Today Wayforward Technologies, the developers behind recent 2D hits like Mighty Switch Force and Shantae, announced that they’re remaking Capcom’s classic DuckTales NES game with brand new, HD graphics.
Entitled DuckTales Remastered, the brand new remake features completely redrawn art that blends hi-res 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds. The remake will be released digitally for the Wii U, PS3, and Xbox 360 this Summer.
Retro gamers regard DuckTales as one of the best platformers of the 8-bit era (and that’s saying a lot, considering how many platformers came out back then,) so Wayforward has got their work cut out for them if they want to top the original version. At the very least, the trailer suggests that they’ve got the game’s classic “pogo stick”-based mechanics down. A lot of people on the internet seem to not like the game’s new graphics, but I think they look alright: I’m not a fan of the 3D backgrounds, but the sprites look like they were ripped straight from the classic cartoon. As long as they keep the Moon Theme, I’m sure the remake will turn out just fine.
Warren Spector, the creator of Epic Mickey and Deus Ex, repeatedly told interviewers a few months back that he’d love to create a direct sequel to the old DuckTales game. Alas, with the closure of his studio following Epic Mickey 2’s disappointing sales, it seems like he isn’t associated with DuckTales Remastered, but who knows? Maybe if the remake is successful, Disney will greenlight the sequel that Spector has always wanted to make.
