"DuckTales, a Wooooo Hooooo!"
THE GOOD
-Amazing level design
-Fun controls
-Superb graphics and music
-Lends itself to lots of exploration
-Exciting boss battles
THE BAD
-Annoying sound effects
OVERVIEW
DuckTales the video game is based on the hit cartoon series, DuckTales. Come on you remember the theme song, "Life is like a hurricane, here in Duckburg…" Ah, good times. Anyways in this game you play was Scrooge McDuck the millionaire of Duckburg. Scrooge is on a quest to travel around the world seeking treasures in hopes to become the richest duck in the world. However, there is one duck named Flintheart Glomgold that also wants to be the richest duck so he decides to try and stop Scrooge along the way. It's a good thing that Scrooge has some loyal friends and family to aid him in his quest. Just like in the cartoon, Scrooge gets help from Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webbigail, Bubba, Gizmoduck, Ms. Beakly, Launchpad McQuack, and Gyro Gearloose. DuckTales the video game is just as endearing as the cartoon show.
GAMEPLAY
Playing as Scrooge McDuck is a lot of fun because he gets to travel all over the world. There are five unique levels each with an incredible design. The five stages are The Amazon, Transylvania, African Mines, The Himalayas, and The Moon. Each level has the right mix of enemies to fight, puzzles to solve, and secret treasures (extra lives, money, and health bonuses) to find. Since the gameplay is non-linear, you're able to choose which levels you want to explore at anytime. Another nice thing about the level design is that each stage has multiple paths to take which lends itself to plenty of optional exploring. At the end of each mission one of Glomgold's lackeys will be waiting for you. The challenging bosses aren't too difficult but enough to make it worthwhile.
The controls are simple yet very effective. Moving is done using the D-pad, jumping with A, and the B button lets you use Scrooge's cane. Now this is no ordinary cane because it is part golf club and pogo stick. There are many objects that Scrooge can "golf swing" at enemies. To do this, just approach an object and once you're right next to it Scrooge will get into his golf stance. Then just wail away. Sometimes it is useful to launch objects at treasure chests that are too high to reach. The pogo stick is what you'll most likely use for about 90% of the game. It is your main attack and also lets you jump higher. Plus, you don't have to get off your pogo after one bounce; instead you could bounce through the entire level, if you wanted too.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The exciting level design coupled with excellent visuals really make for a fun gaming experience. The detail clarity ranks among some of the top NES games.
This area of the game is up and down. The music is great. They use some of the popular music from the cartoon series and who doesn't like the theme song? The sound effects, on the other hand, are really annoying. The sound that comes from opening chests and killing enemies is like nails on a chalk board.
CONCLUSION
DuckTales the video game proves to be just as fun and adventurous as the cartoon show. You'll see all the familiar faces from the show too. I would recommend this game to anybody, especially those who really enjoyed the TV show. You'll enjoy helping out old Scrooge McDuck in his quest to become the richest duck in the world. This game just makes me want to shout, "DuckTales, a Wooo Hooo!"