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Exciting hints from Argonaut Games suggest Buck Bumble, the cult N64 shooter, could buzz back to life with a fresh remake.
Argonaut Games Eyes Buck Bumble Comeback
The British game developer Argonaut Games, recently resurrected and already teasing the return of their beloved platformer Croc, isn’t stopping there. In a recent chat with MCV Develop, CEO Jez San and his colleague Mike Arkin dropped some intriguing hints about reviving another of their cherished titles — the cult classic shooter Buck Bumble for the Nintendo 64.
A Nostalgic Look Back at Buck Bumble
For those needing a refresher, Buck Bumble first hit the scene in 1998 exclusively on the N64. The game cast players as a cybernetic bee battling hordes of mutated insects around a futuristic London set in 2010 (which, at the time, was the near future). The fast-paced action, catchy speed-garage soundtrack, and quirky, yet addictive gameplay made it stand out.
Armed with lasers, rockets, and a variety of other gadgets, players were tasked with completing 19 challenging missions that combined action with exploration in a unique insect world.
The Team’s Thoughts on Revival
Jez San revealed that the Argonaut team is keen on revisiting both Buck Bumble and another underrated action title, I-Ninja. However, he acknowledged that Buck Bumble’s legacy remains somewhat niche, partly because it was an N64 exclusive and less visible to wider audiences.
Mike Arkin added a hopeful note, saying that Buck Bumble “will eventually get its chance” to shine again.
Current Plans: Croc 2 Remaster First
Meanwhile, Argonaut is focusing on remastering Croc 2 as their immediate project. Arkin shared that preliminary development work is underway, but they’re currently awaiting financial green light to proceed fully. Croc was chosen as the studio’s comeback flagship for good reason — the original game sold over 3 million copies across PlayStation and Sega Saturn and was celebrated as one of the first major platformers on the original PlayStation.
Why a Buck Bumble Remake Could Work Wonders
Fans and newcomers alike would likely embrace a modern remake of Buck Bumble. Its quirky charm, fast action, and distinctive world could easily captivate today’s gamers, blending nostalgia with fresh gameplay improvements.
Imagine reviving that cyber-bee and zipping through beautifully reimagined futuristic London landscapes with state-of-the-art graphics and sound!
“Buck Bumble will eventually get its chance.”
— Mike Arkin, Argonaut Games
Curious to See Buck Bumble’s Future?
With Argonaut Games putting Croc 2 back on the map first, the hope is alive that Buck Bumble’s unique brand of insect cyber-action will soon enjoy a renaissance. Would you be excited to see this N64 classic reborn for modern platforms? Let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Buck Bumble about?
Buck Bumble was an action shooter where players controlled a cybernetic bee fighting mutated insects in a futuristic London setting. - When was Buck Bumble originally released?
The game debuted in 1998 exclusively for the Nintendo 64. - Who is behind the potential remake?
Argonaut Games, the original developers, are hinting at a possible Buck Bumble revival alongside their Croc remaster. - What platforms could a Buck Bumble remake appear on?
While not confirmed, it could be released on modern consoles and PC to reach a wider audience. - Why hasn’t Buck Bumble been as popular as other classics?
Mainly due to its N64 exclusivity and niche appeal, it flew under many gamers’ radars but was loved by those who played it.
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