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A PS5 code was provided to GamingPizza for this review. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
As someone who grew up in the era of Nickelodeon’s golden age, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland immediately drew me in with its promise of both 8-bit nostalgia and a shiny new HD coat of paint. I was able to play a demo of the game at PAX West 2023, where I struggled. Substantially. Maybe it was the 8-bit platforming not being totally dialed in yet. Maybe it was the fact that it was midnight, and I’d been taking full advantage of the open bar at the press event prior to The Mix Showcase. We may never know, but in its demo stage, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was extremely hard.
So would the retro-style platformer hold up with its full release, or would it stumble under the weight of its 90s inspiration?
While Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland arguably succeeds in what it sets out to achieve, the trip back to the early 90s comes with joys, frustrations, and plenty of challenges. If you’re looking for a nostalgic romp with all the charm of Rugrats, this game delivers—but not without reminding you why some mechanics are best left in the past.
Jumping Back to the Golden Era of Nickelodeon
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland taps into nostalgia in a way few games do. From the moment I booted it up, I felt like I was transported back to the early days of Nickelodeon—complete with Reptar, the gang’s trusty screwdriver, and even nods to iconic (and unhinged) episodes like the nightmare sippy cup. The game is jam-packed with Easter eggs that will make any long-time fan smile.
The art design is spot-on, especially in HD mode. It looks like the Rugrats cartoon was pulled directly from the screen and turned into a video game. Characters are lovingly recreated in both modern and 8-bit forms, and the ability to toggle between the two styles is a genius touch. It’s hard not to feel like you’re reliving the 90s when you’re bouncing between the two visual modes.
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The game’s dedication to capturing the Rugrats vibe is easily its greatest strength. From the sound design to the playful environments, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland feels like an authentic tribute to the era. As far as nostalgia goes, this might be one of the most immersive gaming experiences I’ve had in a long time. It pulls you back into the world of Nickelodeon’s golden age—and that’s no small feat.
Platforming Like it’s 1991
At its core, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a side-scrolling platformer. And while the platforming is fun, it’s also tough—especially if you choose to play in 8-bit mode. The game’s difficulty is intentional, designed to feel like the NES and GameBoy era when platformers were notoriously hard.
You can play as one of four characters—Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, or Lil—each with different abilities. Tommy, for example, has better jumping skills, while Chuckie is a little slower but stronger. The variety is nice, but the differences between characters is pretty minimal. Sure, some jumps were a bit easier with Tommy, but for the most part, you can pick your favorite baby and not notice much change in how the game plays.
The challenge, though, comes not just from the characters but from the level design. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland feels like it was ripped straight out of the late 80s, with mechanics like enemies respawning as soon as you move between screens, or the precision required when jumping from one platform to another. The level design and two-button control scheme is unabashedly unapologetic. Again, it’s clearly an intentional throwback to an era when games were designed this way.
And there’s a certain charm to that difficulty. The game doesn’t hold your hand (who needs a tutorial, anyways?), and that old-school challenge might appeal to those who crave the punishing platformers of the past. But for those of us who aren’t looking to relive every tough lesson from the NES days, the game will likely start to feel more frustrating than fun.
HD Graphics: The Real Star of the Show
I already mentioned it, but it bears repeating. If there’s one thing Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland nails, it’s the HD art. The game’s modern graphics are an absolute delight, bringing the Rugrats world to life in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. The character models look like they were lifted straight from the cartoon, and the vibrant environments—from the kitchen to the attic—are brimming with detail.
While the 8-bit style is a fun nod to the NES era, I found myself sticking with HD mode more often than not. It’s just that gorgeous. The crispness of the visuals makes you feel like you’re playing in a modern cartoon world, and that’s something few retro-inspired games can pull off.
The game also shines is in its couch co-op mode. It supports two-player co-op, which makes for some good old-fashioned fun. Playing with a friend adds a layer of teamwork and strategy as you navigate the levels together, and it definitely brings back the joy of sitting on the couch with a buddy and tackling levels side by side. I’ll be excited to introduce my kids to the game when they’re old enough to hold their own.
A Baby’s Gotta Do What a Baby’s Gotta Do
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is an affectionate, unapologetic throwback to the early 90s. Its stunning HD visuals and nostalgic charm make it a joy for long-time fans of the franchise, while its old-school mechanics and, admittedly, slightly frustrating level design harken pack to, ironically, simper times.
In the end, this game does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver a heavy dose of nostalgia wrapped in a fun package. For fans of the Rugrats and retro gaming enthusiasts, it’s worth the trip down memory lane.
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