Note: This review is based on the non-Switch releases. The Switch and Switch 2 had two extra games (Goof Troop and Bonkers) not included in the other ports.

Sometimes, game makers like to release collections of their prior work. Sometimes it's to make available games released on defunct platforms, other times it's to give a new generation a chance to experience their older work. Both reasons are occasionally combined, as is the case for The Disney Afternoon Collection.

First, some background. During the 90s, Disney was well known for their animated cartoon series. Noting the popularity of video gaming, they decided to release several video games to tie into the cartoons and, obviously enough, earn more revenue from the kids who enjoyed their cartoons. Wisely, they contracted out their games to Capcom, a company that had proven competent at making games.

The resulting games are (in release order) as follows: DuckTales is a side-scroller platformer featuring Scrooge McDuck as the protagonist. Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers is another side scroller, featuring not only the ability to play as either of the titular characters, but also allowing for cooperative play for 2 players. Talespin is something of the odd one out, being a side-scrolling shooter. Darkwing Duck returns to being a side-scroller, and it is very similar to Mega Man in style of play. DuckTales 2 basically features even more gameplay for the returning Scrooge McDuck. Finally, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 has expanded gameplay for the 2-player cooperative modes.

With the exception of TaleSpin, most of the games in this collection are 2D platformer games. Players will have to move from various platforms, defeat or evade enemies, and avoid various hazards. TaleSpin is a 2D shooter in which the player has to guide their flying craft through various obstacles and shoot down other aerial foes. All the games in this collection were designed for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). That means they typically had two action buttons, a directional pad, a pause button (Start), and some used the Select button for certain game functions. Overall, while some games in this collection can be difficult, none of them are difficult to learn.

Some new features exist in this collection. Since the games are basically running in an emulator, the player can rewind time if they make mistakes and even make use of save states. An in-game museum allows the player to hear the game soundtracks and see their concept art. Finally, the player can compete against other players' scores in the new Boss Rush and Time Attack modes.

Graphically, these games use an 8-bit cartoony pixel graphics style. If you watched the source cartoons the games are based on, these titles are as accurate as the NES graphical engine allowed. And that’s actually pretty good. There are options to play the games in 4:3 perspective (with letterboxing), full/widescreen, and even with a CRT-style filter to emulate CRT televisions at the time of release.

The sounds and music are all done in the 8-bit NES style. Many of the soundtracks and sound effects are ported nigh directly from their source cartoon, obviously minus the voiceovers. As someone who watched all the cartoons this collection is based on, the sound job is quite faithful.

This collection can be played with a keyboard and mouse or any Steam-supported controller. While the keys are fairly simple and remappable, the controller is going to be the best choice. The games in this collection were platformers designed around the NES controller. While most modern controllers are somewhat less stiff than the NES controller was, the game still reacts to input as it did on the NES. That isn’t a bad thing, but less experienced players of platform games will get a lot of use out of the rewind and save states features.

This title runs natively on Microsoft Windows. It will run on Linux via Steam Proton and is Verified for the Steam Deck. The requirements for this game are very modest. If you can play Solitaire on your computer, you can run this collection very easily.

Morally, there isn’t too much to be concerned about.

Violence is incredibly cartoonish. No one dies or leaves messy remains. It’s as slapstick-looking as the cartoons it adapts. There is no foul language or sexual content.

Some enemies, especially in some of the DuckTales games, are cartoonish portrayals of ghosts and mummies, but that’s about it. There are also some portrayals of smoking.

Overall, this collection was a fun throwback to my childhood. Technically, it’s pretty solid. Morally, any child and up could handle the themes just fine. If you want some nostalgia, like Disney stuff, or just want some decent retro platformer fun, then pick this game up.