Disney's Hercules (PlayStation) Playthrough
5Playthrough of Disney's Hercules, Eurocom Entertainment Software's 1997 action-platformer for the Sony PlayStation.
đŻ Herculean difficulty
đŻ Collects all HERCULES letters
Disneyâs Hercules Action Game, developed by Eurocom and released in 1997 for PlayStation and PC, is a movie tie-in that attempts to translate the charm and humor of Disneyâs animated film into a playable adventure. The game follows the plot of the movie closely, from Herculesâ early training under Phil to his encounters with Hades, Meg, and the legendary Titans. Cutscenes taken directly from the film are used to introduce or conclude levels, and the voice acting features much of the original cast, including Danny DeVito and James Woods.
The gameplay is divided into several distinct formats. Most of the early levels are 2D side-scrollers with occasional shifts in depth, allowing Hercules to move between foreground and background paths. These stages involve sword combat, light platforming, and the discovery of hidden areas. Midway through the game, the format changes to on-rails running sequences in which the camera faces Hercules as he runs toward it, requiring players to jump over gaps, dodge falling obstacles, and choose split paths. There is also a single flying stage where Hercules rides Pegasus in a side-scrolling shoot-âem-up style sequence, slashing at airborne enemies and avoiding hazards. Boss encounters, such as battles with the Hydra and Medusa, are fought in circular arenas but are surprisingly brief, often ending before they feel fully developed.
Collectibles play a significant role in extending the gameâs lifespan. Each stage contains four hidden vases that grant a password for level replay, as well as letters spelling âHERCULESâ that reward the player with continues. Power-ups called âGifts of the Godsâ temporarily enhance Herculesâ sword, granting effects such as a controllable lightning stream, bouncing fireballs, or a shockwave blast. Additional items like invincibility helmets, health-restoring âHerculade,â and action-figure dolls to expand the life bar add variety to the gameplay. These elements give dedicated players a reason to revisit levels.
From a technical standpoint, Disneyâs Hercules Action Game is one of the better-looking licensed titles of its era. The graphics mix hand-drawn sprite work with 3D polygonal scenery, creating a look that stays close to the filmâs aesthetic. Character animations are fluid for the time, and environments feature details like parallax scrolling, background activity, and special effects such as fire raining down during set pieces. Audio design complements the visuals with a soundtrack inspired by the movieâs songs, though the music loops frequently and can become repetitive. The inclusion of original film voice work adds personality, with Philâs comedic commentary being a recurring highlight.
Despite its strengths in presentation, the game is not without its shortcomings. The platforming controls, while simple to learn, can feel sluggish, especially in the 3D runner stages where precision movement is required. Depth perception in the 2.5D sections can make judging jumps and attacks against enemies in different planes awkward. Enemy placement sometimes feels haphazard, with foes appearing at odd angles or in ways that seem designed more to surprise than to challenge strategically.
Disneyâs Hercules Action Game occupies a nostalgic place for many who grew up with the movie or the PlayStation era. For younger players, it offers a lighthearted and accessible adventure with colorful visuals and straightforward controls. For older players revisiting it, the charm lies more in the presentation and the connection to the film than in the gameplay itself. As a platformer, it lacks the depth and polish of genre standouts from the same period, but as a piece of Disney gaming history, it remains a fun, if limited, relic of the late 1990s. In the end, it is best enjoyed by fans of the film or collectors of retro Disney titles, as its short length and simplistic design may leave others wanting more.