Imagine yourself as a child in the late ’90s or early 2000s. It’s a Friday night, and your parents just dropped you off at your friend’s house for a sleepover. Before you may unroll your sleeping bag, your friend pulls you to their parent’s computer room and loads up the latestDisneygame, fresh out of the package.
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You take turns all evening (maybe even asking a parent for help with the hard levels) until it’s time to go to bed. It’s a universal truth that the Disney company has a stake in nearly everyone’s childhood, and will continue to be instrumental to folks’ childhoods for generations to come. But for a period of time, Disney produced a slew of PC games that still have a place in our hearts to this day.
10A Bug’s Life - 1998)
The beauty of nature shines in this Disney platformer. The game stars Flik, an ambitious ant with a heart of gold leaf and the mind of an inventor. Since the environments are from an ant’s perspective, the challenges are big, bold, and creative.
Flik is on a journey to save his colony from Thumper and his horde of aggressive grasshoppers, but on the way he faces bees, grub, mosquitos, and cockroaches, oh my! Most, however, will remember fighting off a bird by launching nuts or berries.
9Donald Duck: Goin' Quackers - 2000
This cute platformer plays similarly toCrash Bandicootwith smooth animation, colorful environments, upbeat music, and dynamic gameplay. The story follows Donald Duck and his mission to rescue Daisy Duck from the evil wizard Merlock.
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Folks who have played Goin’ Quackers can recall the quirky creativity of the levels and bosses (remember being chased by a giant hand?). Filled with wholesome silliness, Goin’ Quackers is a classic in the Disney CD-ROM line-up.
8Tarzan - 1999
Cue the Phil Collins impersonations! Many children who played the Tarzan game will be delighted to know the game still holds up. You play as Tarzan, an orphan stranded in the jungle, who is found and raised by gorillas. Following the Tarzan film, Tarzan eventually grows up and faces off with Sabor, the leopard who killed his parents, and Clayton, an intruding poacher.
The Tarzan game is a dynamic 3D scroller, flowing smoothly between running, jumping, swinging on vines, swimming, and climbing. A memory lane staple for sure!
7Monsters, Inc.: Scare Island - 2001
With big movies, there is more than likely a video game tie-in. Monsters, Inc. is a classic Pixar film (and a very ‘memeable’ one), and Scare Island adds to the fuzzy (or scaly) nostalgia many have about this series. Set as a prequel to the first film, the game follows Mike and Sully, who have graduated from college and have been scouted to work as a scare duo for Monsters, Inc.
But first, the two friends must complete 15 levels of training in order to earn their spot on the scare floor. Both Sully and Mike are playable characters, and each has unique capabilities. Full of color and upbeat music, Scare Island creates a doorway of memories.
6The Incredibles - 2006
This companion to the 2006 film is nothing short of incredible. A charming action and adventure game that follows the plot of the film, it begins with Mr. Incredible, back in his glory days when superheroes were the backbone of the country. As you progress, the game allows you to explore in more detail the settings of the film.
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Between levels, you’re rewarded with cut scenes from the actual film. Mr. Incredible is the main playable character in this game and offers a fun dynamic with his super strength. What takes the gameplay further, however, are the levels in which one can play as Dash (the power of speed), Violet (invisibility), and Elastigirl, who can pull in enemies from a distance and then catapult them into the skies.
5Extremely Goofy Skateboarding - 2001
A certified Disney classic, Extremely Goofy Skateboarding takes a page (or should we say a pixel?) from Tony Hawk. Goofy Skateboarding adapts from Pro Skater and adds a littlehyuk! There is no plot to follow, but a series of courses primed and ready for Goofy and his son Max to ride.
Those who have played this beloved game can recall the humongous, colorful courses, and the early 2000s pop-punk style soundtrack (composed by Jack Wall, a composer for the Mass Effect series).
4102 Dalmatians: Puppies To The Rescue - 2000
One of the coolest parts about Puppies to the Rescue is the use of real places in London. Playing as the puppies Oddball or Domino, bark, tumble, and sniff your way through Regent’s Park, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, and many more colorful levels.
Related:Best Animal Protagonists In Disney MoviesThis game is lighthearted fun (despite Cruella De Vil’s plan to dip kidnapped puppies into plastic to create realistic toys — yikes!). As you progress, you’re able to unlock minigames that keep the fun going even after the game is beaten. A notable mention is alsothe catchy soundtrack.
3Hercules (1997)
Good news! At the time of this writing, Hercules is available for download on Steam! The beloved film is also a beloved game, integrating polygons and pixels for distinct level designs. The game follows Hercules in an epic quest to regain immortality stolen by Hades, God of the Underworld.
To achieve this, Hercules must prove his bravery and strength. Though it is a children’s game, many can recall the game pushing difficulties a bit beyond, switching from sidescroller to rush levels encumbered with obstacles. But finally surpassing all challenges and facing off with Hades in the end is an achievement many fondly look back on.
2Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear To The Rescue! (1999)
A gift to our childhoods, Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! is a platformer that puts the player in Buzz’s boots. He and the other toys are on a mission to rescue Woody after he’s been accidentally placed in a garage sale and stolen by a greedy collector. Much like the films, normal-sized items for people are obstacles for Buzz, thus creating a memorable gaming experience. Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! also employs Hamm, Rex, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, and RC as side quest givers.
1Nightmare Ned (1997)
Whimsical yet creepy! A Silent Hill for kids! Nightmare Ned was developed alongside the short-lived television series of the same name. Though the show didn’t last, people still remember and love this game. The story follows Ned, a young boy left alone for the night. He binges on ice cream and television before going to bed.
Then it is up to you to guide Ned through his nightmares to emerge a bit braver on the other side. The mix of art styles and layering creates a depth that makes it visually attractive. The tagline reads “adventure that turns fear into fun,” a great sentiment for kids finding themselves relating to Ned’s fears.
