The preservation of video games is a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in our community. Whenever a company announces the end of a particular system or platform, hundreds of games are left in limbo, becoming nearly impossible to obtain. Fortunately, in recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the preservation of classic games, whether through re-releases or remasters.
Last year, during Disney’s official fan club expo D23, it was announced that a remaster of Gargoyles is in the works. This classic action-platformer, originally exclusive to Sega Genesis, was released only in America 28 years ago. The project is being developed by Empty Clip Studios, a company that not only creates original games but also remasters classics from past generations, adapting them to modern systems using its proprietary RapidFire Engine. Additionally, this re-release will also come in physical format, courtesy of the talented team at Limited Run Games, as announced during their latest showcase.
Gargoyles, or Gárgolas in Spanish, was an animated series created by Disney that aired from 1994 to 1997 over the course of three seasons. It was highly successful, as it was designed for a more adult audience than what Disney typically catered to. In 1995, it got a video game adaptation for the Sega Genesis console, developed by Walt Disney Computer Software and published by Buena Vista Interactive in North America and Tec Toy in South America.
The game was a typical side-scrolling platformer that stood out thanks to its well-executed graphics, which faithfully replicated the aesthetic of the animated series. With smooth animations and detailed environments, along with a solid soundtrack composed by Michael Giacchino—which, while not his best work, left us with some memorable tracks. The game’s weakest aspect was likely its controls, which weren’t bad but were a bit inconsistent, especially the grab button, which seemed to work only when it wanted to. Combined with challenging level designs that demanded precise movements, the gameplay could become frustrating. Most media outlets of the time gave it high scores, praising its graphics above all. More recent reviews tend to rate it lower, mainly due to control issues. Nevertheless, players’ opinions are generally positive, although not many have had the opportunity to play it due to its limited release in America. Until now.
What new features does Gargoyles Remastered offer?
For retro purists, this title can be played exactly as it was originally, but it also offers some extra options that breathe new life into it. You can choose your graphics mode, either the original with its pixel art sprites and backgrounds or the new mode featuring hand-drawn graphics that perfectly reflect the animated series’ style. The best part is that you can switch modes on the fly. The same goes for the soundtrack, where you can toggle between the original and a remastered version. Real-time rewind functionality is also included, along with widescreen support for modern monitors and unlockable achievements.
Release date, editions, and prices
The digital version is set to release on October 19 across all platforms, including Steam, GoG, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, priced at €15 on each platform.
For those who love displaying their collections, physical pre-orders are available until October 22. After that, you’ll have to see if a second edition is released. Limited Run Games handles the manufacturing, guaranteeing the quality of the final product. However, as the website allows region changes without currency updates, the prices below are in USD.
Standard Edition
Both the Switch and Xbox/PlayStation versions cost $35 and include the game with its case. Being the simplest version, it also ships the fastest, taking 4 to 6 months after the pre-order window closes.
Classic Edition
Priced at $70 for any console, this edition adds a plastic case, a VHS-style box, and a SteelBook typical of such editions. Delivery is expected 8 to 9 months after the pre-order period ends.
Collector’s Edition
The most expensive and complete edition, priced at $175, includes everything from the Classic Edition plus a hinged box that plays dialogue recorded by Keith David, the original voice of Goliath from the series. It also features a limited-edition NECA Goliath action figure with a wingspan of 40 cm, a reversible poster measuring 45 cm by 60 cm, a pin, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. These editions are limited to 1,800 units for Switch, 900 for PlayStation, and just 300 for Xbox, with delivery times of 8 to 9 months.
Sega Genesis Edition
The most intriguing aspect is that it will also be released for the beloved Sega Genesis. However, it won’t include the remaster features due to system limitations. You can choose from a Standard Edition, which includes the Genesis cartridge (not confirmed to be PAL-compatible) along with a box and manual for $70. Alternatively, there’s a Collector’s Edition that replaces the original box with a rainbow-hued cover and features a stone-textured cartridge instead of the traditional black, priced at $100.
Regarding the Genesis version, it’s still unknown whether it will also be available for PAL systems and whether it will include any improvements over the original. While the exclusive remaster functionalities aren’t expected, it would be nice to see some adjustments to the controls, polished mechanics, and perhaps redesigned level sections. Hopefully, this 16-bit beast will receive a proper remaster rather than a simple re-release.
