Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Mind’s Eye
- Publishers: Hi Tech Expressions
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival (1990)
Overview
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival is a platformer video game developed and published by Henson Associates for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released in North America in September 1990 and in Europe in 1991. The game is based on the Muppets franchise and features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Animal as they try to rescue Miss Piggy from the evil Dr. Grump.
Gameplay
The player controls Kermit the Frog as he travels through a carnival themed world, collecting coins and avoiding enemies. Kermit can jump, duck, and shoot projectiles to defeat enemies. He can also use power-ups to gain temporary abilities, such as invincibility or the ability to shoot multiple projectiles.
The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique theme and boss. The levels are:
- Raging River Ride: Kermit must navigate a river filled with logs and other obstacles.
- Amazing Ice Cream Maze: Kermit must find his way through a maze filled with ice cream cones and other treats.
- Lost in Space Ride: Kermit must blast off into space and avoid asteroids and other hazards.
- Crash Car Course: Kermit must race through a obstacle course filled with ramps and jumps.
- Cave of the Grumpasaurus: Kermit must face off against Dr. Grump and his pet Grumpasaurus.
Development
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival was developed by Henson Associates, a video game company founded by Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. The game was designed by Michael Rydell, who had previously worked on the NES games Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers.
The game’s graphics were created by Charles Martinet, who would later go on to voice Mario in the Super Mario Bros. series. The music was composed by Tim Follin, who had previously worked on the NES games Solstice and Silver Surfer.
Reception
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. It was also a hit with Muppets fans, who were eager to play a game starring their favorite characters.
The game was nominated for several awards, including the Nintendo Power Award for Best Platform Game of 1990. It was also included in Nintendo Power’s list of the 100 best NES games.
Legacy
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival is considered to be one of the best Muppets video games ever made. It is still enjoyed by fans today, and it has been re-released on several different platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.
The game’s success helped to cement the Muppets as a popular video game franchise. Henson Associates would go on to develop several other Muppets games, including Muppet RaceMania and Muppets Party Cruise.
Additional Information
- The game’s title screen features a cameo appearance by Rowlf the Dog.
- The game’s music includes several songs from the Muppet movies, including “Rainbow Connection” and “Mah Na Mah Na.”
- The game was originally going to be released in 1989, but it was delayed due to production issues.
- The game was re-released on the Wii Virtual Console in 2007 and on the PlayStation Network in 2013.
Review Score
8.5/10
