Limited Run Games is preparing to delist its Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection from digital storefronts on , just over two years and four months after its initial release. The move impacts all platforms on which the collection is available, including Nintendo Switch.
The publisher announced the impending delisting earlier this week, stating that purchasers before the cutoff date will retain access to the games and be able to redownload them at any time. No specific reason was given for the decision, but Limited Run Games suggested that expiring licensing rights are likely the cause, mirroring a similar situation with their previous Bill & Ted’s Excellent Retro Collection.
The Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection offers a nostalgic trip through the early years of video game adaptations of the blockbuster film franchise. It includes seven titles spanning the NES, Game Boy, SNES, and Genesis/Mega Drive eras, representing a broad range of interpretations of the source material. The full list of included games is:
- Jurassic Park (NES)
- Jurassic Park (Game Boy)
- Jurassic Park (SNES)
- Jurassic Park (Genesis / Mega Drive)
- Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues (SNES)
- Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues (Game Boy)
- Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition (Genesis / Mega Drive)
The collection’s relatively short lifespan on digital platforms highlights the complexities of licensing in the retro gaming market. While the desire for classic titles is strong, securing and maintaining the rights to re-release them can be a significant challenge for publishers like Limited Run Games. The company acknowledged the importance of providing advance notice to fans, stating their commitment to transparency and giving players an opportunity to purchase the collection before it’s removed from sale.
The timing of the delisting is notable. The Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection launched on Nintendo Switch in , meaning it will have been available for approximately two years and four months when it is removed from the eShop and other digital stores. This relatively brief window raises questions about the long-term viability of similar retro collections, particularly those relying on licensed properties.
The games themselves represent a fascinating snapshot of early game development. The NES and Game Boy titles, released in the early 1990s, are side-scrolling action games that attempted to capture the scale and danger of the film within the limitations of 8-bit hardware. The SNES and Genesis versions offered more advanced graphics and gameplay, with the Genesis release, Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition, featuring a unique perspective and focus on vehicular combat.
The inclusion of both the original Jurassic Park and its sequel, The Chaos Continues, provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of the franchise in video game form. However, it’s important to note that these are not modern remakes or remasters. They are faithful reproductions of the original games, complete with their inherent limitations and quirks. Players should approach the collection with an understanding of the historical context and the technological constraints of the time.
Limited Run Games’ decision to delist the collection underscores the precarious nature of digital ownership. While purchasing a digital game typically grants a license to play it, that license is often subject to the terms and conditions set by the publisher and platform holder. In this case, the expiration of licensing agreements necessitates the removal of the game from sale, even for those who may have intended to purchase it in the future.
For fans of classic gaming and the Jurassic Park franchise, the remaining weeks before , represent a final opportunity to acquire the Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection digitally. Those who already own the collection can continue to enjoy it without interruption, but prospective buyers will need to act quickly to secure their copy.
