Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS
- Developers: Shadow Software
- Publishers: Ocean Software
Hook (1992): A Nostalgic Adventure with Mixed Fortunes
Introduction:
Released in 1992 for the NES, Hook is a platformer adventure game based on the popular film of the same name, which itself is a modern retelling of the classic tale of Peter Pan. Players take on the role of Peter Pan, who has now grown up and become a successful lawyer, but must return to Neverland to rescue his children from his old nemesis, Captain Hook.
Gameplay:
As Peter Pan, you traverse various levels in Neverland, including the Lost Boys’ hideout, Skull Rock, and Captain Hook’s ship. The gameplay combines platforming, puzzle-solving, and sword-fighting. Peter can jump, climb, and use his sword to defeat enemies, including pirates, Lost Boys, and even giant squids.
One of the unique features of Hook is the inclusion of Tinkerbell as your sidekick. Tinkerbell can be used to scout ahead, stun enemies, and even heal Peter. She adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as you must decide how to best utilize her abilities.
The game also features a variety of puzzles, which range from simple environmental puzzles to more complex logic puzzles. These puzzles help to break up the action and add some variety to the gameplay.
Graphics and Sound:
For an NES game, Hook’s graphics are quite impressive. The colors are vibrant, the character sprites are detailed, and the backgrounds are varied and well-drawn. The game’s soundtrack is also very good, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the whimsical atmosphere of Neverland.
Story:
The story of Hook closely follows the plot of the film. Peter Pan, now a successful lawyer, has forgotten his past adventures in Neverland. However, when his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook, he is forced to return to Neverland and relive his roguish past.
The game does a good job of capturing the magic and wonder of the film, and it features many of the same characters and locations. However, the game’s story is somewhat simplified compared to the film, and some of the character development is lacking.
Controls:
The controls in Hook are a bit awkward at times. Peter Pan can be difficult to control when jumping and climbing, and the sword-fighting can be imprecise. This can lead to some frustration, especially during the more challenging sections of the game.
Overall:
Hook is a charming and nostalgic adventure game that captures the magic of the film. However, the game’s below-average writing, awkward controls, and short length hold it back from being a truly great experience.
Review Score:
6.5/10
Pros:
- Vibrant graphics and charming soundtrack
- Fun and varied gameplay that combines platforming, puzzle-solving, and sword-fighting
- Tinkerbell adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay
- Captures the magic and wonder of the film
Cons:
- Below-average writing and character development
- Awkward controls can lead to frustration
- The game is over all too soon
Review Score
6.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
