Darkwing Duck is a Disney animated feature set in an alternate “duckverse” from Ducktales. Launchpad McQuack and Gizmoduck both appear each show, in similar positions of life, but are considered different characters. That means two different universes to deal with here. Think of Darkwing Duck maybe as a DC Comics Elseworlds story. In 1992, Capcom brought this Disney animated series to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Fans of 2D side scrolling action platform games knew it was time to “get dangerous”.

When there is trouble, call Darkwing Duck

St. Canard is under the watchful eye of Darkwing Duck. In coordinated efforts with S.H.U.S.H., DW handles the crime world. Agents of F.O.W.L. are up to no good and DW is a thorn in their side. Hiring six of DW’s greatest enemies, F.O.W.L. are poised to strike hard.

Double points if you know what S.H.U.S.H and F.O.W.L. stand for.

Your job is to help DW get through six stages of 2D side scrolling action. Each level ends with one of those dangerous enemies, just waiting to end your crime fighting career.

The many weapons of Darkwing Duck

The game features many of the weapons fans saw in the cartoon on Disney Channel, and in syndication. The basic weapon is the Gas Gun. This can be upgraded with different gasses you collect in each stage – Thunder, Heavy, and Arrow.

The challenge comes in how those gasses are handled and operate. Each one uses a different amount of “ammunition” and you can only hold one type at a time. Choose wisely.

Signs of a good licensed game

Unlike companies like LJN and Acclaim, Capcom knew how to create good licensed games. While those companies were stinking it up with Total Recall or Marvel’s X-Men games, Capcom was pumping out Ducktales, Darkwing Duck, Tailspin, Mickey Mouse, etc.

One way they did this was using engines, plain vanilla or modified, from successful original games. I am not sure which they used for Darkwing Duck, but I am guessing a modified Mega Man engine. Nothing wrong with this way of handling licensed games as everyone wins.

Capcom were king of licensed games, particularly Disney ones. They simply put a lot more effort and dedication to creating good licensed games. This was especially true in the 8 and 16-bit days of gaming.

Go enjoy Darkwing Duck today. There is a version, by Capcom, also on the Nintendo Game Boy. Please note, the TurboGrafx-16 version of Darkwing Duck is not by Capcom, that one is by NEC and a completely different game.

Carl Williams

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