"DuckTales: Remastered" plays heavily on nostalgia

"DuckTales" is one of those legendary video games that gamers remember with such fondness that the non-continuation of the series and lack of re-releases since its 1989 debut borders on painful. More than 20 years later, developer WayForward Technologies aims to ease our suffering with "DuckTales: Remastered" -- not simply a port of the original title, but a complete high-definition overhaul.

Not only has WayForward updated the visuals to a more modern interpretation of the cartoon's aesthetic, it has also padded the experience with tons of story elements complete with voice-over work. Cut-scenes from the 1980s television show play heavily on nostalgia. In practice, however, the severe overabundance of gameplay-stopping cut-scenes ruins the experience and proves to be far too much of a good thing.

This one complaint aside, the game is faithfully adapted from the original. The same classic mechanics are in place and pogoing around the world collecting hidden treasures is just as fun as it was on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Or rather it would be if not for the aggravatingly fun-stopping cut-scenes that plague every nook and cranny of every stage.

The real shame here is that while these incessant cut-scenes can be skipped in the pause menu, they are such a constant annoyance that players new to the game will never get any true appreciation for the original's gameplay.

The game offers plenty of gratification for fans of the 1989 title and the original cartoon itself, but younger gamers may find little to hold their attention without any pre-existing attachment to the original game or the characters.

"DuckTales: Remastered" is rated "E" for everyone by the ESRB and is available now for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U.