You
play as Scrooge McDuck as he goes around the world in search of five artifacts
to further increase his fortune. Scrooge can combat enemies and traverse levels
using his cane. Pressed up against an object, Scrooge can swing his cane to
attack enemies and break open or throw certain objects. While jumping, Scrooge
can bounce on his cane like a pogo stick to stomp on enemies from above. This
pogo jump maneuver also allows him to reach areas his normal jump could not
attain, as well as bounce across dangerous areas that would hurt him otherwise.
Along the way, Scrooge can find various diamonds, found in treasure chests or
appearing in certain empty areas. These diamonds increase his fortune and add
to the total money that the player can use to purchase bonus content from the
in-game gallery. Scrooge comes across multiple characters from the series that
play various roles, such as providing hints, offering up items and opening up
new areas. Even though it is a remake of the classic the game adds story
elements that help explain some of the reasoning behind each level. The game
has almost identical gameplay as the original, complimented with a few gameplay
adjustments, such as a map screen and an easier pogo jump, which can be toggled
on and off. DuckTales: Remastered features a new tutorial level, set in
Scrooge's money vault, and a new level leading up to the final boss.
What’s Good:
Game Mechanics - There is more freedom in this remastered version of the game as well. This freedom includes the ability to choose the level order you progress in, along with an entire prologue level and the ability to dive into Scrooges vault, just like he does in the cartoon series. They also took the time to implement an alternate mode for using Scrooges Pogo jump maneuver which was sometimes a bit cumbersome. Included as well now is a difficulty setting that enables the player to tackle the game as best suited for him. I should also make mention the most important gameplay feature of all that was added; auto saves. No longer does one have to worry about losing all the progress made due to game over or loss of power.
Story-line - The story of the game remains the same with added tips and hints thrown in to flesh out the original story narrative more through character appearances and interactions. The game highlights new elements that further explain some of the motives and reasoning behind each level, such as how Scrooge is able to breathe on the Moon without an astronaut suit for instance.
Graphics - DuckTales: Remastered features a 2.5D presentation, with 2D hand-drawn character sprites and 3D modeled levels. Visuals look clean and crisp, completely revamped and updated from the 8-bit counterparts of yester year.
Soundtrack - I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was hearing my favorite stage. Before I knew it I was completely sucked in singing along with the game. Not only does the game feature newly remastered songs based on the originals but they also included the original 8-Bit songs from the first game. Once you beat the game you gain the option of switching between the newer ones or the original 8-bit ones.
What’s Bad:
Nothing; this is as good as it gets for a remake of this kind. Brilliantly executed revamp of a series that is sure to touch the hearts of both old and newcomers alike. Capcom and Disney totally got this one right.
What Should Have Been Added:
I can comfortably say there is nothing I would add to this game. It is a perfect remake of a timeless classic that has embodied all my nostalgia and held true to the original. This is as good as it gets and I can only hope that more 8-bit classics are to come in light of how well this game was executed.
Final Thoughts:
If you played the original you should play this, if you know of the Ducktales cartoon series you should play this, if you know someone that knows of the Ducktales series or game you should play this, if you are a fan of Disney in any way, shape, or form; you should play this game. Period. The game is loads of fun, easy level of entry for gamers and non-gamers alike and offers a taste of something that has not been properly executed as per the route of most remakes in this day and age.
