Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Arcade, MSX, SG-1000
- Developers: Taito
- Publishers: Taito
Chack’n Pop: A Predecessor to Bubble Bobble
Released in 1983, Chack’n Pop is a platform game developed by Taito. It is considered a predecessor to the more well-known Bubble Bobble, and features similar gameplay mechanics. The player controls a roundish yellow creature named Chack’n, who must fight against Monstas and Mightas in order to reclaim hearts that were stolen during a romantic encounter with Miss Chack’n.
The game is set in a series of single-screen levels, each with a different layout. Chack’n can move left and right, jump, and throw bombs. He uses his bombs to blow up the Monstas and their eggs, and to release the captured hearts from their cages. When a heart is released, it will fly up and destroy the separator block, revealing the exit to the level.
The Monstas themselves hatch from eggs hanging from the ceilings. The eggs come in three colors: blue, yellow, and red. Blue eggs are harmless, yellow eggs will pop within 10 seconds, and red eggs will pop almost immediately. Chack’n must be careful not to touch the eggs, or he will lose a life.
The Mightas are another type of enemy that Chack’n must face. The Mightas push a rock that is used as the game’s timer. If the rock reaches the bottom of the screen, Chack’n will lose a life. Chack’n can defeat the Mightas by blowing them up with bombs.
Chack’n Pop is a challenging but rewarding game. It requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay has made it a favorite among retro gamers.
Gameplay
Chack’n Pop is a platform game where the player controls Chack’n, a roundish yellow creature. The player must guide Chack’n through a series of single-screen levels, defeating enemies and collecting hearts.
Chack’n can move left and right, jump, and throw bombs. He uses his bombs to blow up the Monstas and their eggs, and to release the captured hearts from their cages. When a heart is released, it will fly up and destroy the separator block, revealing the exit to the level.
The Monstas themselves hatch from eggs hanging from the ceilings. The eggs come in three colors: blue, yellow, and red. Blue eggs are harmless, yellow eggs will pop within 10 seconds, and red eggs will pop almost immediately. Chack’n must be careful not to touch the eggs, or he will lose a life.
The Mightas are another type of enemy that Chack’n must face. The Mightas push a rock that is used as the game’s timer. If the rock reaches the bottom of the screen, Chack’n will lose a life. Chack’n can defeat the Mightas by blowing them up with bombs.
Development
Chack’n Pop was developed by Taito and released in arcades in 1983. The game was designed by Yoshiki Okamoto, who would later go on to create Bubble Bobble.
Chack’n Pop was a commercial success, and was ported to a number of home computers and consoles. The game was released in the United States by Bally Midway.
Reception
Chack’n Pop was well-received by critics. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, cute graphics, and catchy music.
In a review for AllGame, Skyler Miller wrote: “Chack’n Pop is a fun and challenging platformer that will appeal to fans of Bubble Bobble and other retro classics. The game’s unique egg mechanic adds a lot of strategy and depth to the gameplay.”
Legacy
Chack’n Pop is considered a classic platform game. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay has made it a favorite among retro gamers. Chack’n Pop has been ported to a number of modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4.
Chack’n Pop has also been referenced in other video games. In the game Super Smash Bros. Melee, there is a stage called “Pac-Maze” that features a cameo appearance by Chack’n.
Conclusion
Chack’n Pop is a fun and challenging platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, cute graphics, and catchy music have made it a classic.
Review Score
8/10
