In an era when first-person shooters seem to dominate the landscape, it is a refreshing reminder to know that there was once a time when side-scrolling platform titles dominated the video game world and Disney-branded games were among the best out there. From the late-1980s through the mid-1990s, the gaming world experienced a golden age of Disney characters appearing in truly well-made platformers that stood toe-to-toe with the best franchises of the day. Locating these classics can lead to some great trips down memory lane for those of us of a certain age, a nostalgic experience than can be used as quality bonding time with our little ones.
10) World of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck (Sega Genesis)
Upon its release, this title was noted for having the best graphics of any Disney video game yet. The game is not set in any particular Disney movie but the visual treatment draws from classic films like The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland.
9) Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse (Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance)
This classic Disney video game lets you control Mickey as he searches for his lost dog Pluto. Along the way, you are granted different magical powers that allow you to advance through the well-designed levels.
8) The Lion King (Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
The Lion King video game was released across a slew of gaming consoles, but the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis versions featured the best graphics and were the most playable. The controls were crisp and the level design was simply stunning.
7) Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Sega Genesis)
Navigate Mickey Mouse through often-dangerous worlds in his quest to save Minnie Mouse in this classic side-scrolling title.
6) Toy Story (Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
The CGI visuals of the “Toy Story” film inspired game developers to create the video game in a pre-rendered world, giving the interactive version of Toy Story a graphical flair that made it stand out at the time of its release. The video game follows the plot of the movie fairly closely which is a nice homage to Disney’s trademark storytelling.
5) Aladdin (Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
The Sega and Nintendo versions of the “Aladdin” video game are actually entirely different games that use the same characters and basic storyline. The animation in both efforts is truly stunning with sluid animation and a brilliant color palette.
4) Mickey Mousecapade (NES)
Mickey Mousecapade is a 1988 release that is defined by its truly sound level design. As a release for the original 8-bit NES home console, the game had to rely on solid gameplay mechanics since graphical gimmickry was minimal due to technical limitations.
3) Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse (Sega CD, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
Each version of this game offers differing levels with their own challenges, but they all feature animation from actual Disney animators, which lent the game much credibility at its time of release and their attention to detail makes for a visual experience that stands the test of time.
2) Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (NES)
Capcom was one of the most respected names in side-scrolling platform video games when this title was released and it is easy to see why. Each level featured a then-unprecedented amount of interactivity with background elements, creating one of the most engaging gaming experiences for the original NES.
1) DuckTales (NES)
DuckTales is not only the best classic Disney video game, but is also widely hailed as a textbook example of how to create an engaging side-scrolling video game. This exemplary title is emblematic of Capcom when they were at their peak as a video game developer. Over two decades after DuckTales’ release, the title is still a thoroughly entertaining video game experience.
The contributor keeps each and every one of these classic Disney video games in his entertainment collection as a reminder of simpler times.
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