Retro is the new sexy, it’s hard to deny that. With newer games adopting the cutesy pixel art style, and older games like getting remastered, it’s a good time for fans of the olden days. And while a lot of people may despise the idea of remasters, playing a game from the past certainly takes you back to your childhood days. The days when Capcom and Disney released memorable NES titles based on beloved cartoons from the 80s/90s. Thanks to The Disney Afternoon Collection, those days are back again.
The Disney Afternoon Collection comprises of six titles: DuckTales, DuckTales 2, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, Darkwing Duck and TaleSpin, bringing some of the classics to current-gen systems. These are basically ports of the original games, with no changes to the graphics whatsoever. You do have the option to turn the filtering on/off and stretch the the game to fit your screen, or you can leave it at the original aspect ratio, with borders on both sides. There’s also an option to rewind the game and the ability to save once (per game).
For those who haven’t played these gems at all, here’s a brief lesson in history. TaleSpin is just another auto side-scrolling shoot ’em up, with a nice twist being that you can actually turn around, thus allowing you to change the direction of shooting. The game starts off pretty slow, and you can only shoot one bullet at a time, meaning you need to time your shots well or die trying. These abilities can be upgraded as you play. The game can be pretty dull and boring, but there are a few interesting boss fights. Thankfully, the collection includes a boss rush mode, which means you can still get to the fun parts without the game being a drag.
DuckTales, is unique in the sense that it allows you to explore the different levels in whatever order you wish, making it one of the first non-linear platforming games in the history. You play as the loveable Uncle Scrooge, pogo jumping his way through the world, a gameplay mechanic we still get to see today (Shovel Knight).
DuckTales 2 takes the original DuckTales formula and adds some improvements here and there. The controls feel snappier and you have more control over the objects compared to the first title, where all you could do was whack them with your cane. The level design is quite impressive as well, with the ability to replay some the levels as each is filled with secret collectibles and areas. Think of the DuckTale titles as Metroidvania games with canes and ducks. No wonder they are such a joy to play even after all these years.
The Chip ‘n Dale games were ahead of their time too, being probably the best co-op platformers of their era. It’s extremely fun when played alone, and twice as much if you have a friend with you. You can stun each other by picking up and throwing stuff, or you can just pick up your friend and hurl them towards an enemy. These games accomplish a lot more with their 8-bit graphics and simple controls than some modern titles are able to, even with all the jazz.
Darkwing Duck combines side-scroll shooting in a fun, dark atmosphere with a potential threat to your controller, thanks to its mechanics and difficulty. Capcom added some elements to this title which made it quite distinctive for its time, like the ability to climb walls. This is something that we don’t get to see in a lot of 2D titles even today. Combine that with carefully crafted boss fights and fun levels, and you couldn’t ask for more in this collection.
The Disney Afternoon Collection is not just a port of these old school gems, it adds a lot more. The Boss Rush mode cuts all the chunks between the boss fights, allowing to live through some of the most memorable boss encounters. The Rewind ability comes in quite handy as well, giving you the opportunity to explore better, and help you survive some of the tougher sections of the games. There is a museum section, which includes interesting trivia, concept art, sound tests for the tracks and more. All in all, The Disney Afternoon Collection is a delightful little box of childhood memories, and for those who haven’t played the games, an interesting journey back in time.
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Pogo game support number
Most of the games blanketed within the Disney Afternoon series had been popular at the time and are fondly remembered these days. DuckTales 2 is a scarcely allotted NES game that the general public probably overlooked in 1993
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Lose all sense of direction in the Kingdom of Arendelle as you set out on an epic trip close by Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Hans, Sven and all your most loved Frozen characters! Match vivid ice precious stones in gatherings of at least three, to win focuses, make catalysts, clear the board and move onto new levels!