Overview: A Classic Platformer That Still Charms
Disney’s Tarzan, also known as Tarzan Action Game, arrived in 1999 during a strong period for Disney platformers. Following hits like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Hercules, Eurocom Developments created a new take on the formula using a mix of 2D movement with 3D visuals. Released on PlayStation and Windows, and later brought to the Nintendo 64, this game carried the energy and color of the animated film into a bright, fast, and highly approachable adventure.
In this Disney’s Tarzan review, we look at how the game plays today, what makes its levels enjoyable, and why fans of classic platformers may still find it worth revisiting.
3D Look, 2D Movement – The Signature 2.5D Style
One of the features that stood out in 1999 was the visual style. The game uses 3D models and filled polygons, but all action happens on a horizontal path. This creates smooth parallax effects and gives each stage a lively feel. Although the 3D elements do not change how Tarzan runs or jumps, they help build a strong sense of atmosphere, especially in jungle scenes packed with moving plants, shifting shadows, and layered backgrounds. For fans of older platform games, this mix gives Disney’s Tarzan a look that still holds up surprisingly well.
Growing Up with Tarzan
The game places the player in control of Tarzan through 14 levels. You begin as young Tarzan, a boy raised by gorillas, learning skills such as climbing trees, swinging from branches, and dealing with smaller jungle animals. These early stages are simple and friendly, ideal for younger players or anyone new to older platformers.
As the story progresses, Tarzan becomes an adult, and the action gains more tension. The game follows the movie’s storyline, including the threat posed by Clayton, the main villain, and the fight to protect Tarzan’s jungle home. This structure helps the pacing. Instead of repeating the same style of level over and over, the game grows with its lead character.
Simple, Responsive Gameplay
Eurocom focused on keeping the controls smooth and easy to understand. Tarzan can jump, roll, and throw fruit. Fruit works as the main weapon and comes in four power levels, marked by color. You can throw it overhand or underhand to reach enemies at different distances, which adds a small but fun variety.
Other tools appear in certain levels, such as a knife, a spear, or even a parasol used for gliding sections. These small changes break up the pace and keep the game from feeling repetitive. Tarzan can also slam the ground, breaking open objects or revealing hidden spots. This action encourages exploration and rewards players who like finding secret areas.
Game Features
Tarzan’s health is shown through a life bar that drops each time an enemy lands a hit. Bananas refill it, and they appear often enough to keep the game friendly to younger players.
Each level also includes:
- Coins – collect 100 to earn an extra life
- Sketch pieces – four per level, which unlock a bonus stage
- Letters T-A-R-Z-A-N – collecting all six reveals film clips
These collectibles boost replay value and provide small goals beyond reaching the exit. For fans of the movie, finding the film clips is a satisfying reward.
Level Difficulty Options
The game includes a wide range of enemies: monkeys, baboons, eagles, snakes, bushpigs, and the leopard Sabor. Later levels introduce human opponents as Tarzan steps into adulthood.
Difficulty settings include easy, medium, and hard. In the first two settings, young Tarzan receives helpful hints from Terk, which makes the experience more relaxed. Hard mode removes these hints and increases enemy aggression, creating a simple but effective challenge for older players or those familiar with classic platform games.
Nintendo 64 Version Highlights
The Nintendo 64 edition of Disney’s Tarzan arrived in 2000. The console’s hardware gave the 3D models a smooth look, and the cartridge format allowed fast load times. As one of the final major platformers released for the system, it stands as a memorable title for players who grew up with the N64.
Although gameplay remains the same as the PlayStation and Windows versions, the visuals and controls feel slightly quicker, which some fans prefer.
Final Thoughts – A Fun Return to the Jungle with iGamingLeak
Disney’s Tarzan remains a colorful, energetic 2.5D platformer that captures the movie’s style with simple, enjoyable mechanics. It offers friendly difficulty options, charming visuals, and enough collectibles to keep each stage interesting. While it is an older release, it continues to hold value for fans of retro games, Disney titles, and anyone looking for a light, fun platforming experience.
