Summary
Many audiences appreciateDisneyfor its unforgettable films, but the company has also left its mark on TV shows. TheDisney Channelhas kept kids enthralled since its first broadcast, expanding on stories established in the movies while complementing them with original programs. Granted, not all of these are winners, but the network still boasts enough engaging series for fans both new and old.
As is often the case, success has inspired numerous games. Countless Disney Channel titles have graced home consoles and handhelds. Most of the best ones stemmed from the late ’80s and early ’90s, as that era birthed some of the network’s most revered shows. Incidentally, most of them involved ducks.
This show is one of the most bizarre ideas Disney has ever concocted. The animal characters fromThe Jungle Bookruna cargo plane business, flying over land and sea in weekly worldwide quests.TaleSpinworks regardless of that weirdness, and the same goes for the game.
The developers use the series' premise as a promising takeoff point for a side-scrolling aerial shooter. Players travel to a plethora of destinations, shooting at enemies in dogfights as exhilarating as they are whimsical. It’s not just about racking up kills, though.
Fans must also gather cargo and money. They then put these toward aircraft upgrades so that they can take on tougher challenges. The cycle is simple yet addictive, and it fosters a genuine sense of growth. Soon, players are determined to build the best plane in the business.
Among the many shows spotlighting the supporting stars,Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangersfollowsthe titular chipmunksas they save friends and other small animals from peril. That sounds standard as fantastical journeys go, so one wouldn’t think the ensuing game would be anything special.
On the contrary, Chip & Dale’s appeal comes from their size. They’re minuscule rodents, so the ordinary world looks much larger from their perspective. As such, the developers craft creative platforming levels from regular environments. Even a simple backyard area involves jumping over potted plants, fences, angry bugs, and rabid robo-dogs. Suburbia has never seemed so imposing.
That’s doubly true since the chipmunks can’t combat these threats. Chip & Dale aren’t directly violent, relying instead on ingenuity. Specifically, they must pick up crates and throw them at foes. This tests players’ precision in a slightly different way. Granted,Donkey Kong Countrylater fine-tuned this gameplay, but Chip & Dale still managed plenty of fun beyond their humble stature.
The dark and moody tale of night creatures prowling New York Cityretains a cult followinglong after its three-season run. Similarly, theGargoylesgame may not have made a splash compared to other Disney tie-ins, but it still boasts ample support. Fans can definitely enjoy it as a side-scrolling platformer. If only focusing on that area, though, it doesn’t stack up to its contemporaries. Luckily, that’s not allGargoyleshas.
These are winged beings with more physical prowess than humans. The gameplay is at its best when it embraces that fact. The level design has more verticality than typical side-scrollers. The heroic Goliath can climb walls, swing from ceilings, and flap his wings for extra air time. These moves emanate his inherent power and acrobatic mastery, no doubt enhanced by the fluid animations and smooth physics.Not only does this distinguishGargoylesfrom its peers, but it also beautifully emulates the show’s gothic thrills.
A take on superheroes,Darkwing Ducksees the costumed crime-fighter hit the streets to combat nighttime ne’er-do-wells. Batman is obviously a prominent influence, but the game has a different inspiration. It may not be what fans think.
In short, it’s a blatant copy ofMega Man. The masked marauder runs and jumps his way through several urban environments, firing his gun to dispatch any enemies in his path. Even the coding feels nearly identical toMega Man 5, which isn’t surprising given both titles hail fromCapcom. Some might consider it a cheap knockoff, but therein lies its greatest strength.
Mega Manis a solid foundation for any game, especially during this time.Darkwing Duckmaintains much of that quality in translation. In addition, the formula fits the property like a glove, as the caped vigilante already spends his nights traversing rooftops and shooting projectiles. The finished product may not be as deep or challenging as its predecessors, but the gameplay is engaging enough. In the end, it should satisfy fans of both franchises.
ImagineDucktalescrossed withIndiana Jones. The result isQuackShot: an engrossing adventure title focusing on Donald Duck and his nephews as they travel the globe. The framework is that of a platformer, albeit one prioritizing exploration and puzzles. As Donald progresses through exotic environments, he needs various tools to proceed. He can blow bubble bombs to demolish barriers, or he might stick plungers to a wall to reach higher ground. The temperamental bird finds these items scattered throughout the levels. Collecting and using them, in turn, unlocks new levels. The process creates an undeniable sense of accomplishment.
That is especially the case with the detailed graphics and level designs bringing these locales to life. Each stage looks and feels distinct, meaning players are always excited to visit the next one. That excitement in itself is the essence of a great adventure.
Speaking of adventure, how about the show that popularized globetrotting ducks?DuckTaleschronicles the exploits of Scrooge McDuck as he and Donald’s nephews uncover hidden treasures and lost civilizations the world over. The tie-in game is essentially a more energetic version ofQuackShot. It still involves navigating multi-leveled areas in search of artifacts. These artifacts let players challenge bosses, advance the story, and unlock more stages. That said,DuckTalesironically places less emphasis on exploration.
Instead, it focuses more on the platforming experience. The game has infinitely more enemies, all of whom are hectic in their movements. On top of that, Scrooge must jump over greater gaps and obstacles. Adding to that archaic atmosphere is his cane,which he uses as a pogo stick. These elements keep players on their toes without becoming brutally difficult. Rather, they giveDuckTalesan infectious zest that stands the test of time.
