A reader suggests five less famous 90s platformers to bring back to the modern era, including Pandemonium! and ’s TaleSpin.
The Mega Drive and Sony’s PlayStation are the two consoles responsible for getting me into platform games. The 1980s and 1990s era of gaming is known for starting some of the greatest franchises, which are still enjoyed and around today, and that includes a lot of platformers.
Many older platformers have had remasters or remakes in recent years, however there are a few that I enjoyed that have yet to see a reboot and which I feel deserve another chance.
The Mega Drive and PlayStation are the two consoles I have played the most games on. There are so many platformers that have been considered to be great, but below are the five I would most welcome a reboot of.
Pandemonium!
From the team at Toys For Bob, Pandemonium! is an excellent example of a platform game from the early days of the PlayStation. Its excellent level design, along with impressive 2.5D graphics, ensured that it was refreshing to play and very enjoyable for an early title. Its incredible soundtrack manages to suit each stage and combines with the surprisingly good visuals to make one of the best-looking games of the mid-90s.
It was originally published by Crystal Dynamics, who have just been sold to Embracer Group, so there is actually a small chance it could be revived in some way. Even if it’s not though it’s definitely a game worth looking out for, for those that have not experienced it or just want to wallow in nostalgia.
Cool Spot
Another platform classic I got to enjoy during the Mega Drive days, Cool Spot was a mascot for the popular 7up soft drink brand and made his debut here as a platform star. Amongst the various stages, it combines an amazing soundtrack and despite the blatant product placement it’s still a fun platformer to enjoy.
It did go on to launch on other consoles, as well as produce a sequel called Spot Goes To Hollywood – that used an isometric viewpoint and wasn’t as good. The series deserves a reboot so that the newer generation will not miss out on a great, classic retro platformer that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Trash It
One of the best platformers on the PlayStation combines smashing objects and buildings to progress and has some great graphics, as well as a memorable soundtrack and fun gameplay that leaves you coming back for more.
For some reason it was only ever released in Europe, so it’s probably the least likely of any of these games to be rebooted, but that’s all the more reason it shouldn’t be forgotten. It was a lot more involved than most platform games of the time, with some clever puzzles and a lot of different abilities for your main character.
Greendog and Disney’s TaleSpin
Two incredible Mega Drive platform games from Interactive Designs, that don’t look similar at first but are surprisingly alike and even share the same sound effects. Greendog was the ‘The Beached Surfer Dude’ and very 90s, but if Sega still own the rights it would certainly be an unexpected game to bring back.
TaleSpin was based on the popular animated television, featuring characters from The Jungle Book, so you would need Disney’s involvement to bring the game back. They have helped with other retro games though, such as DuckTales and Aladdin, so it’s not impossible.
While many people have their own platform favourite they would love to see rebooted, many of which are probably more famous than these five, these are the ones I would like to see come back either as remasters or brand new sequels.
By reader gaz be rotten (gamertag)
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