Disney's DuckTales 2 NES: A Hidden Gem Worth Finding

Remember those afternoons glued to the TV, watching Scrooge McDuck and his nephews globetrot for treasure? For many of us retro gamers, that magic extended to the Nintendo Entertainment System. While the first DuckTales NES game is legendary, its sequel, Disney's DuckTales 2 NES, often gets a bit less spotlight. Released late in the NES's life cycle, it's a fantastic follow-up that deserves every bit of praise its predecessor received. Let's dust off that cartridge (or fire up a collection) and revisit this delightful adventure.

The Sequel Steps Up

Capcom, the masters of 8-bit Disney magic, brought DuckTales 2 to the Famicom and NES in 1993. It arrived when many gamers were already looking towards the 16-bit future, which perhaps explains its slightly lower profile compared to the first game. Despite this, it retained the core charm and challenging, non-linear platforming that made the original so beloved. It wasn't just a rehash; it built upon the foundation with clever new ideas.

More Than Just a Cane Bounce

The core gameplay loop feels familiar – Scrooge still uses his trusty cane like a pogo stick to bounce on enemies and reach high places. However, DuckTales 2 introduced some neat upgrades to Scrooge's toolkit:

• Cane Upgrades: Gyro Gearloose is back, offering enhancements like a stronger cane that can smash tougher blocks or a hook accessory to swing across gaps. These weren't just cosmetic; they unlocked new paths and secrets in previously visited levels, encouraging exploration.
• Interactive Objects: Scrooge could now use his cane to pull levers, push blocks, and even use cannons! This added a layer of environmental puzzle-solving.
• Revisiting Levels: Unlike the first game where levels were mostly one-and-done, DuckTales 2 allowed you to return to stages. This was crucial for finding hidden items, accessing areas unlocked by upgrades, and hunting for those elusive map pieces.
• The Shop: A welcome addition was a shop where Scrooge could spend his hard-earned cash on helpful items like health refills or extra lives after completing a level.

These additions made the gameplay feel deeper and more rewarding, building on the already solid mechanics of the original.

Scrooge's Expanded Treasure Hunt

The plot kicks off when Huey discovers a piece of a treasure map drawn by Scrooge's own father, Fergus McDuck. This sets Scrooge off on a global quest to find the remaining pieces and the legendary treasure, all while the ever-scheming Flintheart Glomgold is hot on his heels.

The journey takes you to diverse and memorable locations:

• Niagara Falls: Navigating treacherous waterfalls and caves.
• A Pirate Ship: Exploring a sunken vessel in the Bermuda Triangle.
• Mu: An ancient, mystical lost continent.
• Egypt: Delving into dusty tombs filled with mummies.
• Scotland: Investigating spooky castles back home.

Each level is beautifully designed, packed with secrets, and culminates in a boss fight guarding a piece of the map or a valuable treasure. Finding all the map pieces isn't mandatory to finish the game, but it unlocks a secret final stage and a special ending, adding great replay value for completionists.

Why It's a Collector's Gem

Due to its late release and smaller production run, original copies of Disney's DuckTales 2 NES are significantly rarer and more valuable than the first game. This has made it a sought-after item for NES collectors. While it might not have had the initial splash of its predecessor, reviews at the time were generally positive, praising its refined gameplay and graphics, even if some noted its relatively short length for experienced players. It's a testament to Capcom's skill that they could deliver such a polished experience even as the 8-bit era was winding down.

Still Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely! The charm, tight controls, and satisfying exploration of DuckTales 2 hold up remarkably well. If you don't have an original NES cartridge (and let's be honest, they're pricey!), you can still experience this gem. It's included in The Disney Afternoon Collection, a fantastic compilation available digitally on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, which also features the first DuckTales, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 1 & 2, and Darkwing Duck. This collection is a perfect way to legally and conveniently play DuckTales 2 and other Capcom Disney classics.

FAQ

• Is DuckTales 2 on NES better than the first game? It's subjective! DuckTales 2 builds on the original with new mechanics and features like cane upgrades and a shop, offering a slightly deeper experience. The first game is perhaps more iconic, but the sequel is arguably more refined.
• Why is the DuckTales 2 NES cartridge so expensive? Its high price is due to its relative rarity. Released late in the NES's life cycle, fewer copies were produced compared to the first game.
• Can I play DuckTales 2 on modern consoles? Yes! It's available as part of The Disney Afternoon Collection on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
• Do I need to play the first DuckTales before DuckTales 2? Not necessarily for the story, as it's a standalone adventure. However, playing the first game will make you appreciate the gameplay refinements introduced in the sequel.

A Worthy Follow-Up

Disney's DuckTales 2 for the NES might live in the shadow of its famous older sibling, but it's a brilliant game in its own right. It took everything great about the original and added smart improvements, resulting in a challenging, rewarding, and incredibly fun platformer. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering it through The Disney Afternoon Collection, Scrooge's second 8-bit quest is a treasure worth seeking out. Woo-hoo!