Nostalgic Games Can Still Charm

Limited Run Games’ laltest compilation of licensed video games from the past is the Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection. It features six different Rugrats games that were originally released during the Nickelodeon show’s heyday between 1998 and 2001. Ranging from some early 3D PlayStation 1 games to more charming 2D Game Boy titles, none of these are classics but there’s still charm to be found.

The marquee titles that hold the most nostalgia will be the trio of PS1 games included in the collection: Search for Reptar, Studio Tour, and Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. I remember renting Search for Reptar as a child, and it has some fun levels based on episodes of the cartoon (plus some surprisingly solid mini-golf levels), but its puzzles are obviously on the basic side as it was designed for children. There’s not much depth to be had in any of the three 3D games. Studio Tour feels more like a level pack than a sequel, as it doesn’t feature many improvements, and Rugrats in Paris features several nice nods to the film it is based on, plus a selection of mini-games.

There’s also three Game Boy Color games included: The Rugrats Movie (which comes with the Game Boy version as well), Time Travelers, and the handheld version of Rugrats in Paris. These are all pretty basic platformers that have some surprisingly good pixel art. The two movie tie-ins are the weakest games in the collection, but Time Travelers at least has a fun conceit of the toddlers going to various times. Ranging from the Wild West to even Atlantis, there are some enjoyable levels to explore.

However, the real gem of the collection is Rugrats: Castle Capers. Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2001, it’s the newest game in the collection and features the babies trying to retrieve their stolen toys from Angelica. It’s a quick experience, as you can beat it in under an hour, but it is never dull and is pretty fun throughout if you have nostalgia for these characters.

Like most of Limited Run Games’ compilations, there’s a suite of quality-of-life upgrades applied to the games. The ability to rewind and save at your convenience is nice, although the games were already easy enough to where it’s not quite as handy as in some of the tougher retro games. There’s also a series of screen filters (I always love a good CRT filter), plus a digital museum full of manuals and a music player. There’s nothing too interesting added, but it’s always nice to see the additional layer of polish applied.

Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection Review: Final Verdict

If you don’t already have some nostalgia for either these games or the Rugrats brand then there isn’t much to enjoy here. However, those who want to relive some games from their childhood or play some classic Rugrats titles get a snazzy collection with one standout (Castle Capers) and several decent titles. It’s a compilation that makes the best out of its situation, which is that most of the games weren’t all that good 20+ years ago, so check it out if you’re a long-time fan or want something fun for your kids to play after Adventures in Gameland.

SCORE: 7/10

As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 7 equates to “Good.” A successful piece of entertainment that is worth checking out, but it may not appeal to everyone.

Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital PS5 copy for our Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.