Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Konami
- Publishers: Konami
Bucky O’Hare (1992): A Nostalgic Trip Through the Toad Wars
Released in 1992, Bucky O’Hare is a side-scrolling beat ’em up/shoot ’em up hybrid based on the cartoon television series of the same name. Developed by Konami and published by Ultra Games, the game follows the titular Bucky O’Hare and his crew of the spaceship Righteous Indignation as they battle against the evil Toad Empire and their leader, Komplex.
Gameplay
Bucky O’Hare is a unique blend of genres, combining the side-scrolling beat ’em up gameplay of Final Fight with the shooting elements of a scrolling shooter. Players can choose from five playable characters: Bucky O’Hare, Jenny, Dead-Eye Duck, Willy, and Blinky. Each character has their own unique abilities and weapons.
The game is set across six levels, each with its own unique enemies and challenges. Players must fight their way through hordes of brainwashed toads, using their fists, laser guns, and special abilities to defeat them. The game also features several boss battles, including against the Toad King and Komplex himself.
Graphics and Sound
Bucky O’Hare features colorful and vibrant graphics that bring the cartoon series to life. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are full of lush scenery and intricate details. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that perfectly captures the tone of the cartoon.
Story
The story of Bucky O’Hare follows the crew of the Righteous Indignation as they attempt to stop the Toad Empire from invading extraterrestrial planets and enslaving their peoples. The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes, which feature voice acting from the original cartoon series cast.
Characters
- Bucky O’Hare: The heroic rabbit captain of the Righteous Indignation. Bucky is a skilled fighter and a brilliant strategist.
- Jenny: An “Aldebaran cat” and telepath. Jenny is a powerful fighter and can use her telepathic abilities to heal her allies and damage her enemies.
- Dead-Eye Duck: A four-armed mallard. Dead-Eye Duck is a skilled sharpshooter and can use his four arms to wield two weapons at once.
- Willy: A kid from Earth that replaced their engineer. Willy is a skilled mechanic and can use his gadgets to help his allies and hinder his enemies.
- Blinky: A one-eyed android. Blinky is a powerful fighter and can use his laser eye to blast his enemies.
Enemies
Bucky O’Hare features a wide variety of enemies, including:
- Toad Storm Troopers: The basic foot soldiers of the Toad Empire.
- Toadborgs: Cyborg toads that are more powerful than the Toad Storm Troopers.
- Total Terror Toad: A large and powerful toad that can shoot lasers from its eyes.
- Cyborg Spider: A giant spider that can shoot webs and fire lasers.
- Komplex-2-Go: A smaller version of Komplex that can fly and shoot lasers.
- Toad King: The leader of the Toad Empire.
- Komplex: The main antagonist of the game. Komplex is a computer program that has taken over the Toad Empire and is using it to conquer the galaxy.
Legacy
Bucky O’Hare was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Bucky O’Hare has since been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy.
The game has also been re-released on modern platforms, such as the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Bucky O’Hare remains a popular game among fans of the cartoon series and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Bucky O’Hare is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up/shoot ’em up hybrid that perfectly captures the tone and style of the cartoon series. The game features colorful graphics, catchy music, and a variety of fun and challenging levels. Bucky O’Hare is a must-play for fans of the cartoon series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
