Balloon Kid (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Balloon Kid: A Sky-High Adventure

Released in 1990 for the NES, Balloon Kid is a charming and challenging platformer that will put your piloting skills to the test. You play as Alice, a young girl who must use her balloons to navigate a series of treacherous levels in search of her missing brother.

The game is simple to learn but difficult to master. Alice can float up and down by blowing into her balloons, and she can move left and right by tilting the control pad. She must use her balloons to avoid enemies, collect power-ups, and reach the end of each level.

There are a total of eight levels in Balloon Kid, each with its own unique challenges. The first few levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly. By the time you reach the final level, you’ll be facing off against some of the most difficult enemies in the game.

One of the things that makes Balloon Kid so challenging is the fact that Alice is constantly losing her balloons. If she gets hit by an enemy or touches a hazard, she will lose one of her balloons. If she loses all of her balloons, she will fall to the ground and lose a life.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to replenish Alice’s balloons. She can collect balloons that are floating in the air, or she can find power-ups that will give her extra balloons. She can also use her special ability, the Balloon Bomb, to destroy enemies and collect their balloons.

The Balloon Bomb is a powerful weapon, but it can only be used a limited number of times. Alice must use her balloons wisely in order to survive.

In addition to the main story mode, Balloon Kid also features a two-player competitive mode. In this mode, two players can race against each other to see who can reach the end of the level first. The competitive mode is a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to test your skills against a friend.

Critical Reception

Balloon Kid was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s charming graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Balloon Kid has been praised by many for its innovative gameplay and its charming visuals. The game is still considered to be one of the best platformers on the NES, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

Balloon Kid has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has been imitated by many other games, and its charming visuals have inspired many other games. Balloon Kid is also one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.

Balloon Kid is a classic game that deserves to be remembered. It is a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience that will appeal to gamers of all ages. If you’re looking for a great platformer to play, Balloon Kid is definitely worth checking out.

Tips for Playing Balloon Kid

Here are a few tips to help you succeed in Balloon Kid:

  • Use your balloons wisely. Balloons are your most important resource in Balloon Kid. Use them to avoid enemies, collect power-ups, and reach the end of each level.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your Balloon Bomb. The Balloon Bomb is a powerful weapon that can help you clear out enemies and collect their balloons. However, it can only be used a limited number of times, so use it wisely.
  • Take your time. Balloon Kid is a challenging game, but it’s also a fair game. If you take your time and learn the levels, you’ll be able to beat it.
  • Don’t give up. Balloon Kid can be a frustrating game at times, but don’t give up. If you keep trying, you’ll eventually beat it.

Conclusion

Balloon Kid is a classic NES platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s charming visuals, catchy music, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding experience, Balloon Kid is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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