Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Development & Franchise Highlights
Authentic Voice Work
Original Movie Cast Features
Included voice talent from David Spade (Kuzco), Eartha Kitt (Yzma), and Patrick Warburton (Kronk).
3D Platforming Era
Argonaut Games Development
Created by the UK studio behind Croc: Legend of the Gobbos and Star Fox’s original 3D graphics chip.
Developers
Argonaut Games (PS1/PC), Sandbox Studios (GBC)
Publishers
Sony Computer Entertainment, Disney Interactive
Original Release Date
November 13, 2000
ESRB Rating
Everyone (Comic Mischief)
History & Overview
Released in late 2000 alongside Disney’s animated feature film of the same name, Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove transformed Emperor Kuzco’s llama-shaped journey into a 3D platforming adventure. Developed primarily by British studio Argonaut Games for the PlayStation and PC (with a 2D edition by Sandbox Studios for Game Boy Color), the game follows Kuzco as he travels across villages, jungles, and rivers to reach his palace and reclaim the throne from the villainous Yzma.
Gameplay Mechanics & Features
- Llama Moveset: Players control Kuzco in his llama form, utilizing spit attacks, hoof slams, and charge moves to defeat Yzma’s guards and jungle wildlife.
- Potion Transformations: Incorporates magical potion mechanics that temporarily transform Kuzco into animals like a turtle, frog, or rabbit to solve specific environmental puzzles.
- Variety Mini-Games: Intersperses standard platforming stages with fast-paced stealth sequences, river-riding sections, and slide races against Kronk.
- Movie Clip Integration: Seamlessly incorporated real animated footage and cutscenes from the Disney film between levels to drive the comedy narrative forward.
Legacy & PSN Re-releases
- PS One Classics Revival: Re-released digitally on the PlayStation Network in 2010 for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita, introducing its humor to a new generation of retro gamers.
- Cult Disney Platformer: Frequently highlighted in late-PS1 retro gaming retrospectives for its strong comedic writing, faithful film adaptation, and smooth controls compared to typical movie tie-ins.
The Decked Out Review
“Packed with genuine humor, authentic voice talent, and fun transformation mechanics, Argonaut’s adaptation stands out as one of the best 3D Disney tie-in platformers of the PlayStation era.”
Developer Argonaut Games
Publisher Sony Computer Entertainment / Disney
Initial Release November 13, 2000
Platforms PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Color
The Trailer
A Still from the Game
Featured Photo: Argonaut Games
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