102 Dalmatians - Puppies to the Rescue (USA)

102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue stands as one of the more enjoyable licensed 3D platformers from the early 2000s gaming era. Based on Disney's live-action film sequel, 102 Dalmatians follows the adventures of Domino and Oddball, two brave dalmatian puppies on a mission to rescue their kidnapped siblings from the villainous Cruella De Vil. What distinguishes 102 Dalmatians from many licensed games is its polished gameplay and faithful recreation of the Disney universe. Released for PlayStation, Dreamcast, and PC in 2000, 102 Dalmatians offered accessible 3D platforming for younger players while including enough challenge and collectibles to engage more experienced gamers. With colorful environments spanning London landmarks, vibrant character designs capturing the spirit of 102 Dalmatians, and voice acting from the film's actors including Glenn Close as Cruella, this title represents a high point in Disney-licensed video games. As retro games from this transitional 3D era gain appreciation, 102 Dalmatians is remembered fondly as a competent and charming platformer that respected its source material.

102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue was developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Eidos Interactive in 2000, coinciding with the theatrical release of Disney's live-action sequel. The game appeared on multiple platforms during a transitional period in gaming history when 3D platformers were evolving rapidly. 102 Dalmatians received generally positive reviews, with critics particularly praising its faithful recreation of the Disney aesthetic and solid gameplay fundamentals. While not revolutionary, 102 Dalmatians represented a step above typical movie tie-in games, with evident care taken in its development. The game featured voice talents from the film including Glenn Close reprising her role as Cruella De Vil, adding authenticity to the 102 Dalmatians experience. As interest in collecting retro games from the early 3D era grows, 102 Dalmatians has found renewed appreciation among collectors and Disney enthusiasts. The Dreamcast version of 102 Dalmatians in particular is sought after, as it features enhanced graphics compared to other versions. For many players who grew up in the early 2000s, 102 Dalmatians represents a nostalgic gateway into gaming, combining the familiar Disney characters with accessible gameplay that served as an introduction to 3D platformers.