Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland Reviews
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a well-made platformer that captures the heart of what made the TV show tick, and that's perhaps its greatest achievement. The character swapping system isn't unique, but it works well owing to some clever and occasionally quite challenging stage design; and, while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, there's a fun action game here with a good level of exploration. Whether you're drawn to the HD or retro aesthetic variants is down to which of your nostalgic sentiments is strongest. Either way, the 8-bit representation is so accurate to hardware of that era we can't believe it wasn't actually released three decades ago.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a baby sized adventure with an all grown up price tag, with poorly designed stages and frustrating enemies.
However, as far as NES games go, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is as solid as they come. I said this earlier, but if this came out during the NES’ lifespan, it probably would be well-remembered. Maybe not as well as one of the system’s absolute classics, but at least in the same niche as Little Nemo: Dream Master. Released today, it’s another very curious case of a new licensed game getting released on an old console. That’s already very exciting for me, so the fact that it’s also a well-tuned game is just gravy.
Cumulatively, you end up with a title brimming with nostalgia and good ideas, but controls that hold the affair back.
As it stands, I can't in good faith recommend Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland. I do believe there is a good game hidden underneath the game's incredibly rough exterior, but I believe most people are better off waiting until that good game is dug out via patches. The single player experience is admittedly better than co-op, but the plethora of bugs in the co-op mode is still unacceptable. Some people may luck out and make it through the game encountering minimal issues, but if anybody's experience is similar to mine then they will instantly regret the money they spent purchasing this game.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland isn’t a bad game, it is very simple while also being complicated due to the lack of tutorials. Rugrats can’t decide if it wants to be for the people that grew up with the show or young gamers just starting their journey. This meant that it is not for me, but it might be for you.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland achieves so much in emulating the feel of a retro Gameboy-released platformer. Although licensed games like this were dime-a-dozen growing up, and were often pretty average, Adventures in Gameland's spectacular presentation shows genuine respect and care for those toddling bubs. Due to this, I found it easier to forgive the game's many unforced errors which were all driven by its "classic" design.
If you are considering picking up this game it is better to wait until it goes on sale than to buy it at full price. The game can be completed in 2 to 4 hours even with the bugs. Ultimately it is your choice if you want to pick it up or not.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland delivers a nostalgic and fun experience, especially for fans of the original cartoon. The aesthetics and soundtrack refer to the times of "The Little Angels", and the idea of transforming babies' imaginations into an interactive adventure is creative. However, the game has clear limitations: its short length and lack of depth in mechanics can frustrate more experienced players. The 8-bit mode is a charming addition, but the multiplayer limitations and inconsistent difficulty affect the replay value. Still, for those looking for nostalgia, it's a good choice.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland has two very big extremes. While the gameplay is quite unfair and the level design has several flaws that harm the player's experience, the artwork shows immense affection for the original material, which captivates those who watched the cartoon at the time. Still, unfortunately, it's not worth getting angry just for the nostalgic appeal.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
All in all I enjoyed my time with this flash back to NES platforming goodness. Both its art style, 8 bit filter and game play serve as a reminder of how good these types of games can be. However it was brought down by the length of Rugrats Adventures In Gameland
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was a mixed experience. I loved its presentation, with its amazing visuals and pretty decent soundtrack, but its level design felt a bit cheap, its platforming can be faulty at times, and, well, it’s just too damn short. By the time you’re starting to get used to its intricacies, the game is already over. I did appreciate the intention of making it a remaster of a fictional long-lost 8-bit title that had never been released before, but even games from back then featured a bit more meat and lasting appeal.
In summary, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a nostalgic platformer with charming graphics and music, but it suffers from frustrating level design, lack of tutorials, and limited replay value. While it offers some enjoyable moments, the game’s shortcomings may leave players feeling more frustrated than entertained.
For fans who grew up with the Rugrats crew, this game is a delightful blast of ’90s nostalgia. However, much like a brief episode of the beloved cartoon, the game feels a bit too short, leaving players wanting more of the inventive worlds and endearing characters that made their childhood memorable. Despite its nostalgic charm, the game’s brief duration compared to its price tag feels like getting a Reptar cereal box only to find it half full. The sense of adventure is enjoyable but ends too soon to justify the cost, making it seem like a bit of a rip-off compared to the rich, expansive experiences one might expect from a pricier title. It’s a fun nostalgia trip, but it might leave you wishing for the epic, lasting adventures that made the original show so special.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland had a lot of potential for the series, but it flounders all goodwill. No thought to level design was made, and you're better off buying the cartoon to watch than playing the game.
Filled with charm and references to the cartoon, it’s a deceptively challenging game that is fun to play solo or alone. Just know that kids might need some help if they’re easily frustrated.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a blast of a retro platformer for Rugrats fans and NES fans alike. The length is a tad bit short, but what’s here is so fun and pleasant to listen to, and look at that I can’t help but want to replay it despite having only recently beat it.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly stellar release thanks to its great theming, tight levels and just the right amount of friction in the controls. One of my favorite experiences this year.