Retro gaming fans will want to keep a close eye on Argonaut Games, as the developer has teased a surprise return of Buck Bumble, one of the biggest cult classic video games from the Nintendo 64. Buck Bumble, arguably just as well known for its banging soundtrack and groovy main theme song as it is beloved for its comedic cyborg bee gameplay, maintains a prominent place in retro gaming collections, and fans may finally be able to enjoy the classic 3D-shooter on modern platforms.
Originally published by Ubisoft in 1998, Buck Bumble transported players to an alternate-future London where a chemical spill has produced anthropomorphic insect factions. The titular Buck Bumble volunteers to be implanted with cyborg technology to help an organization known as The Resistance to fight against the warring enemy, the Herd Army. Players control Buck Bumble in third-person shooter gameplay, reminiscent of a mix of games like Star Fox 64 and Jet Force Gemini. Despite never reaching the same mainstream success as Star Fox or other Nintendo 64 games, Buck Bumble has maintained a dedicated following, particularly among retro game collectors and fans of old-school console releases, and the game’s developer has now hinted that Buck Bumble could be making a major comeback.
The 25 Rarest N64 Games (& How Much They’re Worth)
The rarest Nintendo 64 games can set collectors back thousands of dollars, and here are the most expensive N64 titles in 2026.
Buck Bumble Could Be Coming to Modern Gaming Platforms
On April 20, Argonaut Games dropped a teaser video on social media featuring the iconic Buck Bumble theme song and suggested that fans stay tuned “for forthcoming news and announcements.” Executives at Argonaut Games have previously revealed that they wanted to work on a remaster of Buck Bumble, and the unexpected teaser has understandably got fans buzzing with excitement at the possibility of that project moving forward. Unlike other hit games from the N64, Buck Bumble remains an exclusive to its original launch platform, as it has never received a re-release or remaster for any other console. As such, a full remaster or port on modern systems would be a historic move and one that Buck Bumble fans are hoping comes to fruition.
While the teaser video does not give any absolute confirmation of what exactly Argonaut Games has planned for Buck Bumble, the company did drop a remastered edition of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, another unsung hero of early 3D gaming, in April 2025. It was shortly after that release that the Argonaut executives mentioned their interest in Buck Bumble, so it would not be all that surprising if the studio is in fact working on bringing the bee shooter to modern gaming platforms. Of course, players will want to wait for Argonaut’s follow-up “news and announcements” before getting too excited, but if Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is any indication, Buck Bumble may be buzzing his way to audiences for only the second time since the N64.
The variety of N64 games on Nintendo Switch Online has introduced audiences to long-forgotten titles and critically acclaimed hits, and Buck Bumble could be a perfect new addition to Nintendo’s growing online retro gaming library. Whether Buck Bumble could also be getting a modern physical release remains to be seen, so interested fans will want to stay tuned for any news on the upcoming announcements by Argonaut Games.
- Released
-
November 18, 1998
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone // Animated Violence
- Developer(s)
-
Argonaut Software
- Engine
-
argonaut
