Platform: Xbox 360

Developer(s): WayForward Technologies, Capcom

Publisher(s): Capcom, Disney Interactive

Release Date (NA): August 13, 2013

Genre: Platforming

Nerd Rating: 6 out of 10*

Reviewed by: Nerdberry

I recently tried my hand at DuckTales: Remastered. I was very happy to get my grubby little fingers on this title on its release date for just $20! Of course, everyone else got it for the same price. But at such a bargain rate for a brand new video game, I couldn’t help but wonder how deep this game really was. It didn’t make me question whether or not I should buy it, however, as I pulled out a number of small bills at the cash register. With most games costing $59.99 at their debut, one would definitely be curious of the value of their money when the game is just $20. But a double sawbuck is a much easier pill to swallow and an easier gamble. I might be spoiling the review by saying this but… My final verdict is that it is a good value!

For those who don’t know, DuckTales: Remastered is an HD remake of the 1989 Capcom game DuckTales on the NES. While mostly developed by WayForward Technologies, Capcom was also involved, which is nice to see! Capcom stated the game as “over-performing” projected sales, which will hopefully lead the way for future classic remakes!

One day Scrooge McDuck, the game’s main protagonist, finds a treasure map on the back of one of his paintings while thwarting a robbery in his office / money bin. The map reveals the location of 4 treasures scattered across the world and 1 on the moon. Being as money-hungry as he always is, Scrooge jumps in the plane with his pal Launchpad and they head off to discover the treasures! Along the way they encounter all sorts of issues like breaking their own airplane and destroying an Incan temple. Play as Scrooge McDuck as your search the earth (and extraterrestrial world) to discover the treasures and add them to your collections in your money vault!

The game’s objectives are very simple, as any classic platformer should be. With your recent discovery of the treasure map, you travel to 5 locations (Amazon, Transylvania, the Moon, Himalayas, and the African Mines) to collect various treasures. Your objective is to navigate Scrooge McDuck through the levels without dying all while performing various tasks. Typically you will arrive at a location with the goal of finding a treasure, but something always seems to go awry and you are forced to fix the issue before you can set off for the treasure. For example, Launchpad wrecks the plane in the Himalayan Mountains and you have to find the missing pieces before you can search for the treasure. It adds a little more depth to each stage than the original DuckTales game and is appreciated by some and loathed by others.

Visually, DuckTales: Remastered is brilliant. It retains a classic look and accent of 2D platforming gaming without feeling dated. Even with a classic look, there is no misrepresentation of the power/feel of your 7th generation gaming console. Colors are ultra sharp and brilliant while the game’s textures are smooth and crisp. There’s no confusing this game for anything made before 2006; it truly looks that good. I appreciate the developer’s faithful interpretation of the 1989 Nintendo classic by keeping Scrooge in 2 dimensions.

When I play DuckTales: Remastered, I feel more like I’m playing a part in the TV show or one of the movies than a part in a video game. The NES did not have the technological capabilities to produce this kind of effect with the original DuckTales game. There are a series of cinematics throughout in which Scrooge has witty and comical dialogue with his niece and nephews Webbigail, Huey, Louie, and Dewey respectively. There is a full story plot and plenty of explanation of the purpose of each level’s objective. It’s a nice touch to feel so involved in such a simple platforming game. On the other hand, it can become quite annoying having to deal with so many cinematics if you’re playing through a 2nd or 3rd time around, but fortunately you can pause and press “Skip Cinematic” at any point.

One of the finer aspects of DuckTales (NES, 1989) is the soundtrack. For those who have played through the original classic, you are more than familiar with the music and its staying power. DuckTales: Remastered is no exception and in fact enhances the original soundtrack quite a bit. Even those unfamiliar with the original will recognize the classic 8-bit sound. I haven’t played Remastered in days and the tunes are still stuck in my head.

The moon! In search of green cheese…

Perhaps the strongest part of DuckTales: Remastered is the controls. A simple and straightforward control scheme pairs perfectly with the uncomplicated level design and general purpose. You have 2 buttons at your disposal: jump and pogo. Scrooge can use his cane as a pogo-stick to jump on people’s heads, reach new heights, or pop open treasure chests. Controls are tight and very responsive making it an absolute pleasure to play.

Diving into the pile of gold coins in Scrooge’s money bin has always been a dream… until now!

Overall, I was very impressed with DuckTales: Remastered. The price point is dead-on perfect for the size of the game as it can be beat in about 3 hours or less. With bold and vivid animation, an exciting musical score, and impressive controls, DuckTales: Remastered is a brilliant remake and a faithful one at that. However, I did find the overall purpose/structure to become rather trivial, and I eventually found myself continuing to play just so I could finish and not because I was enjoying it anymore. I think it is good for about an hour at a time, and anything past that starts to feel like a chore. Replayability is extremely low as the levels require no mastery or challenge; all you have to do is get through the game from start to finish and the only real obstacle is, “how much do I care about finishing this game?” DuckTales: Remastered is fun in short bursts but the overall lack of depth makes it hard to want to continue. But, that is why the game’s $20 tag is appropriate. I’d say it’s worth the pick-up… Used not new.

Nerd Rating: 6 out of 10*

Reviewed by Nerdberry

*The Nerd Rating of 6 out of 10 does not mean the game is bad by any means, it just doesn’t do much to exceed mediocrity.