Found 0 item(s) for sale
- No items currently for sale.
The 16-bit era was a golden age for licensed action-platformers, with icons like Aladdin and The Lion King setting high standards for visual fidelity and gameplay. However, for every success story, there were ambitious projects that never quite reached the finish line. One of the most intriguing "lost games" of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) era is Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle. Also referred to by its full title, Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle, this title was intended to be a definitive interactive adaptation of the legendary pulp hero. Developed by Manley & Associates and planned for publication by GameTek, the game promised a cinematic experience that captured the raw intensity of the African wilderness. Despite reaching a late stage of development, it remained unreleased for decades, leaving fans to wonder what could have been a standout title in the SNES library.
Unlike the lighthearted, animated interpretations of the character that would dominate the late 90s, Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle aimed for a tone more closely aligned with the original literature. The narrative was designed to follow Tarzan as he navigated the dense jungles of Africa, protecting his primate family and his territory from various encroaching threats. The setting was meant to be expansive, transitioning from the canopy of the deep rainforest to hidden caves and ancient ruins. Players would have encountered a variety of enemies, ranging from aggressive local wildlife like leopards and crocodiles to human threats such as poachers and explorers seeking to exploit the jungle's secrets. The game sought to evoke the sense of adventure and danger found in the classic novels, presenting Tarzan not just as a hero, but as a primal force of nature.
At its core, Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle was a traditional 2D side-scrolling action-platformer, but it incorporated several mechanics intended to differentiate it from its peers. The player controlled Tarzan through a series of complex, multi-layered levels where verticality was key. Movement was designed to feel fluid; Tarzan could climb trees, swing from vines, and perform athletic leaps across gaps.
Combat was a mix of melee and ranged attacks. Tarzan could use a knife for close-quarters encounters or throw stones to take down enemies from a distance. The game also featured unique environmental interactions, such as using the environment to hide from enemies or triggering traps. The visual style was particularly notable for the time, utilizing large, detailed sprites and lush, multi-scrolling backgrounds to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Some prototype versions revealed that the game included a map screen and a progression system that required players to complete specific objectives within the jungle before moving on to the next major area.
This game was intended for release on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, with different versions planned for various regional markets including North America and Europe.
The legacy of Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle is largely defined by its status as "vaporware." The game was heavily previewed in gaming magazines like Electronic Gaming Monthly and Nintendo Power during the mid-90s, with many screenshots showing off impressive graphics that rivaled contemporary hits. However, due to internal issues at GameTek and the shifting landscape of the gaming industry as the 32-bit era approached, the SNES version was quietly canceled. For years, it existed only in the memories of those who saw the previews until prototypes eventually surfaced online. These leaked ROMs have allowed historians and fans to explore the nearly finished game, providing a glimpse into a project that had significant potential. It serves as a fascinating case study of the volatility of game publishing in the 90s.