Compilation release date and price
"Joe & Mac Retro Collection" is a compilation of adventure and platform games with a colorful, prehistoric style, released on October 29, 2026, on the eShop for 19.99€. Origins of the franchise
The franchise was born in 1991 under the direction of the Japanese studio Data East. The title brings together the emblematic adventures of the two cave men and Congo, their temporary replacement, all three seeking to save the women of the village. Publisher and studio background
The development and publishing were entirely handled by Red Art Games (via its branch Red Art Studios), a Paris-based structure founded in 2018. Originally specialized in the physical edition of limited-run independent games, the studio has since repositioned itself on global distribution, internal development, and the preservation of retro heritage catalogs. Games included in the collection
The collection brings together "Joe & Mac," "Congo's Caper," and "Joe & Mac 3: Lost In The Tropics." The genealogy of the series is notable: "Congo's Caper" was originally released under the name "Joe & Mac 2" in Japan before changing its title during its importation in America. This name change pushed the United States to rename the third part "Joe & Mac 2" while keeping "Joe & Mac 3" in Europe. Gameplay mechanics and setting
"Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja" features gameplay based on basic actions such as walking, running, hitting, and jumping, with the notable possibility of using enemies as living platforms (except in "Joe & Mac 3"). The action takes place in a fanciful stone age setting with dinosaurs and other elements. Visual and gameplay changes in "Congo's Caper"
"Congo's Caper" introduces a new visual style leaning towards a shōnen manga aesthetic. The gameplay features a super jump whose power varies according to the rubies collected, and the ranged weapons are replaced by a wooden club. Rubies serve as life points, and collecting three rubies without being touched grants a "Hyper Congo" state, reminiscent of Hyper Sonic from "Sonic 3." Features of "Joe & Mac 3: Lost In The Tropics"
"Joe & Mac 3: Lost In The Tropics" returns to the co-op mode, allowing two players to play simultaneously. It reintroduces ranged projectiles and introduces mounts, which are very useful but fragile. The game also adds role-playing elements such as collecting stone wheels to spend in the village to buy healing, renovate your house, and flirt with your future wife. Additional features in the compilation
The compilation includes bonus features such as three save slots per title, button reassignment, display options, and a rewind function. A Boss Rush mode has been integrated for each game, allowing players to record their best times. Visual and musical styles
Visually, "Joe & Mac" features friendly and expressive character designs, while "Congo's Caper" moves towards a mainstream animation style typical of a manga look. "Joe & Mac 3" returns to its roots with more refined environments and detailed models. The soundtrack of the first "Joe & Mac" is embedded in a festive and offbeat arcade ambiance, while "Congo's Caper" features more pop and dynamic themes. Completion and difficulty
Despite the compilation's strengths, the games are noted for their short length, with each title taking about one to two hours to complete. The quest for 100% completion is anecdotal, except for the third part, where founding a home offers a slightly different ending. The experience remains very pleasant from start to finish, despite a more challenging difficulty in the first episode, especially if the difficult mode is activated.
