Rugrats Adventures in Gameland - An Old-School Illusion Crawling To PC And Consoles In 2024

Disclaimer:

This is an analysis of a reveal trailer for an upcoming game that contains flashing sprites. Reader discretion is advised.

 

Calling all ‘90s kids who fondly remember watching Rugrats on Nickelodeon back in the day [11] [12]! An upcoming video game starring Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil has been revealed. I am aware that some Rugrats games were not that well received [27], but I see some potential in this forthcoming rehash that would catch a ‘90s kid’s eye by how it is stylised in the reveal trailer [7] [24]. The packaging shown at the start may look like a cardboard container for a game cartridge as a reminder of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System days [6] [26], but there is a confirmation that its design will eventually be updated and it might just be part of the game’s collector’s edition as a container for the physical release’s case, whether it would be for the PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 5, the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X|S or the Nintendo Switch [7] [24]. As we wonder if there will be a third season of the CGI reboot on Paramount+ that began in 2021 in honour of the franchise’s 30th anniversary [2] [18], let us see how effective the nostalgic aspects of Rugrats Adventures in Gameland seem [7] [24], even from a baby’s point-of-view. Hold onto your trousers, grown-ups! 

I was quite a big fan of Rugrats when I was a kid [11] [12], even though plenty of fans believed that the original series jumped the shark about two times throughout its run [8], so it is delightful to know that there is a new Rugrats game in development [7]. I also remember 2021 being the year of the franchise’s reboot [10] [18], along with Lara Croft’s participation in the sixth season of Fortnite: Battle Royale [28]. [7]

The graphics and gameplay appear to be heavily inspired by Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic and the Western version of Super Mario Bros. 2, which are pretty much the same game with a big regional difference [7] [9] [20] [23] [24]. A few examples in the reveal trailer include Phil digging through some soil, much like how Mario, Luigi, Toad or Princess Toadstool would and Lil throwing what appears to be a knocked-out enemy at one of the bosses, quite like how Birdo can be hit by one of her eggs [7] [14]. There is the option to switch to “H.D. Mode”, which is basically changing the pixelated graphics with vibrant visuals based on the later seasons of the original television series and makes the experience seem more original [7] [12] [24]. It is hinted at the bottom of the trailer that the graphics and features will soon be updated for the final outcome [7], which leads me to suspect that there might just be an updated trailer with the final graphics and final packaging to further prevent misleading advertising and hopefully look less like a modern mod of the Western version of Super Mario Bros. 2 whilst maintaining the NES style to maintain a nostalgic gamer’s interest [9] [20] [23]. 

The result of this adventure will be the babies imagining themselves as video game characters. Oh! And do not forget that there is a co-op mode that requires a second player as demonstrated by the twins in this image. [7]

Aside from how the supporting characters of the series will make cameos throughout the levels [7], I would not be surprised if another boss will be Angelica, just like in Rugrats: Castle Capers [25]. Hopefully, if she were to be a boss to battle, the way to defeat her will not be making chocolate pudding at 4 o’clock in the morning [5] [13]. [19]

In conclusion, I am quite infatuated with a forthcoming 2D game starring Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil inspired by Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic and the Western version of Super Mario Bros. 2 [9] [20] [23]. However, perhaps a few graphical changes to the eye-catching Nintendo Entertainment System style can be seen in its second trailer to show that it is not “ripping off” those classic titles, such as a proportionately bolder colour for sand [7] [20]. Rugrats Adventures in Gameland is set to be launched sometime in 2024, another year of the dragon [7] [22] [24]. No reference to Spyro the Dragon intended [21]. In the meantime, fellow cartoon fans are also psyched for Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, the sequel to Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl [3] [4]. Additionally, Super Mario Bros. Wonder will begin a new chapter of the main Super Mario series and Star Ocean Second Story R might just leave anime admirers starstruck later in the second half of 2023 [15] [16] [29] [30]. Once the babies let their imaginations go wild like they always do on an adventure in either 8-bit or HD next year [7] [24], feel free to imagine along with them as you relish in those ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia vibes in the mid-2020s, no matter how old you are. A gamer’s gotta do what a gamer’s gotta do! 

Tommy Pickles giving a peace sign? I have never seen that before! [7]

Even though the “HD mode” makes the experience look more original, the 8-bit style still infatuates me and might as well infatuate me more with a few tweaks [7] [24]. To this day, my thoughts go out to those who survived the wrath of Reptar back in 2010 [1] [17]. [7]

 References

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5. Know Your Meme. (2010). Stu Making Chocolate Pudding At 4 AM. Available: https://amp.knowyourmeme.com/memes/stu-making-chocolate-pudding-at-4-am. Last accessed 2nd Sept 2023.
6. M2THE49. (2011). Super Nintendo SNES Game Unboxing - Factory Sealed F-Zero (1994) [HD]. Available:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJw6Fqdqmdc. Last accessed 3rd Sept 2023.
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8. Mikey S. (2013). Mikey Reviews: Nicktoons That Have Jumped The Shark. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqQAtK-svwA. Last accessed 3rd Sept 2023.
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10. Nicktoons. (2021). New Rugrats Theme Song! 🎶 | Nickelodeon Cartoon Universe. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4VWEkjW4qw. Last accessed 3rd Sept 2023.
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The Wonders Of Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Previously, Nintendo nerds were bewitched at the potential of what appeared to be a brand new chapter for the Super Mario series during this year’s second Nintendo Direct [21]. From a bewildering new elephant form for Mario to a new race of koopas with pink shells on roller skates to a new flower that causes some hallucinatory effects, the forthcoming new chapter has already sparked the curiosity of the Super Mario series’ fanbase. Near the end of Summer, such potential has been expanded with another direct solely dedicated to it that goes into more detail on why it is worth purchasing and playing [26]. Watching the direct during the release of the Dimension Shellshock DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Hatsune Miku’s birthday yesterday [23] [26] [31], many fellow Nintendo nerds and I were once again starstruck. Like how we analysed the potential of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, back in September 2018 before its release in January 2019 [41] [42], let us see more of what Super Mario. Bros Wonder has to offer as a new chapter of the red-hatted plumber’s legacy [26]. There will be a lot to analyse, so hold onto your hats and crowns!

I hope my fellow Nintendo nerds are having a great Virgo season this year [30]. My fellow hazbeans know that Moxxie from Helluva Boss is a Virgo [11]. [26]

One of the most noticeable aspects of the upcoming new chapter of the main Super Marioseries aside from its new setting known as the “Flower Kingdom” is the graphics [21] [26] [36]. The playable characters look bold in their usual colour palettes in a variety of gorgeously rendered settings. The new art style makes the districts of Flower Kingdom, from Pipe-Rock Plateau to Petal Isles look more fleshed out than the worlds in many previous Super Mario titles [26] [36]. I would say that the visual upgrade is about as noticeably striking as the visuals in Animal Crossing: New Horizons [19]. The new kingdom is ruled by an adorable new character named “Prince Florian” who briefly resembles a wiggler and is populated by alternatives to Toads wearing striped and less rounded hats known as “Poplin” [26] [36]. Aside from their innocence, Bowser’s form of a stolen castle looks menacing. I also like how the selection of courses is non-linear in open areas, which gives the player a break from how linear the usual quests are. Alongside a fresh new look for a new title, there are some new aspects in terms of the gameplay and world-building that will make the adventure even more super.

Oh! And do not forget the areas where Mario, the bricks, the item boxes and so on are silhouetted, which vaguely reminds me of Limbo [21] [28]. [26]

I honestly thought Blue Toad was not going to return as a playable character until his appearance in the direct [21] [26]. Moreover, Toadette will once again be playable over three years after her appetite for adventure in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe [41] [42]. I am amazed at Yoshi becoming a playable character all by himself with his usual abilities [26], just like in Super Mario Run [13], yet he can still be a noble steed to ride on during multiplayer mode and it is funny how another Yoshi can ride on him [26]. Yoshi will be available to play as in four different colours and he and Nabbit are ideal for an easier gameplay experience with immunity to being killed by an enemy. Nabbit’s playability is a reminder of New Super Luigi Bros. U [24], yet I cannot help but think that he could still be a good rival for Sly Cooper [34]. Since Fire Peach made a brief appearance in the previous trailer [21], this means that Fire Daisy will make her debut [26]. It may be early to start speculating about downloadable content for the game, but I suspect that a DLC pack can feature Rosalina as a playable character [27].

Seeing Daisy become part of a main Super Mario adventure besides Super Mario Run is a breath of fresh air [13] [21] [26]. It will not be long until Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise will have that girl power for an older audience in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0 and Call Of Duty: Warzone Mobile as part of Season 05 Reloaded [2] [3] [4]. [26]

Charles Martinet may have retired from voicing Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi [40], but the new voice actor has the cred of a promising replacement [21] [26]. As for the talking flowers, how their dialogues in the gameplay are also fully voice acted makes them more amusing. Personally, how exciting the gameplay is matters more than who voices who, which is what we ought to have learned from the arrival of the post-Sonic X cast of the Sonic the Hedgehog characters by now [32]. [21]

What about the new power-ups? Summoned by the Elephant Fruit, Elephant Mario impresses me with his ability to suck up water with his truck and hurl Spinys back at a Lakitu with it and Elephant Peach and Elephant Daisy look adorable [26]. The new Bubble Flower allows you to capture enemies in a bubble or use a bubble to get to a higher platform, making it another unique power-up aside from how it makes another lovely purple dress for Peach outside of the Super Smash Bros. series [15] [16] [26]. The Drill Mushroom gives any of the heroes a drill-like hat that can knock out a Spiny, be used as…you guessed it…a drill or be a way to travel underground like Bugs Bunny [9] [26]. The Wonder Flowers come in a different colour, depending on the location in the Flower Kingdom and result in a rather unexpected occurrence, such as pipes coming to life and a character becoming a Goomba until a Wonder Seed is found [26]. I also like how power-ups can be backed up and swapped as another sign of the usual gameplay experience being upgraded so greatly. Both the old and the new power-ups can make another Super Mario adventure elevating.

The developers thought outside the box when it came to developing these new power-ups. [26]

Wonder Seeds can also be earned as a thank-you gift from a Poplin. You can tell that these adorable residents of the Flower Kingdom are as civilised as the Toads in the Mushroom Kingdom. [26]

The creativity of the new enemies is bewildering. Samples of the imaginativeness include: 

•       Melon Piranha Plants that spit out watermelon seeds [26] [36]
•       Mumsies that can be unwrapped [26] [36]
•       Hoppycats that jump when you jump [26] [36]
•       Condarts whose beaks will sink into the ground like the end of a lawn dart [26] [36]
•       Konks sinking into goo as an alternative to Thowmps [26] [36]
•       As previously mentioned, pink-shelled Koopas on roller skates [26] [36]

It can be stated that the variety of new enemies in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is more creative than a bunch of classic enemies feeling different emotions in Super Princess Peach [14] [26]. As for the bosses, one of them appears to be Bowser Jr. corrupted by the effects of the Wonder Flowers [26] [36]. C’mon, Bowser! Have you learned nothing from how you were corrupted in Bowser’s Fury [43] [44]?! Speaking of Bowser, I would not be surprised if his main motivation to use the power of a Wonder Flower to steal Prince Florian’s castle is to take over the Flower Kingdom after many failed attempts at taking over the Mushroom Kingdom [26]. Alongside new foes to take down, many old ones will be the usual obstacles throughout the quest in the Flower Kingdom.

THIS IS AMBITIOUS!!! The Piranha Plants just wanna eat Mario alive…but now there are WATERMELONS that spit seeds as he strives [38]. [26]

There are also some courses that require a Wonder Seed to be unlocked, in-game badges that provide new abilities, such as latching onto platforms and walls with the grabbling vine and a self-explanatory floating high jump and a set of badge challenges as a series of side quests and another rewards system [26] [36]. I do not think I can handle using the Invisibility badge, but I bet Sonic the Hedgehog could go a little green in envy when he sees Mario using the Jet Run badge [8] [17] [18] [35]. No reference to Swifty the Shrew from Sonic Boom intended [33]. Allowing only one badge to be used would keep the gameplay balanced and it would require some logical thinking to know which badge would be the most ideal for a certain area in a certain course [26] [36]. Aside from challenges being a way to earn some badges, others can be purchased with a certain amount of flower coins from Poplin Shops, further reducing the linearity of the experience. The use of badges seems to be associated with further developing a bond with Prince Florian as he wears them as an accessory for his crown. This new rewards system involving badges that unlock new abilities seems exceptional, providing some fun side quests for the player aside from the main gameplay and elevating the upcoming new chapter’s individuality.

There are three different types of badges and they are visually presented in different colours [26]. The Action Badges give a character an exclusive new ability and the Boost Badges provide some assistance in certain aspects of the gameplay [36]. [26]

Lastly, let us delve into the online gameplay. How the other players running around a map and striving through a course appear as ghosts referred to as “Live Player Shadows” vaguely reminds me of staff ghost races in Mario Kart Wii and after a player’s avatar gets killed off in Trivia Murder Party [10] [12] [26] [36]. Power-ups can be shared with online collaborators, which sure is thoughtful [26] [36]. If you die in the game (and hopefully not outside of it), your ghost can float to a live player shadow to be revived, which can also happen when you float towards another player in local multiplayer mode, which is definitely more kid-friendly than stealing the remaining survivor’s body in the final round of Trivia Murder Party [10]. There are also a wide variety of standees to purchase and use to revive other players [26] [36]. Lastly, you can see an online player’s heart points that are earned by reviving others, sharing items with them, and reaching flag poles with them. Aside from a collaborative main adventure with online players, you can also compete against them in races, quite like racing against a staff ghost in Mario Kart Wii [12]. Looks like online gaming will become even better in Super Mario Bros. Wonder as we will all be in the main gameplay experience together [26] [36].

We’re wondering together 
All online 
Be a ghost, 
But don’t boast 

When you’re playing [6]! [26]

We’re wondering together 
As we try 
Our own best 
In this quest 

When this game comes out [6]! [26]

Encased in a dashing new art style and jampacked with new gameplay elements and more, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to be released this October just a week before the Five Nights At Freddy’s film [26] [36] [39]. In the meantime, the party has only just started in Samba de Amigo: Party Central and Rayman’s limbless legacy in 3D is finally back alongside a new Phantom Show career with the Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Peach and their stunt doubles [20] [22]. What else could there be to hope for in terms of Nintendo’s proactivity, as well as its praise for treasuring nostalgia in new ways? Perhaps similarity to how the Atari 2600+ will be released this November as the remastered equivalent of the Atari 2600 from 1977 [1] [7] [45], Nintendo can finally introduce Japan to the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Western counterpart of the Famicom by producing and releasing a remastered equivalent with a few exclusive features, such as a single cartridge that consists of many best-selling old school titles and the same can apply to finally introducing the Famicom from 1983 to Nintendo nerds outside of Japan [5]. Before the wonderous new chapter of Super Mario begins, a new Mario Red edition of the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch will be released [26].

As richly red as this forthcoming OLED model of the Nintendo Switch is [26], there is strong hope that the joy-cons will not lead a Nintendo nerd into dark territory, unlike Elise’s red shoes in the upcoming horror-adventure game in a ‘90s anime style titled “Little Goody Two Shoes” [28] [46]. [26]

I strongly believe that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is going to be a fantastic start to a new chapter after the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie [26] [36] [37]. In the meantime, have a sweet and cool competition in the Sundae Tour in Mario Kart Tour [25], Nintendo nerds! [25]

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The Hopes And Theories Surrounding An Imminent Adventure For Princess Peach

It has been over two weeks since the second Nintendo Direct of 2023 [22]. Princess Zelda has been considered America’s favourite character from the Legend of Zelda franchise, according to a recent study [3], but what about her Super Mario counterpart? Well, could she be in another castle in preparation for a brand new adventure starring her next year [11] [22] [29] [47]? The trailer for an untitled game centred around a new perspective for Princess Peach was revealed alongside a remake of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon for the Nintendo Switch during the second Nintendo Direct of 2023 [22] [47]. It is nice to revisit some games from the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii days and a notable example of that would be a Call of Duty fan replaying Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at the time of its respawned popularity, according to another recent survey [14], but there is some importance of letting a franchise progress with new instalments, potentially providing some new opportunities [11] [22]. Furthermore, there is a lot of speculation on how the imminent quest starring the princess of Mushroom Kingdom will excel, so without further ado, let us voyage through it with glee and grace after the adorable True North Bear wished us a Happy Canada Day [4] [11] [22]. 

I am sadly no longer active on Twitter, but I am still writing. The food industry may seem to be running out of ideas with new flavours for Walkers crisps based on Wotsits and Doritos [19] [20] [21], but many Nintendo nerds, especially admirers of Princess Peach are already hungry for what could be as sweet as the cake she baked for Mario in Super Mario 64 [27]. After all, there is nothing wrong with some femininity in gaming [8] [9] [10]. [11] [22]

And as proactive as Princess Peach seems in her imminent title [11] [22] [47], some Mario Kart racers will still have an appetite for nostalgia as they race through some new recreations, including a lovely rehash of Daisy Cruiser from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! in the fifth wave of the Mario Kart 8 – Booster Course Pass in just under a week [26] [33]. [33] [56] [57].

One of the most noticeable aspects of the game revealed in the teaser aside from a pink ribbon securing Peach’s ponytail instead of her usual blue scrunchie is the absence of her iconic crown [11] [22] [47]. This could imply that some power-hungry fiend must have stolen it to become the ruler of Mushroom Kingdom in her place after either sending her to a new stage play-themed world or transforming Mushroom Kingdom into it. And no, I would not be surprised if the fiend turns out to be Bowser. I am aware that Peach has been wearing her crown since she was a baby in the games [25], but it would still be intriguing to see how she earned her titles as the princess of Mushroom Kingdom as part of an origin story, vaguely like how she became a princess in The Super Mario Bros. Movie [48]. Alternatively, the time in her imminent adventure can be a time when she has had enough of being a damsel-in-distress and vows to fight for her crown back whoever wants to take over Mushroom Kingdom or perhaps rescued Mario and Luigi from captivity, just like how she did in Super Princess Peach before retrieving it [31].

Whatever the cause of the princess’s crown absence is, I am sure that it could be part of some new character development for her. [47]

I am not the only one being reminded of Cinderella during this transformation, right [6]? [11] [22]

There is a new companion reeking of the sweet scent of cuteness [11] [22] [47], vaguely resembling the Sunflower Girls from “Store Wars”, the fourth episode of the first season of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends [12] [13]. The new character’s role could be as effective as the role of Cappy from Super Mario Odyssey and Perry from Super Princess Peach as proven by how they are used as Peach’s new attack in the teaser [30] [31]. The same can be said about some talking flowers who will play a supporting role in Super Mario Bros. Wonder [22]. These newcomers might not become as memorable as sidekicks from other franchises, such as Clank from the Ratchet & Clank series and Daxter from the Jak and Daxter franchise [40] [41] [42], but their assistance may still be deeply appreciated. As delighted as many Princess Daisy fans will be to see her newly bloomed playable role later this year [22], I would be interested to see how a new sidekick for Princess Peach would cooperate aside from transforming into a ribbon for knocking off enemies and swirling around her dress during a transformation next year [11]. I bet they can hang out with the seven Sprixie princesses from Super Mario 3D World sometime [28]. 

Behold, Nintendo nerds! A new sidekick who can fly [37]! [11] [22]

I would love to see Perry from Super Princess Peach reappear in her next adventure [31] [44]. Perhaps he could be Peach’s sidekick again in a DLC pack. It is going to work for Rayman in Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, right [7]? [44]

There is not much to say about what the gameplay will be like yet, but it still ought to be motivating with some elements of originality, as well as some familiarity [11] [22] [47]. The way Peach’s dress appears to be transforming as she steps onto a stone platform with her new sidekick wowed me the most and briefly reminded me of her ice wedding dress from The Super Mario Bros. Movie [48]. This must lead to her gaining a unique power-up that is yet to be revealed in future promotional material. Surely, her imminent adventure will be a 3D platformer throughout a series of stage plays for her to strive through [11] [22] [46]. There is some scenery set in a town and a Japanese-themed set with a sakura tree. As previously mentioned, her main attacks shown in the teaser are the aid of her companion. Not only does there seem to be some new and original aspects in a new gameplay experience centred on some more new character exploration for Princess Peach with the unnamed sidekick’s help as an example, but there also ought to be a whole new location within its individuality and that is the stage play-styled setting. 

Perhaps there can finally be an explanation for the existence of Pink Gold Peach who debuted in Mario Kart 8 [25] [45]. One power-up in the upcoming journey can be a differently coloured platform that allows Peach to transform into Pink Gold Peach, much like how the Metal cap turns Mario into Metal Mario in Super Mario 64 [27]. [45]

And aside from how graceful and adventurous the princess will be in her upcoming quest [11] [22] [47], she looks absolutely adorable in this scene in the upcoming remake of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars [22]. [46]

The untitled instalment starring Princess Peach is set to be released sometime in 2024 [11] [22] [47], another year of the dragon [49]. No reference to Spyro the Dragon intended [17]! 2024 will also be the year of Deadpool 3 and Star Wars Outlaws [16] [39]. But before all that, there is hype for Detective Pikachu Returns, new wonders in Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the third update for Sonic Frontiers in late 2023 [22] [54] [55]. In the meantime, I might as well stay sinful for the fifth episode of the second season of Helluva Boss this weekend and go all pink in excitement for seeing Barbie at the cinemas a little later this month [1] [2] [50] [51]. As intrigued as some DC and anime fans are at the forthcoming Suicide Squad anime series with Harley Quinn being a vague reminder of Catherine [5] [34] [52] [53] [58] [59], I am delighted that the lovely Princess Peach will be the starlet of her second own game next year [22] [47]. Furthermore, with a seemingly competent sidekick, vibrant graphics for a new stage play-themed world and some new abilities for a damsel who will not be in distress, the untitled Princess Peach game seems sure to excel, especially for the Nintendo nerds who grew up with Super Princess Peach for the Nintendo DS [31].
 

Aside from the full potential of the untitled Princess Peach game coming next year, could there be a remake of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for the Nintendo Switch or the next Nintendo console [26]? That is one of the most suggested concepts to possibly be brought into action, according to yet another recent survey [32] [38]. If so, then how about letting Rosalina and Honey Queen be one of the new teams in dazzling high definition to freshen up a familiar experience [22] [24]? I always love racing as Peach and Daisy in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and I think I am going to love seeing them strive together in Super Mario Bros. Wonder [23] [26]. [43]

As sure as I am that Princess Peach of Mushroom Kingdom will relish in a new form of self-empowerment in 2024 [22] [47], I am sure Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia from Helluva Boss can still embrace his inner Barbie girl, be the best at roast battles and be intrigued by Lisa Anne-Marie Cooper’s death metal screaming [15] [35] [36]. Best of luck to all the competitors on the vanilla, strawberry, and mint chip ice cream teams in the forthcoming Splatfest [23]! [11] [22]

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