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Disney's DuckTales

1989

  • platform
  • comedy
  • kids
  • single player

The story

DuckTales is a platform game developed and published by Capcom and based on the Disney animated TV series of the same name. It was first released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 and was later ported to the Game Boy in 1990. The story involves Scrooge McDuck traveling around the globe collecting treasure and outwitting his rival Flintheart Glomgold to become the world's richest duck. Produced by key personnel from the Mega Man series, DuckTales would go on to sell over a million copies worldwide on each system, becoming Capcom's best-selling title for both platforms. The game was praised for its tight control, unique and non-linear gameplay and bright presentation, and is often regarded as one of the best titles for the NES, appearing on numerous "Best of" lists.

What it’s like

Bright, chunky 8-bit pixel art with saturated primary colours: Transylvania's moonlit castle, a sun-hot Amazon jungle, a glittering Himalayan peak, a dim moon crater. The sprites are bouncy and cartoony, and the NES chiptune score is cheerful and brisk, with the familiar theme looping over each stage. Side-scrolling platforming with tight, responsive jumps and the cane-pogo bounce that makes the whole game feel springy in the hands; levels are open enough to wander in any order, so the mood is curious and playful rather than tense. Tone is light, jokey and warm, with ghosts, undead bosses and a few genuinely spooky corners kept at a kid-friendly distance. Intensity is low: enemies are knocked away or bounced on, with no gore and no real cruelty, and the only real danger is the occasional fall. It suits an afternoon of gentle treasure hunting, a nostalgic retro session, or an easy evening with a child. It is made for players who want a bright, low-stakes platformer with a sense of adventure and a satisfying bounce.

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