Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland Review: A Hard & Rewarding Slice of Nostalgia

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland feels like an HD remaster of an unearthed Game Boy Color game. One that didn’t receive widespread acclaim but had a sizable number of diehard fans that would still be going years later, “You gotta play the Rugrats game, it’s actually a really great platformer that is super challenging.” Instead, it’s a brand-new release from The MIX Games and Wallride that blends nostalgia with the licensed video games of yesteryear.

All four of the titular rugrats are playable in Adventures in Gameland. Not unlike Super Mario Bros. 2, each baby has their own advantages, such as Chuckie being able to jump the highest in the air. Cute levels take place inside the baby’s imagination around the house, such as the kitchen, attic, and sandbox. However, don’t be fooled by the cute aesthetic and nice HD art. This is a difficult platformer that feels ripped from decades ago when you’d be expected to fail quite a few times before learning the levels and finding success.

More true to its gameplay, there is also an 8-bit mode for the graphics and audio. This can be toggled on at any time, so it’s really fun to compare how both versions look. I mostly played in the 8-bit mode as it just felt “right,” as it’s quite similar to the Garbage Pail Kids game that came out a few years ago in that it’s a modern game with retro gaming in mind. It’s quite charming either way, though.

The key to success in Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is balancing the health of your individual babies and using cookies (extra lives) wisely. You can switch between babies at any time, adding in some extra strategy. If an area is filled with enemies, it might be smarter to use a character you rarely use rather than Chuckie, who might be helpful during a tricky platforming section. While milk can restore health, you’ll want to find a balance here and the game rewards cautious, thoughtful play.

As mentioned, the game is quite difficult, so those looking to play with their kids will want to play in two-player co-op. This way, a parent can help “carry” the performance, although some kids (and adults) might get frustrated if they’re not used to playing harder games. A game over will kick you back out to the level select screen, so beating it will take some perseverance.

The game is set up similarly to Mega Man, as you can pick any level to go to in any order. While you won’t be absorbing powers from bosses, as funny as that’d be, you can collect four Reptar coins in each level. After you get enough, you can unlock the final Reptar level. The game’s boss fights are quite fun and definitely the highlight of the experience.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland Review: Final Verdict

Whether you play it in HD or the retro mode, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a delightful 2D platformer. Filled with charm and references to the cartoon, it’s a deceptively challenging game that is fun to play solo or alone. Just know that kids might need some help if they’re easily frustrated.

SCORE: 8/10

As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.

Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital PS5 copy for our Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.