Disney, for a simple explanation, is a powerhouse of movies, shows, tv channels, and surprisingly games with their connection and collaboration to the Kingdom Heart series. However, before Kingdom Hearts was an actual concept or thought process, Disney had a knack for making simple side-scrolling games based on their movies. Namely, Aladdin and The Lion King.
The 1993 Aladdin video game came out a year after the animated movie of the same name was released in 1992. It was put out for the SNES as a 2D side scrolling action adventure that followed the plot of the movie, letting players take control of both Aladdin and his monkey side-kick Abu. It was originally created by Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil, Resident Evil 4, The Evil Within), and since its release has been a beloved classic with some great level designs.
Following up is the release of The Lion King, as both the movie and the game shared the same release year of 1994. It too was a 2D side scrolling action adventure that followed the same plot as the movie, with players taking control of Simba as he made his way through his life. However, while not as well beloved as the Aladdin game, it was still popular having come out on both the SNES and the Genesis.
However, during video created by GameXplain, and a tweet that was released by @wolverinefactor, here:
These two classic 16-bit side scrolling adventure games look like they’ll be heading to modern consoles. Both will be getting an upgraded HD set-up that will have both great visuals and great performance with the new consoles. As well as be receiving a whole slew of new content to add some new aspects on the classics.
Firstly, Aladdin will be getting the “final cut” version, as well as a “trade show demo” that hasn’t been seen publicly since the games first release in 1993. Along with these additions will be modern mechanics that players can choose to have or play the original classic version of the game. The modern mechanics are an instant save state, a “rewind” button that allows players to go back up to 15 seconds of gametime to replay something (or save themselves), infinite lives, and an Interactive Game Viewer that allows them to use original cheat codes in game. And finally, an interactive “museum” will be added that shows off art, music, behind-the-scenes, and interviews of both the Aladdin and The Lion King games.
Both 16-bit classics will be getting a boxed released on October 29, 2019 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The physical copies will be priced at $29.99 with pre-orders at any major retailer.