3 
0 When Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was announced I immediately sensed the nostalgia. The 90s were a magical time, especially if you grew up glued to Nickelodeon, absorbing episodes of Rugrats like a sponge. Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, and the troublemaking twins Phil and Lil were more than just cartoon characters; they were part of our childhood. A platformer that marries retro 8-bit glory with HD polish, starring our favourite diapered heroes? Count me in!
Published and developed by The MIX Games and Wallride, we covered the news about the release of Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland earlier this month. It is currently available digitally on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4|5, and Nintendo Switch.
Smells like nostalgia
Having spent time shuffling through the world of Gameland, I’m here to report back. Is this new Rugrats outing a charming trip down memory lane, or does it stumble over its own baby feet?
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland – We only accept Reptar coins
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland takes a simple but delightfully fitting premise. The babies see a commercial for a new Reptar video game, and—naturally—their wild imaginations take over. Suddenly, Tommy’s house transforms into a sprawling video game world brimming with adventure. Think Toy Story, but with a toddler twist.
What’s the most fun you remember as a child or the most imaginative thing you can think of? Let us know in the comments.
Gameplay
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is, at its core, a traditional 2D platformer. You guide one of the four playable babies (Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, or Lil) through various levels filled with obstacles, collectables, and familiar enemies. The big hook, though, is the ability to toggle between classic 8-bit visuals and sleek HD graphics at any time. This feature works surprisingly well. There’s something incredibly satisfying about swapping between the two on the fly, seeing the different styles.
Each baby has a distinct feel. Tommy’s is the middle ground, while Chuckie (ever the scaredy-cat) excels at avoiding danger more than facing it head-on, thus being the fastest and with the highest jump. Phil is the strongest, able to take down bosses faster, and Lil has a float during her jumps. The developers have put effort into ensuring each character feels distinct, making for a more varied experience. Whilst you choose your character at the start of each level, players can change mid-level. If you die whilst playing as one character, they will be out of play for the rest of that level. However you will revive as another. So you can play until all four babies are defeated, or you complete the level.
No platformer would be complete without collectables, and Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland offers up a veritable banquet of them. Reptar Coins, bottles, cookies, and other iconic items are scattered throughout the levels. While they don’t drastically change the gameplay, hunting them down does add an extra layer of challenge for completionists. The bottles heal each baby, the cookies grant an extra life, the Reptar coins help you unlock the Reptar door for the final level, and the screwdriver in each level opens the gate to the boss.
Familiar faces from the Rugrats universe show up in cut scenes, like Grandpa falling asleep, and in boss battles, such as the large baby. These battles aren’t especially tough; however, they aim to be enjoyable and evoke nostalgia.
Graphics & Audio
The toggle between 8-bit and HD graphics is a stroke of genius. Like opening a tin of nostalgia candy, switching between the two styles brings back memories of arcade machines. The 8-bit graphics are a homage to classic platformers that shaped many childhoods, while the high-definition art is more polished and colourful. It’s a tribute to the classic cartoon without overshadowing the imagination of childhood play.
The sound design in Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland does a solid job of capturing the playful spirit of the series. The music features upbeat, nostalgic chiptunes in 8-bit mode, ideally suited to the retro aesthetic, while the HD mode offers more polished, whimsical tracks. The sound effects are spot-on, with satisfying bounces, clinks, and even the adorable babbling of the babies. Unfortunately, there is no voice acting, but you do get the nostalgic jingle at the start of each level, reminiscent of the beginning of a Rugrats episode.
Longevity
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is short and can be completed in a couple of hours or less, even if you were a completionist. Nevertheless, nothing is stopping you from playing it multiple times. It’s undoubtedly a sweet little distraction that captures the essence of the original series. Grab a friend, select your baby, and delve back into the world where imagination reigns supreme – remember to share those cookies this time!
Final Thoughts
For its merits, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: I received a code to write this review.
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