When the first Toy Story released in 1995, it was something special. A movie about what toys did when no one was looking was such a unique idea, and it made for a great film the whole family could enjoy. I personally remember loving the toys themselves long before I actually got to see the movie, but the day I came home from school to the VHS tape sitting on the table is a moment I'll never forget. From that point on, Toy Story became one of my regular go-tos, and that still rings true to this day.
Related: Toy Story 3 Complete Edition Review
Although I would watch the movie on repeat and play with the toys, thankfully this wasn't the full extent of the Toy Story series. As with many popular IPs, it didn't take long for the franchise to break out into the world of video games as well. Beginning with the original Toy Story on Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, multiple titles were developed over the years, with many of them becoming largely inaccessible in today's world. However, that has now changed with the release of Toy Story: Retro Roundup.
As the name implies, Retro Roundup is a collection that focuses on the early era of the Toy Story games. It includes titles up through the PlayStation and N64 era, focusing on both console and handheld releases. With eleven titles in all, it is a pretty sizable package to say the least, and it is packed full of bonus material and modern features to help players progress through the sometimes surprisingly challenging games. That said, the games have been left in their original form—with the exception of an additional touched-up version of Toy Story on the SNES—and with that comes their original quirks and hardware restrictions. For some, that might be disappointing to hear, but for others, it will allow them to experience the games just as they remember them, except with a higher resolution.
Ahead of release, Atari and developer Digital Eclipse gave us the opportunity to play through the entire collection, and it was quite the trip to say the least. Many of the games included were in fact a major part of my own childhood, but there were a few I got to experience for the first time as well. While it was great finally playing the ones I missed out on, my biggest surprise came from seeing how my feelings regarding others have changed over the years. While it's really no surprise to see your beloved childhood classics turn into games you no longer care for as you get older, for me, it was actually the opposite here. I went into this collection fully expecting to dislike specific titles, but in the end, I found that was no longer the case!
That said, there is a lot to love here, but not everything is a gem, and everyone will surely have a different experience. Nostalgia will play a role for many, but even newcomers will be in for a fun time.
Toy Story (Genesis):
The first game in the Retro Roundup collection is none other than the original Toy Story for the Sega Genesis, and it is the main highlight of the bunch. Released in November 1995, Toy Story was the first video game adaptation for the movie franchise—in fact, it actually launched between the film's initial premiere and its worldwide release. Using still images from the movie itself, the game recreated the main story while putting players in control of Woody himself. Beginning with Woody and his friends in Andy's room, each level of the game has a distinct goal, making it a bit different from a typical platformer. Stage one, for instance, is all about leading the army men to a baby monitor so they can take it downstairs to spy on Andy's birthday party. From there, the toys must get back into their original positions as a timer counts down to Andy's return, which then brings us to the main conflict—the arrival of the new toy, Buzz Lightyear.
One of the things that has always stood out the most about the original Toy Story game is its overall presentation. Woody himself was created from his original movie model, while the environment consisted of rendered 3D objects with additional effects applied to make the world pop out a lot more. The Sega Genesis had a limit on colors, but Toy Story broke past these limitations to help make the title much more vibrant. In addition to the standard platforming stages, a full pseudo-3D "Doom-style" level was included, along with a 3D kart racing stage that puts Woody on top of the character RC. It is these drastic changes to gameplay that make Toy Story a unique experience from beginning to end, and to this day, it remains an impressive feat.
When it comes to the standard gameplay, there's no denying that Toy Story isn't an easy game. Woody can run and jump like in any platformer, but your main defense is wrapping up enemy toys with your pull string. Objects can be difficult to avoid, and precise platforming is required from time to time, with an option to swing from set points as well. Strangely, some of the later levels are easier than the earlier ones, leading to some unexpected difficulty spikes. With Retro Roundup including a rewind function and save states, things can be made a lot easier, but I can't help but wonder how I ever made it through this game as a kid.
Overall, Toy Story might not be able to stand up to other platformer classics from that era, but it is still an enjoyable, solid platformer that remains entertaining from beginning to end.
Toy Story (SNES):
Following the release of the Sega Genesis version, Toy Story arrived on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System a month later and included multiple changes.
The biggest differences came from the SNES's larger color palette, which allowed for more detailed stages and improvements to the 3D effect; however, as a tradeoff, this version of the game is missing the "Day-Toy-Na" RC stage from the Genesis release. Additionally, the controls and hit detection are not quite as tight, and the classic song "You've Got a Friend in Me" is not featured as well. Outside of this, the two versions are mostly identical, and players are free to pick their personal favorite.
Fans of the North American release will also be happy to know that this collection includes both the NA and EU versions of the title, along with an additional "Ultimate Edition." This version uses the NA release as a base while restoring the missing collectible stars. It is the ideal way to experience the SNES release, but the original two regional versions are still included as well.
Toy Story (Game Boy)
Toy Story on the Game Boy is technically impressive, but that is really where the compliments end. Released in 1996, the title was a handheld remake of the original, which naturally required a lot of downscaling. The game features black-and-white graphics, less detailed sprites, a smaller screen size to work with, and revised physics that make the gameplay feel slow and quite a bit harder to control. Of course, this was fairly common for Game Boy ports back in the day, and while many of us were willing to put up with these limitations simply because playing video games on the go was such a novel concept, there isn't much reason to return to them today. That's not to say there aren't many amazing Game Boy titles still worth experiencing, but Toy Story isn't one of them—especially now that it's bundled alongside the original console versions.
That said, those nostalgic for the game will be happy to know that there are multiple Game Boy display filters available, including the classic green screen look and pure black-and-white. Again, the rewind and save-state functions make the game much more manageable, so those who were never able to finish it in the past might finally be able to do so. Even so, Toy Story for the Game Boy is truly only worth playing for those who grew up with the original, though new players might still want to check it out just to see what the developers were able to accomplish back in 1996.
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue (PlayStation)
The second "must-play" game included in the collection is none other than Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue.
Originally released in 1999, the game was once again a direct adaptation of Toy Story 2 and arrived shortly after the film's debut. Featuring fully animated clips from the movie itself, it follows Buzz Lightyear as he sets off to save Woody, who has been stolen during a yard sale. The game takes place entirely from Buzz's perspective, with the stages themselves containing original mini-plotlines and objectives that need to be completed. Rather than being a 2D side-scroller, this title signified the series' leap into 3D, with each stage consisting of a semi-open-ended area.
Beginning in Andy's house, players get to explore the environment while searching for Pizza Planet Tokens, which are used to unlock new stages. Buzz can jump, double jump, ground pound, spin attack, and shoot his laser at enemies, but he can also swing from ropes and climb up poles. This full range of movement is required to progress through each area, with some of the platforming feeling more like a puzzle. Goals are typically not too difficult to complete, but finding them requires searching every nook and cranny of the world, with certain areas remaining inaccessible until a specific power-up gadget is unlocked. Thankfully, the stage select screen can be accessed at any time, so returning to older areas isn't an issue, giving you options on how to progress if you hit a roadblock. The number of tokens you have is what matters most here, with only a single token required from a stage to potentially move forward.
As for the levels, each one is unique, with most set in iconic locations from Toy Story 2. Although some represent minor moments in the film, they've been reimagined into full-sized levels. This is where the game differs from the source material, but it perfectly captures what it would feel like to be a toy exploring a human-sized world. These maps felt a lot larger to me when I was playing as a kid, but even as an adult, I love their design and can easily see why it used to be one of my favorite games. That said, there's no denying that the controls can take some getting used to and the camera is often your worst enemy, but it remains a fun, charming platformer that accomplished exactly what it set out to do.
Toy Story 2 (Game Boy Color)
Following the trend of the first Toy Story game, Toy Story 2 also received a Game Boy Color release, but as a completely different title.
Unable to recreate the 3D experience on the hardware, Toy Story 2 is a classic platformer that once again readapts the events of the original film. Surprisingly, the game was playable on both the original Game Boy and the Game Boy Color, and Retro Roundup allows players to choose between the standard full-color option or playing the game in black and white. These are purely visual differences, so once again it comes down to personal preference, but in general, there isn't much reason to switch over to the standard Game Boy view.
Thanks to the hardware's limited buttons, the controls in Toy Story 2 take a bit to get used to. Buzz can shoot his laser to immobilize enemy toys—which strangely includes his friends, such as Rex—while the second button is used for jumping, running, and climbing. The action performed depends on whether you are moving or standing still, and it honestly feels very awkward. Thankfully, a lot of the platforming involves climbing up nearby objects or simply jumping from high places to reach your destination, but finding all the collectibles in a stage is a bit more demanding. In another strange design choice, Buzz's wings are also mapped to the same multi-use button and can only be used under very specific conditions. "Flying" is required to fully complete some of the stages, and discovering how to do so is completely up to you—in the first stage's case, Buzz must stand on the footboard behind the bed. How was anyone supposed to figure this out? That's a good question, but after spending countless hours on level one as a kid, I eventually stumbled across it!
Putting aside the awkward controls and sometimes cryptic level solutions, the game features highly detailed animations, which add a special charm. It doesn't make it any more fun to play, but you can't help but appreciate the level of detail put into it. Even running off the roof in one of the early levels results in a unique animation that many players might completely miss, and that is just one example. There's no denying that a lot of love was put into developing this game, but again, that doesn't make it a must-play title. It is a special part of my own childhood, but it isn't a game I plan on returning to again. Still, it was a nice trip down memory lane.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (PlayStation)
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command is the second 3D game included in the collection, and it is unlike anything else that came before it. Rather than being based on one of the movies, it is a video game adaptation of the cartoon series, which ran for 62 episodes between late 2000 and early 2001. Each stage is based on episodes from the series and comes complete with clips from the show as well. Although there is a quick briefing to explain the basics of who each villain is, the game relies on the player’s knowledge of the source material to tell its story. That said, the gameplay is the main focus here, and it is where the game will shine for some and fall flat for others.
Rather than being a platformer like the previous titles, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command can best be described as an arcade-style, third-person shooter. Players take control of Buzz as they navigate him through linear stages with a semi-fixed camera angle. Enemies litter each stage, and taking them out allows you to pick up currency, which can then be used to open special item boxes to gain new weapons. Each weapon has its own use—with some being more effective against specific types of enemies—but as a tradeoff, they have limited ammo. Other power-ups include Buzz’s jetpack, which allows him to fly over gaps, launchpads to access additional areas, and hoverboards to speed through the levels even faster. Despite having multiple paths to take and hidden items to locate, there is a time limit, and the bosses themselves will race you to the end of the stage. Every little boost can make a major difference. This is where the game’s true challenge comes into play, as you must not only memorize the fastest routes to the end, but you must also figure out which weapons or items to pick up along the way. Upon reaching the boss, you will find they have shields that can only be taken down using specific weapon types, which is another crucial factor to keep in mind.
In addition to the standard playthrough of each level, challenge modes are available featuring speedrun challenges and item hunt missions. These provide extra replay value for each level and require you to completely master the stages to succeed. Again, this isn’t an easy game by any means, and it will take quite a bit of practice before you get the hang of each level. In some ways, it is actually a bit surprising that this was designed for kids who loved the cartoon—the final fight especially tests every fiber of your being. However, a lot of games back in the day were designed to prevent players from renting them and beating them in a single weekend, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command is a perfect example of that.
I’ll admit that I do have bitter memories of the game from when I was a kid, as it was the title I was playing when my first PlayStation met its unfortunate end. After waiting over a year to be able to play it again, it just didn’t click with me. Back then, I was hoping for something similar to Toy Story 2, which it obviously was not. As an adult, however, I have a newfound appreciation for what the game set out to do, and I did enjoy my time with it. It took me nearly 26 years, but thanks to this collection, I have finally seen the credits roll, and I can see myself coming back to complete all of the challenges—something that is much easier said than done.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (Game Boy Color)
The Game Boy Color version of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command was a completely new experience for me, and I can best describe it as "pure chaos."
Adapting the linear stage structure of the PlayStation release, the game is a top-down shooter where players constantly move forward, dodge a barrage of gunfire, and take on the boss at the end. Although Buzz cannot turn around, there is a jump button for crossing gaps or obstacles, and a wide range of weapons can be picked up and used. As for the enemies, they are everywhere, and players can expect to take plenty of damage as they advance toward the end of the stage.
Thankfully, healing items are generous and can be found nearly every step of the way, but the game can still be quite a challenge. In some ways, it does a decent job of translating the 3D title's gameplay to the handheld console; however, it becomes very repetitive by the end. That, mixed with the game's restrictive controls, makes this one a bit harder to recommend, especially when the "main" version is accessible within the same package.
Toy Story Racer (PlayStation)
The final 3D Toy Story title included in Retro Roundup is Toy Story Racer, which, as its name implies, is a racing game. Not just that, however—it might possibly be the biggest highlight of the entire collection and can make the entire package worth it on its own, something I never expected considering this was my first time playing.
As one might expect, Toy Story Racer is a “kart racer,” but with a Toy Story twist. Rather than featuring standard karts, all of the characters drive RC cars, which gives the controls a very distinct feel. Turning is snappy, allowing the cars to turn on a dime, while standard “drifting” is basically non-existent. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, the racing becomes very satisfying! But that is only the beginning.
The game itself pulls inspiration from both Toy Story films available at the time and includes iconic locations such as Sid’s house and Pizza Planet. One surprise, however, was the inclusion of Andy’s house, which is taken directly from Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue, with some alterations to transform it into a circuit race. It was great seeing this iconic location return in a new way, and it instantly brought a smile to my face! Moving past that, what truly surprised me was the sheer amount of content featured in the game, making it the largest title in the entire collection.
Rather than having a standard race mode for its main “campaign,” Toy Story Racer features 200 challenges split up among multiple characters. Some challenges are single races, which can include special rules such as knockout races, while others consist of a full Grand Prix or tournament where you must come out on top. A battle mode is included as well. This wide variety of challenges keeps the game from getting stale, with plenty of unlockables to obtain along the way. That isn’t even taking into account the multiplayer mode, which provides even more replay value. Those who wish to truly do everything will have a long road ahead of them, but it is well worth it.
Toy Story Racer (Game Boy Color)
Following the pattern of every other game in this collection, Toy Story Racer also had a Game Boy Color release, and it is pretty impressive.
Rather than being a top-down racer like most titles on the platform, Toy Story Racer uses pre-rendered "3D" videos for its tracks, where players simply move left and right across the screen as they progress through the world. While it does replicate the RC car feel from the PlayStation version, that is mainly only felt when going around turns, and there is no turning around. The pre-rendered nature means you are always moving forward, with crashing into walls simply slowing you down.
It also is not anywhere near as long as the "main" release, with only a handful of tracks to race through, but it is a novel little title that is worth playing at least once. Again, this is another example where those who are nostalgic for it will gain more enjoyment, but even newcomers can appreciate what it was able to accomplish.
A Bug's Life (PlayStation)
Outside of the Toy Story entries in the collection, Retro Roundup includes two A Bug’s Life games as a bonus—with the first being A Bug’s Life for the PlayStation.
A Bug’s Life was yet another one of my childhood favorites, and diving back in for the first time in over 25 years was a strange feeling, to say the least. Visually, the game definitely shows its age, and the awkward camera and low draw distance can make exploration a bit more challenging than it should be, but overall it is still a fun puzzle platformer.
In the game, players take control of the ant Flik, the lead character from the movie, as he navigates multiple stages on his search for a way to stop the grasshoppers that are terrorizing his colony. The first stage takes place below the tree—the very same one featured in the flashback in Toy Story 2—before moving into the anthill, and eventually to the surrounding areas, including "Bug City." Within each stage, players can collect grain and the letters F-L-I-C-K, but completing a main goal is required to advance to the next area. However, it is how these stages are completed that makes A Bug’s Life unique, as they become more of a puzzle rather than typical platforming stages.
While Flik can throw berries to attack and bounce off enemies by default, he also has the ability to pick up seeds and "transform" them into different types of plants as needed. This is done by finding special icons of different colors hidden throughout each stage and holding onto the seed itself to change its color. By default, brown seeds can be grown into mushrooms to bounce off of, green seeds become leaf platforms, and special ones like blue seeds become plants that provide item resources. By using and growing these different plants, Flik can gain access to additional areas of stages, which typically contain more items that further upgrade what a seed can be turned into. Mushrooms, for example, can eventually become dandelions, which Flik can then grab hold of to float across gaps, and the berry-shooting plant can be upgraded to shoot stronger berries high into the sky. Eventually, a "correct" combo of plants will need to be grown to access out-of-reach areas or to kill stronger enemies, and it is up to you to figure out exactly what is needed. At times it can be frustrating, especially when the draw distance prevents you from seeing a key piece of the puzzle, but it is also an interesting mechanic that is incorporated into the levels themselves quite well. Though some seeds are locked into place, others can be freely moved, allowing you to create your own solutions to your problems.
Overall, A Bug's Life is an interesting platformer from days gone by and, despite its issues, is yet another title worth investing time into.
A Bug's Life (Game Boy Color)
The final game included in Retro Roundup is the Game Boy Color version of A Bug's Life. This title released prior to the Game Boy Color version of Toy Story 2 and served as its base. As such, A Bug's Life shares a lot in common with it, but it is also much more straightforward in comparison. Levels are linear and pretty generic overall, with a few sections where Flik rides on the back of Dim instead. Your main actions are to run and jump, but picking up a berry allows you to throw it at grasshoppers to defend yourself. Outside of this, most of the game is spent hopping onto leaves that serve as platforms and making your way to the right side of the screen. While the visuals and animations are nice, the game is once again nothing too special, and its slow, clunky movement holds it back. It is not a bad game by any means, but there are other Game Boy Color platformers that proved the device was capable of much more.
Retro Roundup Extras:
Outside of the games included in the collection, Retro Roundup includes 3D boxes of each title that can be viewed, artwork and scans of promotional material, and multiple behind-the-scenes videos for the games and the Toy Story series—such as an interview with Jim Hanks, Tom Hanks's brother and the voice of Woody in everything outside of the movies, including toys, games, promotions, and even the official Disney Parks. The videos are a fun watch for sure, and the gallery provides an instant blast of nostalgia. There isn't a lot to view overall, but it is still very much worth checking out.
Outside of these bonuses, each title includes a Cheat Mode and the ability to use guided playthroughs to help you through challenging sections of the game and teach you how to progress. Using cheats will disable in-game achievements/trophies, so keep that in mind before using them, but they are a great way to get through the games if you truly need help. On the other hand, save states and the rewind feature will not impact earning achievements, so players who make mistakes can simply undo them. While I didn't use the cheat mode my first time through each title, it was fun to come back to just to mess around, with abilities like Super Jump always being available in A Bug's Life.
Should you play it?
Toy Story: Retro Roundup is everything a Toy Story fan could have wanted it to be without being a full-on remake of the classics. Every major Toy Story console release is included, with multiple filters and resolutions to choose from, as well as the ability to save anywhere or rewind gameplay. With a full-on Cheat Mode and guided playthroughs to help get past difficult sections—which the collection has plenty of—it is designed in a way that allows everyone to make it to the end. That said, not all titles are truly worth playing in this day and age, but they remain pieces of gaming history and can be appreciated as such. Back when it first released, Toy Story on Game Boy was impressive, but when you have access to the main console versions in this collection, there isn't much reason to go back and play it. Toy Story 2 on Game Boy Color can be especially frustrating with its cryptic stages, and I am personally not a fan; however, it was a major part of my childhood, so it carries that nostalgia factor for me. The same can be said about most of this collection, as its appeal will vary from person to person, but even newcomers will be able to enjoy these all-time classics. The collection serves as a great way to introduce them to a new generation as well.
While each game has its rough spots, the original Toy Story, Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!, and Toy Story Racer are all must-plays, and I'd even argue that A Bug's Life on PlayStation deserves a spot on that list despite its tricky camera and low draw distance. They are all fun games in their own right, and if they do not click with you, there is no shame in skipping them. Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, on the other hand, is a vastly different title compared to the rest and will not click with everyone either. As a child, I didn't like it at all, but as an adult, I actually enjoyed my time with it—a pleasant surprise I wasn't expecting going into this review! Not everyone will see it that way, however, but there's no harm in at least giving it a chance.
Overall, Toy Story: Retro Roundup is a great collection of the Toy Story and A Bug's Life titles that defined many of our childhoods, as well as a perfect introduction for a new generation. While some games included are a bit hit-or-miss, others are all-time classics and are just as fun as many of us remember!
VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Review Copy was Provided
Available On: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5,
Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
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