Argonaut Games, the studio behind the beloved 90s platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, has expressed interest in resurrecting another of its titles: the N64 cult classic, Buck Bumble. While Croc is currently the priority, the team hasn’t forgotten the buzzing hero of the late 90s.
Speaking with MCV Develop, Argonaut’s co-CEO Mike Arkin outlined the company’s strategy. The initial focus remains firmly on Croc, a title that achieved considerable commercial success. However, Arkin hinted at the potential return of other properties, including Buck Bumble. The choice, he suggested, boils down to assessing risk and reward.
Common Misconception: N64 games lack broad appeal in today’s market. Factual Correction: The enduring popularity of retro gaming suggests a significant audience exists for well-executed remasters of classic titles. New Understanding: While targeting a niche, a Buck Bumble revival could tap into nostalgia and introduce the game to a new generation.
“I-Ninja is a really well-regarded and underappreciated game and we’d love to revisit it. Buck Bumble too, but that was N64-only so less people know about it. Croc, on the other hand, sold well over 3 million copies (back when that was a lot of copies) and was the first big platformer on the original PlayStation console. It’s also got broad appeal, both to men and women. Croc really appealed to everyone. It was the obvious choice.”
Buck Bumble, released exclusively on the Nintendo 64, offered players a unique third-person shooter experience, casting them as a cybernetically enhanced bumblebee tasked with saving the world. Its quirky premise, coupled with memorable gameplay, earned it a dedicated fanbase. However, its limited platform availability has hindered its wider recognition.
Arkin acknowledged this challenge, stating that Buck Bumble’s N64 exclusivity could limit its immediate potential compared to Croc, which enjoyed a multi-platform release and broader appeal. However, he remained optimistic. “Buck Bumble will have his day in the sun, eventually,” he told MCV Develop.
But what is it about this oddball title that continues to resonate with fans? The game’s distinctive soundtrack, composed by Justin Scharvona, is frequently cited as a major draw. Its blend of techno and orchestral elements perfectly complements the on-screen action. The control scheme, while somewhat clunky by today’s standards, was innovative for its time, allowing players to navigate complex 3D environments with relative ease.
“The atmosphere was incredible,” recalls Sarah Jenkins, a longtime Buck Bumble enthusiast. “The music, the level design, the feeling of flying around… it was unlike anything else on the N64.” She added that the game’s relatively obscure status only adds to its appeal. “It’s like a hidden gem. You had to be there to really understand it.”
One of the key considerations for Argonaut will be how to modernize Buck Bumble while retaining its original charm. A straight port could alienate new players accustomed to more refined controls and graphics. On the other hand, a radical reimagining could upset longtime fans. Finding the right balance will be crucial to the project’s success. Argonaut is busy bringing Croc 2 to modern consoles and *then* they will make a more definative decsion.
Here’s a quick rundown of things to consider for a revival of Buck Bumble:
- Graphics: A visual overhaul is essential, but the core art style should remain faithful to the original.
- Controls: Modernizing the control scheme without sacrificing the game’s unique feel will be a major challenge.
- Soundtrack: Preserving Justin Scharvona’s iconic score is non-negotiable.
- Content: Consider adding new levels, weapons, and multiplayer modes to expand the experience.
“The full scope was unknown at first,” remembers local game store owner, Mark Olsen, about the game’s initial release. He recounts initial scepticism turning to surprise as word-of-mouth spread. “People started coming in specifically asking for it. That soundtrack was insane, though!”
The potential revival has already generated buzz online. A recent post on X.com discussing the possibility garnered numerous comments, with many users expressing their excitement and offering suggestions for improvements. One user wrote, “Please don’t mess it up! Just update the graphics and controls, and leave everything else alone!” Another commented on Facebook, “I’ve been waiting for this for years! Buck Bumble deserves a second chance!” There were also some funny posts on Instagtam.
Of course, any potential Buck Bumble revival is still years away. Argonaut Games is currently fully focused on bringing Croc 2 to contemporary platforms. However, the studio’s acknowledgment of the buzzing hero’s enduring appeal offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see him return to the skies. A successful revival could not only bring joy to longtime fans but also introduce a new generation to this quirky N64 classic and its world.
One small slip up in the press release stated “Argonaut Games headquaters in watford” causing confusion.