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Personal Picks for GOTY 2013

Winners in our hearts.

DuckTales Remastered

by Jamie Alston

I’m usually somewhat of a skeptic when retro remakes are released. They sometimes end up being nothing more than just an empty husk of what made the original fun to play in the first place.  They’re often just a potential cash cow for the developer trying to make a quick buck on our nostalgia.  But such was not the case with DuckTales Remastered.  Of all the digital releases on the PlayStation Store last year, this was the only one that truly captured my attention. Joining the ranks of Bionic Commando, 1942, and Mega Man, DuckTales was yet another one of Capcom’s NES classics to receive a retro revival; and what a revival it was!

At its core, the design of DuckTales Remastered mirrors that of the 8-bit original.  You still play the role of Scrooge McDuck as he travels the world looking for the world's most valuable treasures to add to his collection, while interacting with a host of supporting and villainous characters from the TV show.  The familiar stage selection, hidden treasure chests, spot-on controls, and most importantly, the famous pogo bounce have all been preserved.  Capcom could have just simply upgraded the graphics, remixed the soundtrack and called it a day.  But they took it a step further by including original voiceovers of the actors from the show.

It's fun to hear McDuck's Scottish accent, his nephews call him "Unca' Scrooge", and Launchpad's bumbling dialogue as he tries to stay focused on the situation at hand.  The re-drawn animations of each character just blend so well with the overall feel of the game, and if that weren't enough, you can also swan-dive into Scrooge's coin vault like he did so many times in the cartoon. It's a bit difficult to explain how well everything works together, but you'll understand fully when you play it for yourself. It beautifully emulates the TV show to a greater degree than the NES original was capable of at the time. 

More than just a quick money-maker, DuckTales Remastered is Capcom's labor of love.  They clearly held the game's source material in high regard, and it paid off.   Not a feather is out of place. Even, if you've never played the NES original or watched the TV show, this game will appeal to anyone who enjoys old school platformers.  DuckTales Remastered is a definite highlight of 2013 that you should go get right away.

 

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Comments

Michael117

01/17/2014 at 12:21 PM

Hah, I like that Chris picked the DSII Beta. I didn't expect that but I should've seen it coming. 53 days till launch, Chris. Then we all dine in Hell together.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

01/17/2014 at 12:23 PM

yeah that pick is hilarious... but reasonable.  Laughing

Chris Yarger Community Manager

01/20/2014 at 09:50 AM

Whoa Michael..

You expected less than that from me?
puh-lease!!!

lol

C.S.3590SquadLeader

01/17/2014 at 01:35 PM

So many good games in 2013, not nearly enough cash to go around. Oh well, looks like I'll be playing my least-favorite game of catch up once again!

transmet2033

01/17/2014 at 03:27 PM

Way to be awesome Joaquim.

Joaquim Mira Media Manager

01/17/2014 at 04:13 PM

hahahahahahaha thanks. I kind of got suggested to write it because it was either Steamworld, Shantae (3DS VC), or Luigi's Mansion.

BrokenH

01/17/2014 at 03:31 PM

I still need to play Raymen Legends. Looks like a real stunner! Blood dragon is up my alley too!

Super Step Contributing Writer

01/17/2014 at 03:54 PM

So the GOTY year list was quantitative, this was qualitative. Personally, I enjoy the more esoteric, but also more in-depth results you get from the latter. 

I really wanted to get DuckTales Remastered when it was on Steam's Winter Sale, but I had already bought so much crap by then. I may just bite the bullet and buy it anyway. I've only played its original NES sequel on nintendo8.com, but it looks fun. Plus, I actually did watch the show, so I'd like to hear the voiceovers. 

Blood Dragon looks so cool. I love 80s neon. The fact it focuses on entertainment like entertainment should makes it even more appealing. 

I'm still not a mark for anything close to an RPG or RTS that has its complexity talked about ad nauseum, even if it is more accessible now. However, this is the first I've heard of the dialogue and characters, which are elements that have always interested me in RPGs, and made me wish they weren't turn-based or strategy games. Hey, Roy was my favorite character in Smash Bros.Maybe his story is good, too. 

I haven't played Pokemon since Blue, and I'm amazed that it's stayed relevant so long, but X & Y sounds like another reason to maybe get a 3DS. I don't know what it is, but I tolerate RPGs made by Nintendo much more easily. Also sounds like they made Internet interaction a part of it, which that series was screaming for from the start. 

Like Joaquim, I think Steamworld sounds dull at first glance, but maybe if I had a 3DS, it would win me over too. 

Also, Rayman Legends is too expensive on Steam for me right now, but as a platforming enthusiast myself, I'm keeping an eye out. Guess I'll miss that gamepad stuff, though.

In closing ... you would, Chris. lol

Joaquim Mira Media Manager

01/17/2014 at 04:16 PM

Steamworld is on... Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/252410/

If you're still hesitant just get it when it's on sale like $4.99, or less.

Chris Yarger Community Manager

01/20/2014 at 09:50 AM

I totally did..

lol

daftman

01/18/2014 at 08:23 AM

I think it's so cool that they gave DuckTales Remastered a physical release. I'm hoping to get it for the Wii U sometime. That just seems like the platform it ought to be on.

This list reminded me that I was going to get Blood Dragon on the PlayStation sale. It's $3.75 right. I love things that go for that crazy '80s vibe.

I think I have enough credit on my 3DS to get SteamWorld Dig but I gotta play the new Phoenix Wright game first. I love that pixel art though.

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