And if cartoons weren’t enough, well there were always video games. In the past 30+ years, Disney has always been at the forefront of the video game industry. With so many games under its belt, it’s difficult to nominate only a few as the very best that Disney ever released. But at the same time, you won’t have trouble finding a game that suits your tastes just fine, no matter which Disney fandom has carved a special place in your nostalgia. If you’re looking to get your game on Disney-style, this list has something to keep you busy.
25. Monsters, Inc. Scream Arena (2002)
Harnessing the power of screams and shrieks is not enough for some monsters. They also need to play dodgeball, apparently. Monsters, Inc. Scream Arena places the characters from the Disney/Pixar movie inside seven different arenas where they play dodgeball. Things are never as simple as they seem, though. So the arenas have all different designs. And they use many different objectives, to keep things fresh. With its simple premise, Scream Arena is a game that everyone can enjoy. Even more so in the multiplayer mode. So what are you waiting for? Start throwing that ball, lest you want to deal with another terrible energy crisis.
24. Tron 2.0 (2003)
Have you ever wished to see what the world inside your computer really looks like? Well be careful what you wish for. Tron 2.0 serves as a sequel to the original 1982 movie, featuring pretty much the same story setup and the same concepts. Controlling the son of the creator of the TRON program, you’ll have to explore the world inside the computer, fighting against some truly horrible enemies like corrupted programs and viruses. You’ll pick through an assortment of 12 weapons, playing in first-person view mode along the way. Hop onto a Light Cycle to take part in exciting races too. And the CPU does not hesitate to cheat here. What did you expect, you’re in its world, after all!
23. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Like the movie that inspired it, Toy Story 2 is a joy to look at and play. In all honesty, there isn’t a whole lot that Toy Story 2 (the game) does wrong: it looks great thanks to the CGI sprites used for Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew. The level design is pretty darn fun, not to mention almost completely open world. Ever wanted to roam around Andy’s house? Then definitely check out Toy Story 2 for the PlayStation (or N64, if you prefer). It’s like a free-for-all Toy Story fan’s dreams come true, in video game form. Not just a great Disney game, but arguably one of the better Pixar games ever made.
22. Mickey’s Speedway (2000)
Ah, the thrill of a race. The thrill that turns peace-loving anthropomorphic animals upside down! Let’s not waste too much time here: Mickey’s Speedway was inspired by Mario Kart in so many ways, it’s not even funny. Like the classic Nintendo series, Speedway features different Disney characters with their own vehicles. Plus a selection of offensive and defensive power-ups, and a lot of brightly colored tracks that’ll only become challenging in the higher racing classes. Despite its evident lack of originality, Mickey’s Speedway is a competent racing game that’s made even better by the multiplayer. Not to mention a really fun (surprise, surprise) battle mode. If you ever wanted to show Mickey Mouse that Donald Duck is much better, now’s your chance.
21. Epic Mickey (2010)
Do you know how many Disney characters failed to make a splash? Probably not, if you didn’t play Epic Mickey. Epic Mickey is a celebration of both Mickey Mouse and Disney lore as a whole, placing forgotten characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back into the spotlight. These are inhabitants of the Wasteland, a land ruined by Mickey’s curiosity. And a land that he must restore at all costs. While the 3D platforming experience is definitely enjoyable, there are a lot of missed opportunities, as the choice and consequence system is underused a lot. And the bad camera and slippery physics will make it so you’ll spend more time fighting your POV, than the actual baddies. But if you’re a true Disney fan, you will have no trouble loving this game. It’s also much more recent than many titles here.
20. The Black Cauldron (1986)
Ever heard of The Black Cauldron? Very few did. And Disney made sure those who did, forgot all about it. Having been a massive box office disappointment, the decision to release a game based on it is… rather baffling. Yet it wasn’t a bad decision at all. Because the movie’s fantasy setting suited an adventure game quite well. It also features a corny bad guy “The Horned King” and a pig who can prophesize the future, so that’s something. While the experience is essentially a simplified take on the late 80s adventure game genre, The Black Cauldron managed to set itself apart with branching events, side-quests, and different endings. Maybe the developers did indeed use Hen-Wen’s powers to predict the future of video games!
19. Gargoyles (1995)
Gargoyles are big. Scary. Strong. Righteous. And a little clumsy. Having released at the tail end of the 16-bit generation, Gargoyles failed to leave a mark despite its fun level design and faithful representation of the characters from the animated show. The problem is that the developers went a little too far with the faithful representation, and made the main character Goliath slow and not very responsive… which leads to unwarranted deaths and tons of frustration. But hey, at least the character’s run cycle is beautiful to look at. You know what they say: beauty will save the world!
18. Quackshot (1991)
When Donald Duck takes a page from the Super Mario book, you really can’t predict how things turn out. Having released after the excellent Castle of Illusion, this classic 2D platformer does not reach the heights of its predecessor. Mostly due to floaty jumping physics that make it tough to run through the game. But the level design, the strategizing of weapons to help you reach new areas, and the ability to play stages in any order you wish make for a game that’s quite enjoyable, despite not being particularly remarkable.
17. The Little Mermaid (1991)
If you ever needed more proof that simple is good, maybe you should play The Little Mermaid. As a straightforward 2D platform game, The Little Mermaid was no disappointment. Which was no small feat, considering the other games it was up against at the time. This underwater side-scrolling adventure is definitely on the simple side, featuring only five stages that include lots of enemies to take down. You’ll see lots of bubbles, treasure chests to open with shells, and bosses to defeat. But the short time it takes you to complete the game will be as sweet as a journey deep under the sea could be. Especially if you’re into more retro games from the 90s.
16. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
How does one go from human to llama, yet continue to keep his groove on? The Emperor’s New Groove’s story in-game is as crazy as the one seen in the movie. Emperor Kuzco gets turned into a llama by his former administrator Yzma, who was guilty of wanting to put an end to his fun. Preposterous! And useless, as the fun did not end at all. This game features an engaging mix of different genres, ranging from platforming to stealth and racing. It’s made even better by its easy-to-pick-up-and-play nature. Just get ready to fight the frustrating camera: it was designed by the dastardly Yzma, no doubt!
15. The Lion King (1994)
To be a King, one needs to always be at the top of their game. The real top of their game. Much like Aladdin on the SNES, The Lion King would have been a somewhat unremarkable 2D platformer… if it wasn’t for the colorful graphics and buttery-smooth animations. Unlike Aladdin, however, this game twists the platformer formula from the 90s with a couple of different mechanics. Battles are tougher, but if you can stick with it long enough to learn the controls, it’s a really satisfying game to play. Or even to learn to speedrun. But with such a high difficulty level, I’d think this is not a kids game, that’s for sure.
14. Mickey Mania (1994)
62 years of history, condensed in a single game. Disney you’ve done it again! I must admit that Mickey Mania is a little disappointing in some ways. In a world where we got games like Castle of Illusion, it’s hard to find something truly exciting in Mickey Mania’s linear platforming experience. Fans of the character, however, will truly love the game. It serves as a retrospective of movies that made the character an icon, starting from 1928’s Steamboat Willie and ending with 1990’s The Prince and the Pauper, which is also the stage where Mickey and his archnemesis Pete duke it out one last time. Not revolutionary in any way, but a solid playthrough nonetheless.
13. World of Illusion (1992)
It’s hard, being the sequel of one of the best games ever released. No matter how good it is, this may never get the recognition it deserves. World of Illusion is definitely not on par with Castle of Illusion. But there are a lot of things the game does right. The graphics are more colorful than ever. Level design is extremely varied yet engaging. And both Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are included here, which makes for some nice co-op mechanics. The way too low difficulty level, however, is what makes World of Illusion inferior to its illustrious predecessor. I understand the game was targeted at kids, sure. But having infinite continues is almost offensive if you’re looking for a semi-challenging game to run.
12. Darkwing Duck (1992)
I don’t know about you, but I kinda lost track of all the Duckburg citizens back in the 90s. Drake Mallard is among the most remarkable citizens of the town, a regular duck by day and a superhero by night. Doesn’t this remind you of a certain bat-themed superhero? Despite the similarities with Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego, Darkwing Duck has more than a few unique tricks up his sleeve. Like the ability to pick up weapons during any of the game’s 7 stages, for example. Or the ability to swipe cape to disappear & avoid projectiles. No matter what you think of Disney games, Darkwing Duck can provide a few hours of 2D platforming entertainment that you won’t forget easily.
11. Disney’s Hercules (1997)
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the strongest man in the world. Disney’s Hercules game isn’t a particularly innovative 2D platformer, since it plays pretty much like all movie-based Disney platformers from this time. The game really has a bit of everything, though: tight platforming like Aladdin, behind the back run sequences like The Lion King, and a sleek item system like from Pocahontas. There isn’t much online about this PS1 title, but I did find this review which seems pretty exhaustive. Does this make it a bad game? Not at all, since the gameplay is actually quite fun thanks to the amazing graphics that manage to fully capture the spirit of the animated movie. Gods and demi-gods demand the very best, you know.
10. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1990)
Mice with weird names all over the world, have fear! Chip and Dale are here to save the day. Based on the classic animated show by the same name, Chip ‘N Dale Rescue: Rangers is yet another 2D platformer that does justice to its source material, while providing tons of fun. Anyone noticing a pattern with Disney and platformers? Just me? Chip and Dale’s journey to save the mouse Gadget from the terrible Fat Cat is short yet fast-paced, and incredibly sweet. This is in part due to its “pick-up and play” design, and some really enjoyable levels. Its low difficulty makes the game better suited for kids, but it’s to be expected. How much resistance can a cat put up against two expert rescue rangers?
9. Kingdom Hearts III (2019)
It took decades for Sora to finally be able to just confront his nemesis, and the wait was well worth it. There’s a lot to say about KH3 and every opinion is as unique as the stars in the sky. I think it’s fair to say the story is as convoluted as ever, and not everyone’s cup of tea. But Kingdom Hearts III offers gameplay that’s a remarkable evolution of the action RPG experience. The Disney worlds, while fewer in number, are much bigger and awe-inducing. They’re serioiusly crazy big it’s so fun to just explore. And Keyblade combat is more varied than ever thanks to the transformations that effectively allow Sora to wield different weapons. And these can be switched on the fly, a new feature for the series. But no Final Fantasy characters, you say? Well we can’t always have everything, I guess.
8. Disney’s Aladdin (1993)
The apple is more than dangerous than the sword. In Disney’s Aladdin, at the very least. Having released in an era where every platform game was excellent, it’s no surprise that Aladdin is one of the best ever released. The story and the gameplay are nothing super original. But if we dismiss the fact that the street urchin can take down thugs by throwing apples, just as easily as slashing them with his swords, Aladdin is a great example of how excellent graphics and smooth 2D animations can make or break a game. I’m pretty sure someone wished to their Genie for this game. No way something like this was possible back in 1993 without some Disney magic.
7. Disney Infinity (2013)
Toys coming to life. A dream come true for children, and adults, of all ages! Disney Infinity is powered by an amazing concept that not only breaks the shackles of straightforward movies, but also takes creativity to extreme levels. Sold with the Infinity Base, Disney Infinity allows you to pick real-life figures and transport them into the game. This is complete with dedicated settings that wonderfully mimick each world that the characters come from. Got a Jack Sparrow figure? Expect to explore a world filled with swashbuckling adventures. Prefer The Incredibles? Get ready to save the world in tight-fitting spandex suits. Want the best of both worlds? Get into Toy Box mode and create the world, and the games, you always dreamt of… but never dared ask for. Infinite possibilities await!
6. Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow (1995)
Donald is a duck of many identities. Superhero in disguise, private detective extraordinaire, and powerful ninja master all in one. Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is probably the best platform game Donald Duck… er, Maui Mallard, ever starred in. Called to a tropical island to recover a stolen mojo idol, you’ll have to traverse different levels each with a complex design, collecting power-ups and defeating bad guys(naturally). After picking up the Yin and Yang symbol, Maui Mallard will turn into the ninja master Cold Shadows, unlocking even more super-duper abilities. Like any bone fide ninja, Cold Shadows does not know what mercy is: play the game now, or suffer the consequences.
5. Goof Troop (1993)
Two is always better than one. Especially if we’re talking about co-op and Goof Troop. Stemming from the animated show by the same name, Goof Troop is a top-down action-adventure game that sees you control either Goofy, or his son Max, as they explore five different islands to save Pete and his son PJ from pirates. A true father-son Disney adventure. While the story and setup is nothing to write home about, the action is extremely fun thanks to the co-op focus, the many different items you can snag along the way, and the clever puzzles that’ll keep you thinking. And that Max is at his max when throwing pots around.
4. Castle of Illusion (1990)
Mickey Mouse’s debut on the stage of 16-bit consoles couldn’t truly have been better. Castle of Illusion is a whimsical and charming 2D platformer starring our beloved mouse. We follow him as he travels to the witch Mizrabel’s castle to rescue Minnie. Traveling through five different worlds with tons of unique designs, Mickey will have to defeat the witch’s henchmen and gather gems to open up the way to Mizrabel tower, and put an end to her reign of illusion. The low challenge level may be a little disappointing for hardcore gamers. But we can close an eye here, given how good the game is. Or maybe not… as closing one eye would prevent you from ogling the amazing graphics, which still look amazing today. Are they real, or just another illusion?
3. DuckTales (1989)
There’s a stranger out to find you. What to do? Just grab on to some DuckTales! Sorry for copypasting the intro’s lyrics. Every time I hear the word DuckTales, that catchy song gets stuck in my head, same with this classic title as well. You’ll be running through Scrooge McDuck’s treasure hunt, which is a lot of damn fun. Just a plain Disney classic. His pogo stick cane is probably one of the most memorable mechanics here. And the epic confrontation against Magica DeSpell and Flintheart Glomgold, boy what a treat. Amazing memories that all gamers should have!
2. Guilty Party (2010)
Disclaimer: I’m not exaggerating here. Guilty Party is the most unique game on this list. And one of the very best. It starts with a funny premise, which sees the Dickens Family Detective Agency go after Mr. Valentine after the kidnapping one of its members. But it’s much more than that. The WiiMote powered gameplay is always a joy to pick up. And the detective game mechanics work incredibly well together with the Wii controller, not to mention the 50 mini-games are not only great fun, but they feature dynamic difficulty settings too. You know, for when your sessions are getting way too intense. With great co-op mechanics to boot, you really can’t go wrong with Guilty Party. Arguably the best Disney game that almost no one ever heard of!
1. Kingdom Hearts II (2005)
What happens when a kid loses his heart? He gets split into two, or something like that. Kingdom Hearts II is, without a doubt, the best entry in the series so far. Following a year-long slumber, Sora, Donald, and Goofy are back in action to deal with the Nobodies and Organization XIII. Heartless are still around too, so there’s plenty to love about this game if you only played the first one. Think of everything you enjoyed about KH1, then add a ton of new worlds, improved battle commands, and new lore. Plus better graphics and new music and new abilities… there’s a lot here. Trying to find some sense in the game’s plot is like trying to understand why we’re born, so don’t waste your energy too much. Granted this video might kinda help. Kinda. But if you can get into KH2 just focus on the nicely-flowing combat controls, still the best the series has ever seen. Plus the beautifully-rendered Disney worlds bring this game to life more than you’d imagine. If you loved Traverse Town, you’ll love Twilight Town all the same.
