Summary
With friends and collaborators in high places since its early existence, British developerTraveller’s Taleshas worked on IPs owned by heavyweight companies such as Sega and Disney. As impressive as this already is, the developer has carved out its niche in the video game market through its predominantly exclusive ability to develop and release games based on Lego.
Despite this beneficial relationship, Traveller’s Tales has developed various games, both Lego and non-Lego themed, that have hit the market to critical acclaim and fan delight. Whether it be working with a Disney IP,a gothic horror novel adaptation, or an entry in a staple gaming franchise likeCrash Bandicoot, Traveller’s Tales is a developer who has earned its place in the annals of video game history.
10Crash: Twinsanity
Released in the awkward middle phase of theCrash Bandicootseries, which saw everyone’s favorite orange marsupial in various states such as piloting a clunky mech suit and getting a sleeve tattoo,Crash: Twinsanitysees Crash and Cortex team up to battleinterdimensional parrot villainsthe Evil Twins as they attempt to destroy their home.
While met with an arguably divisive critical response,Crash: Twinsanityhas developed somewhat of a cult following due to its innovative gameplay mechanics, unique a cappella soundtrack, and quirky humor. This off-the-wall franchise entry also was the debut of character Nina Cortex, who has become a mainstay in the series since.
9The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Based on the commercially successful movie of the same name,The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobewas released in 2005, allowing players to take control of the four Pevensie children as they assist Aslan in battling the forces of the White Witch.
With a fairly basic action-adventure framework and a linear storyline that follows the movie, Traveller’s Tales does add its flair in the form of a surprisingly varied and layered combat system that sees each child wielding special abilities and having unique combat interactions with one another.
8Sonic 3D Blast
Developed in collaboration with Sonic Team,Sonic 3D Blastis an isometric platform game that sees the famous blue hedgehog battling Dr. Robotnik over the bird-like Flickies and collecting the Chaos Emeralds in a then-innovative 3D-rendered world. Released in 1996, the game was made as a swan song for the Sega Genesisconsole.
Considering theadmittedly spotty critical and fan receptionto games in theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise,Sonic 3D Blastgarnered positive reviews when released. While retrospective reviews have become somewhat lukewarm, the game remains a unique entry in theSonic the Hedgehogseries.
7Toy Story
With 1995’sToy Storyvideo game, Traveller’s Tales not only proved its penchant for creating widely successful movie tie-in games but also set the industry precedent of releasing said games in parallel with their relevant movie releases. Following the plot of the movie closely, players control toy sheriff Woody as he battles enemies with his signature whip.
Predominantly beinga side-scrolling adventure game, Traveller’s Tales does pepper in some curveball genres including first-person puzzler and racing to keep the gameplay experience varied. All in all,Toy Storywas wildly successful and proved Traveller’s Tales' skill in creating games that are simple yet engaging.
6Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
It seemed that Traveller’s Tales was not quite done with George Lucas IPs after the rampant success of itsLego Star Warsseries of games as, in 2008, it releasedLego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventuresfor a wide variety of platforms. Retelling the plots of the first threeIndiana Jonesfilms, fans were given Lego versions of all their favorite locations and characters, including a bonus unlockable Han Solo to add a tad of meta flavor.
Following the tried-and-tested Lego formula seen in Traveller’s Tales' previous Lego games,Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventuresdid innovate in many ways, most interestingly in the addition of character phobias. With this, players are left asking the same question as hero Indiana Jones: why did it have to be snakes?
The first foray into themashing of Lego and Marvel,Lego Marvel Super Heroessees Traveller’s Tales weave a brand-new plot centering on Earth’s mightiest heroes stopping Dr. Doom from creating a superweapon all while Galactus descends on the planet with a bad case of the munchies.
With a whopping 180 characters in its roster,Lego Marvel Super Heroesis a fun-filled and expansive adventure for fans of all ages, whether they want to smash as the Hulk, streak through the skies as Iron Man, or even play as the grandad of Marvel himself Stan Lee. Being the best-selling Lego video game ever, this blisteringly successful game spawned various other games, including a spin-off title and a direct sequel.
4Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy
Never underestimate the power of nostalgia. Or, at least, this is what Traveller’s Tales would have fans believe considering the rampant success both commercially and critically for 2006’sLego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy. Covering the events of the first trilogy, this Lego video game packs lots of sci-fi goodness along with a massive helping of charm that has enamored fans and critics alike.
Accessing levels that cover scenarios from all three original movies from the hive of scum and villainy that is the Mos Eisley cantina, players are treated to a wide array of characters to choose from as well as Lego versions of iconicStar Warslocations. A critical darling to many,Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogyperfectly mixes the wonder and fantasy of theStar Warsfranchise with the quirky humor that has become synonymous with Lego games.
3Leander
In an impressive move, Traveller’s Tales wowed video game journalists with its very first game titledLeander, which was released in 1991. Controlling the eponymous knight, players are tasked with rescuing Princess Lucanna from an evil wizard who has kidnapped her as bait for King Arthur.
Upon release,Leanderwas praised for its graphical qualities and attention to detail, which were impressive in context to the time, as well as its smooth and sophisticated control scheme. Playable on both the Sega Genesis and the Amiga, this knightly adventure was reviewed positively on both platforms.
2Puggsy
When his spaceship is stolen by natives of a strange planet, orange alien and protagonist Puggsy is forced to retrieve his only means of escape by navigating through various levels and biomes battling enemies, and solving physics-based puzzles. This is the set-up of Traveller’s Tales'1993 effortPuggsyand, according to the critical reception of the game, it caught the attention of many.
Predominantly hitting the player with generic platforming challenges, the twist comes with the game’s unique physics system which gives weight and free movement to objects carried and stacked by the protagonist. With 57 levels, multiple boss encounters, and even secret levels and endings to discover,Puggsycaptured praise for its sophisticated design and challenging gameplay.
Spanning over four decades of cinema history, The Skywalker Saga concluded in 2019 withThe Rise of Skywalkerand, in 2022, the expansive video gameLego Star Wars: The Skywalker Sagawas released. Featuring a plethora of classic planets and moons acting as hub worlds, open-world travel both on-planet and in the vastness of space, and an eye-watering 380 characters to choose from, it is no wonder that this game is considereda comprehensive must-havefor anyStar Warsfan.
With a detailed combat system that is a far cry from the button-mashing systems found in earlier Lego games and the ability for players to choose the chronology of how they experience each sub-trilogy,Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Sagawas praised extensively for its myriad of well-designed elements and is sure to delight fans for the whole of its extensive playtime.
