Released in 1999, Disney’s Tarzan for the Nintendo 64 (N64) brought the excitement of the beloved animated film to gaming consoles, delivering a fun and adventurous experience for fans of both the movie and platformer games. If you grew up in the '90s or early 2000s, you might have fond memories of swinging through the jungle with Tarzan, dodging enemies, and collecting bananas. But if you're new to the game, you're in for a nostalgic treat!
Disney’s Tarzan is a fast-paced, side-scrolling platformer that stays true to the storyline of the 1999 animated movie. The game features a young Tarzan as he navigates through dense jungles, treacherous terrain, and encounters with wild animals. Players are immersed in the world of Tarzan as they play through key moments from the movie, with the primary goal being to guide Tarzan from boyhood to becoming the “King of the Jungle.”
The gameplay in Tarzan N64 is straightforward but highly engaging. Players control Tarzan, who can run, jump, swing on vines, and throw fruit to defend himself against enemies. Each level is based on a scene from the film, and players have to dodge obstacles, defeat enemies, and collect items along the way. From leaping across cliffs to sliding down jungle vines, the game keeps you on your toes!
The controls in Disney’s Tarzan for the Nintendo 64 are user-friendly, making it easy for players of all ages to dive into the action. You use the analog stick to move Tarzan, and buttons for jumping, attacking, or interacting with objects. As you progress, you unlock new moves and abilities, allowing Tarzan to face tougher enemies and overcome more challenging obstacles. The game does a good job of keeping things fresh as you move through different environments.
While the N64 wasn’t known for its high-resolution graphics, Tarzan made the most of what the console could offer at the time. The jungle environments are lush and vibrant, capturing the feel of the animated movie. Character models, including Tarzan himself, are well-designed, and the animation is smooth for a game of this era. The game features cinematic sequences that mirror scenes from the movie, which adds an extra layer of immersion.
The soundtrack is another highlight, borrowing heavily from the film’s score, including the hit Phil Collins songs that were an integral part of the movie. The music enhances the overall experience, giving each level an authentic, atmospheric feel as you journey deeper into the jungle.
One of the fun aspects of Disney’s Tarzan N64 game is its level of challenge. Each level offers a mix of enemies, puzzles, and obstacles that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking. There are also hidden collectibles scattered throughout the levels, such as letters that spell out “TARZAN,” encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny.
While the main storyline can be completed in a few hours, the game's replayability lies in its collectibles and hidden areas. Completionists will enjoy going back to previous levels to find items they missed the first time around.
If you’re a fan of classic platformers like Super Mario 64 or Donkey Kong 64, you’ll likely enjoy Tarzan. The game is designed to appeal to both younger players and nostalgic adults who grew up with the movie. It’s a great option for families looking for an entertaining game that’s not too complicated but still offers a fair amount of challenge.
Although it’s been more than two decades since its release, Disney’s Tarzan for the N64 remains a beloved title for many fans of retro gaming. Its charming visuals, faithful recreation of the movie’s storyline, and fun, accessible gameplay make it a great choice for anyone looking to relive some gaming nostalgia or introduce younger players to classic platformers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or just a retro gamer looking for a solid platformer, Disney’s Tarzan is worth playing. The journey from boy to jungle hero is as exciting now as it was in 1999.
In addition to the Nintendo 64, Disney’s Tarzan was released on platforms like PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and Windows PC. Each version had slightly different features, but the core gameplay remains the same.
Physical copies of Disney’s Tarzan for N64 can be harder to find today, but retro game shops and online marketplaces like eBay often have listings. Be prepared for variable pricing, as retro games can sometimes be pricey depending on condition and rarity.
Currently, there isn’t an official re-release of the game on modern consoles. However, emulators or retro gaming services may offer a way to experience the game again.
