80s Cartoon games that would be like, totally awesome

The 1980s was the early video game era, but it was also a time of great cartoons. Since the FCC wasn’t all about doing the parent’s job for them back then, cartoons could be less about education and more about entertainment. While some 80s characters have found new life today, there are still those that could find great opportunities in video games.

Andrea’s cartoon article got me thinking about cartoons from the 80’s and what could be accomplished with today’s gaming technology. These possibilities just jumped out at me.

Rainbow Brite:
After playing Okami, making the world colorful doesn’t sound so girly anymore, meaning Rainbow Brite could find opportunity with a similar style game and players of both sexes. A revamp might have her ending up looking like Hannah Montana, but I’d be a lot less creeped out. That Kewpie doll look scares me.

Orko, the Black Mage, has joined your party.

He-Man:
With aspects that make him a superhero (secret identity, super strength) and a fantasy hero (a magic sword, friends that could fill classic party roles), He-Man is full of game potential. Whether you go around fighting Skeletor and his minions, gaining weapons and magic God of War-style, or exploring Eternia ala Everquest, Legend of Zelda, or RPG-style, ultimately you could finally HAVE THE POWERRRRRR…ahh! That lightning really hurts! I’m glad I didn’t say “Go Voltron Force!” Uh oh. AHHHHH!

The Littles:
Chibi Robo and Minish Cap show that adventure can be found in the smallest places; a theme shared by The Littles cartoon. Despite the weird half-mouse/squirrel, half-human looks of these characters, finding a toothbrush could end up a challenging endeavor.

Jem:
Jem and the Holograms didn’t really have rhythm games to capitalize on in the 80s, so it might be their means for a comeback. Reunion tour, anyone? Imagine playing the Jem theme on DDR, or a Gitaroo Man style game where the Misfits try to ruin their concert.

Centurions:
In first or third person-POV, Centurions could make for a cool shooter. Add the ability to change weapon systems (land, sea, or air) and you’ve got the makings of an exciting and challenging game. Power extreme!

G.I. JOE:
Whether it was years ago or just yesterday, you know how much fun playing G.I. Joe is, but to set up an epic battle could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars for both vehicles and figures. Solution: G.I. Joe RTS. Admit it, the prospect of ordering troops while shouting either “Yo Joe!” or “Cobraaaaaaa!” has been a fantasy of yours for years. With hangars full of various vehicles from both sides and all series, G.I. Joe seems ideal for the real time strategy genre. I could even stand all-new vehicles. As long as they make it possible to play as both G.I. Joe and Cobra, maybe even have the option to switch sides, and include Metalhead, that wacky cyborg missile launcher, and Sergeant Slaughter, I’ll be satisfied. For more on this, see my blog.