Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection Brings the Babies Back, Warts and All

May 21, 2026 - 11:31

I don't know, Tommy, I don't think this is such a good idea... but the Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection is here anyway, bundling three classic video game adventures for a new generation. The collection includes the 1998 Nintendo 64 title "Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt," the 1999 Game Boy Color game "Rugrats: Time Travelers," and the 2000 PlayStation release "Rugrats: Studio Tour." For fans of the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon, this is a direct ticket back to the late 90s and early 2000s, complete with all the clunky controls and odd camera angles that came with that era.

The standout is arguably "Scavenger Hunt," a four-player party game where you control Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil as they race around the Pickles' house and backyard collecting items. It is chaotic, often frustrating, but captures the show's spirit of imaginative play. "Studio Tour" is a more traditional 3D platformer, sending the babies through movie sets, while "Time Travelers" offers a side-scrolling adventure with puzzles. None of these games were critical darlings back in the day, and the collection does not polish them into hidden gems. The graphics are blocky, the soundtracks are repetitive, and the gameplay can feel dated.

However, for someone who grew up watching the Rugrats on Saturday mornings, this collection is a warm, fuzzy hit of nostalgia. It is not about modern gaming standards. It is about hearing Reptar's roar, navigating the giant sandbox, and remembering a simpler time. The collection offers basic save states and screen filters, but no major remastering. It is a straight port, for better or worse. If you want a polished experience, look elsewhere. If you want to feel like a kid again, this might just be worth the trip down memory lane.