Disney/Pixar Toy Story: Retro Roundup! arrives on PS5 as a compilation of five classic games drawn from the early years of the Toy Story franchise and A Bug's Life. The collection bundles console and handheld editions to reach eleven versions in total, covering platforming action, racing sequences, and light adventure elements that defined those late 1990s and early 2000s releases. Players revisit familiar characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the cast from A Bug's Life while navigating levels inspired by the original films.
Gameplay
The core experience centers on the original mechanics of each title, updated for modern play. Platform sections require precise jumps across shelves and furniture in Andy's room, while racing segments test speed and handling in Toy Story Racer. Action sequences involve combat against wind-up toys or enemy bugs, and casual exploration fills out the worlds with collectibles and simple puzzles. Quality-of-life additions include a rewind function that lets players scrub back a few seconds to correct missed jumps or excessive damage without restarting entire sections. Rex's Cheat Codes provide options such as unlimited lives, invincibility, or instant unlocks for characters and levels. Enhanced How to Play instructions adapt the original tutorials for current controllers, and Practice Mode offers guided sessions to build familiarity before tackling full stages. Visual filters and save states further support comfortable sessions across the different game styles.
Game Modes
Most entries focus on single-player progression through story-driven levels that mirror key movie moments. Racing portions in Toy Story Racer emphasize time trials and competitive runs against AI opponents. The collection supports local multiplayer in select titles where the originals allowed it, though the emphasis remains on individual play. Practice Mode serves as a dedicated training space separate from the main campaigns, while the overall package includes a music player for listening to complete soundtracks from every included game. Behind-the-scenes content functions as an interactive museum with design documents, photos, and interviews that players can access outside of active gameplay.
The Games Included
The lineup spans Toy Story from 1995, two versions of Toy Story 2 from 1999, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command from 2000, Toy Story Racer from 2001, and A Bug's Life from 1998. Each appears in both console and handheld formats where applicable, preserving the distinct control schemes and level designs of the era. Platforming dominates the action and adventure entries, with racing mechanics isolated to the dedicated racer. All receive the same suite of enhancements, ensuring consistent accessibility regardless of which title a player selects first.
Behind-the-Scenes Extras
A dedicated virtual museum compiles rare archival material, including early concept art and development notes. Exclusive interviews feature contributors such as Jason Katz, Jim Hanks, Luigi Priore, and Jon Burton, offering context on the original productions. The music player rounds out the package by streaming full soundtracks without interrupting gameplay. These elements provide additional depth for fans interested in the history of the games rather than solely the action itself.
Is It Worth Playing?
This compilation targets players who enjoyed the original Toy Story games or seek accessible entry points for younger audiences. The rewind and cheat systems lower barriers for newcomers while preserving the challenge for those who prefer the classic experience. Single-player focus suits solo sessions, and the variety of platforming, racing, and adventure elements offers breadth within one purchase. Pre-release interest centers on nostalgia and the preservation of these titles with modern conveniences. Those drawn to retro platformers and licensed adventures from the period will find the most direct appeal, especially with the added museum and soundtrack features extending playtime beyond the campaigns.
