It’s not unusual for classic children’s games to resonate with both older audiences and modern players. Many Disney titles, such as The Lion King, have maintained their popularity over the years. This week, an unexpected title has gained attention in this nostalgic landscape. Piglet’s Big Game, a video game released in 2003 alongside Piglet’s Big Movie for PlayStation 2, PC, and GameCube, is now going viral, with some fans dubbing it their new favorite survival horror experience. Yes, that seems to be the consensus.
The surge in interest began after a post on X by user Jaxonloid, who was taken aback to discover that the game’s soundtrack featured distinctly eerie music typical of horror titles.
THIS IS MAKING ME LOSE MY FUCKING MIND.,.!?!?,? pic.twitter.com/B0uDAC5FBE
— Jaxonloid | CEO OF PIGLETS BIG GAME (@jaxonloid) November 8, 2024
This revelation caught the attention of various streamers, particularly those known for playing horror games. I noticed several live streams on TikTok featuring creators discussing the game, often drawing direct comparisons to the Silent Hill series. This is particularly timely given the positive reception of the Silent Hill 2 remake among both fans and new players.
The heightened interest has caused prices for used copies on eBay to soar, with listings for GameCube and PS2 versions reaching anywhere from $140 to over $300 as of Friday evening.
Although I haven’t played it myself, it’s easy to understand why it’s being likened to traditional horror experiences. Notably, a familiar YouTube creator in the horror genre, eurothug4000, showcased the gameplay after seeing the viral discussion, describing it as “survival horror for kids.” While the game contains few genuine horror segments, much of its oddity stems from Piglet’s primary means of combat. To fend off foes and assist his companions, Piglet acquires and upgrades “Brave Faces,” some of which may be quite unsettling for younger players. Additionally, there’s a panic mechanic reminiscent of the iconic Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem.
Throughout the game, Piglet navigates vacant spaces and chambers solo, evoking the solitude found in Silent Hill. Other sections exude a dreamlike quality, infused with a gothic aesthetic and puzzles reminiscent of Resident Evil.
This children’s game employs techniques prevalent in early 2000s horror games that still resonate today. As noted by X user Tredlocity, it utilizes “fixed camera angles and sound design… more adeptly than most mascot horror titles.” This immersive approach ensures players feel as if danger lurks just out of sight—one of the essential tactics for building suspense in horror games. At times, the soundtrack itself can be genuinely alarming; in a clip shared by Tredlocity, ominous footfalls can be heard before the heffalumps even materialize on-screen. The dimly lit levels, accentuated only by candlelight and the glow of a night sky flowing through a window, further enhance the unsettling ambiance.
In attempting to explore why the music sounds so disconcertingly out of place, Destructoid uncovered that the score was composed by Philippe Codecco and Guillaume Saurel, who have limited credits aside from a few Disney projects and another game featuring Pooh. The game was developed by Doki Denki Studio, a French company that unfortunately shut down in 2004 shortly after the game’s release.
Thanks to eurothug4000’s efforts, he reached out to Pascal Cammisotto, a game designer for Piglet’s Big Game, who confirmed that the lead designer’s intention was indeed to create “Resident Evil for kids.” Due to limited access to the Piglet’s Big Movie script and Disney’s reluctance to share details, the Doki Denki team devised their own narrative.
“The story revolved around Piglet’s struggles with self-doubt and the bravery he would need to summon in order to rescue his friends who were trapped in a nightmare,” Cammisotto shared.
