Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Publishers: ShareData, Inc.
Avoid the Noid (1989): A Nostalgic Look Back at a Classic NES Game
Released in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Avoid the Noid is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by Capcom and published by Domino’s Pizza, Inc. The game is based on the Noid, Domino’s claymation advertising character, and tasks the player with delivering a pizza to the top of a building while avoiding the Noid and his minions.
Gameplay
The player controls a Domino’s delivery boy who must navigate through a series of levels, each of which is a different part of the building. The goal is to reach the top of the building and deliver the pizza to the customer within 30 minutes. If the player fails to deliver the pizza on time, the customer gets a discount and the player loses their job.
The Noid and his minions will do everything they can to stop the player from delivering the pizza. The Noid can throw pizzas, shoot lasers, and even create earthquakes. His minions include rats, bats, and ghosts.
The player can use a variety of weapons to defeat the Noid and his minions, including a pizza cutter, a soda can, and a garlic clove. The player can also collect power-ups that will give them temporary invincibility or extra speed.
Levels
The game consists of 12 levels, each of which is a different part of the building. The levels include a kitchen, a warehouse, a parking garage, and a rooftop. Each level is filled with obstacles and enemies, and the player must use their wits and skills to overcome them.
Reception
Avoid the Noid was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. However, it was also criticized for its difficulty and its repetitive nature.
Legacy
Avoid the Noid is considered to be a classic NES game. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it has been featured in several retrospectives and compilations. The game has also been referenced in popular culture, including in the TV show “The Simpsons” and the movie “Pixels.”
Personal Reflections
I have fond memories of playing Avoid the Noid as a child. I loved the challenge of trying to deliver the pizza on time, and I always got a thrill out of defeating the Noid. The game is still fun to play today, and it is a great example of the classic NES era.
Tips for Playing Avoid the Noid
Here are a few tips for playing Avoid the Noid:
- Learn the patterns of the Noid and his minions. This will help you to avoid them and stay alive.
- Use the power-ups wisely. The power-ups can give you a significant advantage, so use them when you need them most.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to complete each level, so don’t be afraid to try different things.
- Have fun! Avoid the Noid is a challenging but fun game. Don’t take it too seriously, and just enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
Avoid the Noid is a classic NES game that is still fun to play today. The game is challenging, but it is also fair. With a little practice, anyone can learn to deliver the pizza and defeat the Noid.
