1

Summary

• Release Year: 1991
• Genres: Adventure, Platform
• Platforms: Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• Developers: Imagineering Inc.
• Publishers: Altron, THQ

Home Alone (1991): A Nostalgic Holiday Adventure

Released in 1991 alongside the beloved holiday film of the same name, Home Alone is a classic platformer that captures the festive spirit and slapstick humor of the movie. Players take on the role of Kevin McCallister, the resourceful young boy who must defend his family’s home from the bumbling Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv.

Gameplay

Home Alone is a side-scrolling platformer with a variety of levels set in and around the McCallister house. Kevin can run, jump, climb, and use a variety of household objects as weapons against the invading bandits. These objects range from paint cans and bricks to marbles and even a BB gun.

Each level has a different objective, such as collecting a certain number of items, defeating all the bandits, or reaching the exit. Along the way, Kevin must avoid traps and obstacles, such as swinging paint cans, falling bricks, and slippery ice patches.

Levels

The game consists of eight levels, each with its own unique setting and challenges:

1. The Attic: Kevin must collect ornaments and other Christmas decorations while avoiding bats and spiders.
2. The Kitchen: Kevin must gather food and other supplies while dodging falling pots and pans.
3. The Living Room: Kevin must set traps and defend the Christmas tree from the Wet Bandits.
4. The Basement: Kevin must navigate a maze-like basement while avoiding rats and other creepy crawlies.
5. The Backyard: Kevin must use his wits to outsmart the Wet Bandits in a snowy backyard battle.
6. The School: Kevin must sneak through his school at night to retrieve a special item.
7. The Church: Kevin must attend a Christmas Eve service while keeping an eye out for the Wet Bandits.
8. The Finale: Kevin must confront the Wet Bandits in a final showdown at their hideout.

Characters

In addition to Kevin, players can also control other characters from the movie, including:

• Harry: The dim-witted leader of the Wet Bandits.
• Marv: Harry’s clumsy and childlike sidekick.
• Buzz: Kevin’s older brother, who is constantly bullying him.
• Kate: Kevin’s mother, who is worried about leaving him home alone.
• Peter: Kevin’s father, who is also worried about leaving Kevin alone, but is more understanding.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Home Alone featured impressive 8-bit graphics that captured the look and feel of the movie. The game’s soundtrack is also memorable, with catchy Christmas-themed tunes that add to the festive atmosphere.

Legacy

Home Alone was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a popular holiday game today. It has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including the NES, Game Boy, and mobile devices.

The game’s success has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Home Alone 3 (1997), and Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002). However, none of these sequels have managed to match the charm and nostalgia of the original.

Conclusion

Home Alone (1991) is a timeless holiday classic that perfectly captures the spirit of the movie. With its challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and festive atmosphere, it’s a game that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages for many years to come.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots