If you were a gamer in the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) days up to the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 era then you probably recognized the name, Acclaim. Sure, as time went on, they had an occasional hit game that was good but for many, me included, Acclaim stood for licensed games that often fell short of being decent. It did not help that in 1990 Acclaim purchased their number one competitor for licensed properties, LJN further rubbing salt in the eyes of many gamers, me included. Well, be careful not to get whiplash looking but Acclaim is rising from the grave under new management.
Light on Information
The “new” Acclaim is very light on information being available. They are clearly trying to ride on the hype of what heritage the original Acclaim could muster. This is apparent when you check out the PlayAcclaim Facebook Page. So many of their questions to fans are tailored to rile up memories of a time that many long for.
I do not mean to come off as dismissive of what they are trying to do, it is just I am dumbfounded as to why Acclaim? Maybe I am being too harsh on their history but for me, mostly trusting them on the NES, I just have far more horrible experiences than good to go by.
For every Double Dragon II: The Revenge there are 20+ Total Recall, Simpsons games (which were not fun till the PS2/Xbox era) and do we want to discuss their PlayStation and Nintendo 64 wrestling games?
Nostalgia is Key
Considering most of Acclaims library was licensed or original properties were, obviously, sold off long ago, I am at least interested in seeing what they are planning here. Their Facebook page mentions industry veterans with over 50+ years experience among them.
I only recognize one name from their management team, Jeff Jarrett. Yeah, that Jeff Jarrett. “The Chosen One” to WCW fans, the walking light up billboard if you preferred WWF in the mid 90s (he was the first co-champion with Chyna so there is that), or maybe you recognize his name from TNA wrestling as “The King of the Mountain”, or that failed business venture, Global Force Wrestling.
Jarrett gets around, good or bad, he is an active individual.
September 10th on YouTube is a day they are promoting on Facebook so maybe then we will have a better idea of what this new Acclaim will bring to the table.