Nostalgia is a powerful human emotion. That’s why retro experiences retain enduring appeal, whether in the form of classic games, vintage clothing, or cherished films and vinyl records. The desire to recapture the “good times” and youthful experiences can be compelling. However, replicating nostalgia is a challenge, akin to capturing lightning in a bottle. If you weren’t present during a particular era, the feeling is inherently absent. Furthermore, the circumstances that initially fostered your appreciation for something like Police Academy, such as your age or shared humor with a close friend, are difficult to recreate.
According to a recent US study, the average gamer is now 35 years old. While younger gamers (16-24 years old) likely constitute a significant portion of this demographic, the average is also influenced by older gamers. Many have become parents and wish to share their nostalgic gaming memories, often centered around simple, direct, and challenging titles, with their own children.
Capcom has a rich history of developing classic games based on Disney properties. The Disney Afternoon Collection brings together six titles from the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System, 8-bit) era. Unlike the remastered version of Ducktales released a few years prior, these are near-perfect reproductions of the originals (scaled to 1080p), complete with their original frame rate quirks. The collection was developed by Digital Eclipse, the studio behind Capcom’s Mega Man Legacy Collection.
Each game includes bonus features such as concept art galleries (with informative details), a soundtrack player, and display filter options to emulate a CRT TV/monitor. There’s also an option to stretch the 4:3 aspect ratio to widescreen (though the aesthetic appeal of this is debatable), and a Boss Rush mode, where players face all the game’s bosses consecutively in a speedrun challenge. A rewind feature, activated with the L1 button, allows players to correct mistakes, a function you may find yourself using frequently if you’re unprepared for the games’ demanding difficulty. However, utilizing this rewind feature disables the ability to unlock the game’s most challenging trophy. The games also support saving, making the average 40-60 minute playtime per game more manageable.
Ducktales (1989): Players control Uncle Scrooge, who traverses four continents in search of treasure, utilizing his cane as a pogo stick for jumping, striking, and bouncing. This title is particularly challenging compared to its iOS remaster.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1990): This game, featuring the titular chipmunk duo, benefits significantly from its cooperative two-player mode. It’s a classic platformer requiring precise movements and offering little room for error, yet it has aged remarkably well.
Talespin (1991): Based on the animated series, this game puts players in control of Baloo, piloting an airplane capable of inverted flight. It resembles a side-scrolling shoot ’em up from the era.
Darkwing Duck (1992): A Batman-inspired parody, the game sees Drake Mallard fighting crime in the city of S:t Canard (French for “duck”), located near Duckburg. A spin-off of Duck Tales, this side-scrolling action platformer is enjoyable, reminiscent of Castlevania with projectile weapons. Its difficulty is relatively balanced by modern standards. The rewind feature is invaluable, preventing players from restarting entire levels after each death.
Ducktales 2 (1993): A more refined and balanced experience than its predecessor, this game again focuses on Uncle Scrooge with similar mechanics but improved level design.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers 2 (1994): A refined sequel akin to Ducktales 2, this title offers enhanced cooperative gameplay and a more polished game design.
In summary, these six titles represent simple games from a bygone era. For those who experienced the NES generation, these reunions offer nostalgic enjoyment. However, be prepared to find your reflexes and dexterity may not match your youthful capabilities. While this collection offers the convenience of modern compatibility, owning the original NES cartridges may diminish its appeal, despite the reasonable price point. It begs the question: why are classics like Little Mermaid and Aladdin (also on the NES) absent?
Disney Afternoon Collection is a worthwhile nostalgia trip, primarily for those with prior experience with at least one of these titles. Looking ahead, we anticipate a potential Disney Afternoon Collection 2 featuring 16-bit classics from the Super Nintendo, Sega Mega Drive, and Amiga 500. These platforms boast truly exceptional games that still hold up today, such as Aladdin and Mickey Mania (a remastered version of Castle of Illusion has already been released). We remain hopeful!
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