of Illusion offer different game mechanics, enemies, items, levels and graphics. The remaster is based off of the Sega Genesis release and is the version referenced here.
Every level in Castle of Illusion has a different theme, from a fantasy forest to a candy land and a haunted castle. The challenges in each level are based around the level’s theme. For example, while fighting the boss in the candy land level, Mickey has to navigate by jumping on cookies floating in a river of melted ice cream.
The graphics, game mechanics, and soundtrack are all on point. Every aspect of the game is interwoven into the story, creating an immersive experience.
