Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Funnybone Interactive
- Publishers: Funnybone Interactive, Sierra
Stay Tooned! (1996): A Looney Adventure Through Cartoon Land
Released in 1996 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Stay Tooned! is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by Kemco and published by Capcom. The game follows the adventures of Pogo Possum, a cartoon character who must navigate through an apartment complex to find the TV remote and zap rogue cartoon characters back into TV Land.
Gameplay
Stay Tooned! is a classic platformer game with a unique twist: the player character is a cartoon character, and the game’s levels are set in a variety of cartoon-themed environments. The player must use Pogo’s cartoonish abilities, such as his pogo stick and his ability to inflate himself like a balloon, to overcome obstacles and enemies.
The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Pogo must navigate through a haunted house, a toy factory, a construction site, and even the inside of a television set. Along the way, he must battle a variety of enemies, including rogue cartoon characters, mischievous ghosts, and even giant spiders.
Characters
- Pogo Possum: The protagonist of the game, Pogo is a cartoon possum who must save the day by zapping rogue cartoon characters back into TV Land. Pogo is a skilled acrobat and can use his pogo stick and his ability to inflate himself like a balloon to overcome obstacles and enemies.
- Betty Boop: A damsel in distress, Betty Boop has been kidnapped by the evil Dr. Scratchansniff. Pogo must rescue Betty and bring her back to safety.
- Dr. Scratchansniff: The main antagonist of the game, Dr. Scratchansniff is a mad scientist who has created an army of rogue cartoon characters. Dr. Scratchansniff is determined to take over TV Land and use its power to control the world.
Development
Stay Tooned! was developed by Kemco, a Japanese video game developer. The game was directed by Hiroyuki Iwatsuki, who is also known for his work on the Mega Man series. Stay Tooned! was published by Capcom, a Japanese video game publisher.
Release
Stay Tooned! was released in Japan on June 28, 1996. The game was released in North America on August 31, 1996, and in Europe on November 22, 1996.
Reception
Stay Tooned! received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the game’s charming graphics and fun gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive level design and lack of challenge. However, the game has since become a cult classic among retro gaming fans.
Legacy
Stay Tooned! is a unique and charming platformer game that has stood the test of time. The game’s colorful graphics, catchy music, and fun gameplay make it a great choice for fans of classic cartoon characters and retro gaming.
Tips for Playing Stay Tooned!
Here are a few tips for playing Stay Tooned!:
- Use Pogo’s pogo stick to jump over obstacles and enemies.
- Inflate yourself like a balloon to float over hazards.
- Collect coins to purchase power-ups and extra lives.
- Find hidden warp zones to skip levels.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with Pogo’s different abilities.
Conclusion
Stay Tooned! is a fun and challenging platformer game that will appeal to fans of all ages. The game’s charming graphics, catchy music, and fun gameplay make it a great choice for anyone looking for a classic retro gaming experience.
Review Score
7.5/10