Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Softek
- Publishers: The Edge
Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal (1988)
Introduction: Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal is a 1988 adventure game developed by Mindscape and released for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, and ZX Spectrum. It is the first licensed entertainment video game to feature the iconic lazy cat Garfield, created by Jim Davis. The game follows Garfield on his quest to rescue his girlfriend Arlene from the cat pound.
Gameplay: The gameplay in Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal primarily involves object manipulation. Garfield can pick up and carry objects, as well as receive them from other characters, usually in exchange for other objects. The game features a variety of puzzles that require Garfield to use his wits and the objects he collects to progress.
One unique aspect of the game is the inclusion of Garfield’s friends and family members. Odie the dog follows Garfield around, and can be swiped for points. Garfield’s cousin Nermal can also help Garfield out, and can carry objects for him to use.
Garfield needs to eat and rest regularly in order to stay healthy. If he goes too long without food or rest, he will fall asleep and the game will be over. There are several food sources available throughout the game, including a butcher’s shop and a pizzeria.
Setting: The game takes place in the fictional town of Pawsville, which is based on the setting of the Garfield comic strip. Pawsville is a colorful and vibrant town, with a variety of locations to explore, including Garfield’s house, the cat pound, and the butcher’s shop.
Characters:
- Garfield: The protagonist of the game, Garfield is a lazy and overweight cat who loves to eat and sleep.
- Arlene: Garfield’s girlfriend, who has been kidnapped by the evil cat pound owner.
- Odie: Garfield’s dog, who follows him around and can be swiped for points.
- Nermal: Garfield’s cousin, who can help him out and carry objects for him.
- Jon Arbuckle: Garfield’s owner, who is a kind and caring man.
- Dr. Liz Wilson: A veterinarian who can help Garfield if he gets injured.
- The Cat Pound Owner: The evil owner of the cat pound, who has kidnapped Arlene.
Development: Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal was developed by Mindscape, a British video game company. The game was designed by Steve Cartwright and programmed by John Gibson. The game’s graphics were created by Tony Gibson and Simon Tarn.
The game was released in 1988 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, and ZX Spectrum. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Reception: Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal was praised for its charming graphics, humorous dialogue, and challenging puzzles. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy: Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal is considered to be one of the best Garfield video games ever made. The game has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material, its charming graphics, and its challenging puzzles. The game is still enjoyed by fans of Garfield and adventure games today.
Additional Information:
- The game was originally going to be called “Garfield: The Big Cat Adventure,” but the name was changed to “Garfield: Big, Fat, Hairy Deal” to better reflect the game’s humorous tone.
- The game features a number of Easter eggs, including a reference to the Garfield comic strip “The Thing That Ate Garfield.”
- The game was followed by two sequels, Garfield: Winter’s Tail and Garfield: Caught in the Act.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
