Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Quiz/Trivia, Shooter
- Platforms: DOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Wisdom Tree
- Publishers: Piko Interactive, Wisdom Tree
Super Noah’s Ark 3D (1994): An Unlicensed SNES Adventure with a Christian Twist
In the annals of video gaming history, there are countless tales of unlicensed games, developed and released without the official sanction of the console manufacturers. These games often pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the hardware, and some even achieved cult status among gamers. One such game is Super Noah’s Ark 3D, an unlicensed Christian-themed video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) released in 1994.
Development and Release
Super Noah’s Ark 3D was developed by Wisdom Tree, a company known for producing biblical video games. In order to bypass the Super Nintendo’s lockout chip, Wisdom Tree devised a pass-through system similar to the Game Genie, where the player had to insert an officially licensed SNES game into the cartridge slot on top of the Super 3D Noah’s Ark cartridge.
Despite its name, Super Noah’s Ark 3D is unrelated to Konami’s official Noah’s Ark game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game was released in 1994 and was the only commercially released SNES game in the U.S. that was not officially sanctioned by Nintendo.
Gameplay
Super Noah’s Ark 3D is a first-person shooter game similar to Wolfenstein 3D, but with a non-violent twist. The player takes on the role of Noah, wandering the Ark and using a slingshot to shoot sleep-inducing food at angry attacking animals, mostly goats, in order to render them unconscious.
The animals in the game behave differently. Goats, the most common enemy, will only kick Noah, while other animals such as sheep, ostriches, antelopes, and oxen will shoot spittle at him from a distance. Goats are also unable to open doors, which the other animals can do.
The gameplay is aimed at younger children. Noah’s Ark includes secret passages, food, weapons, and extra lives. There are secret levels and shortcut levels as well. The player eventually comes across larger and more powerful slingshots and flings coconuts and watermelons at the larger boss-like animals, such as Ernie the Elephant and Carl the Camel.
Reception
Super Noah’s Ark 3D received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s unique Christian theme and its non-violent gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of polish. However, the game has gained a cult following among retro gamers and fans of unlicensed SNES games.
Legacy
Super Noah’s Ark 3D is a fascinating relic of the early days of video gaming. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of game developers, who were willing to push the boundaries of what was possible on the hardware of the time. The game’s unique Christian theme and non-violent gameplay make it stand out from other SNES games, and it remains a popular choice among retro gamers today.
Re-release
In January 2014, Super Noah’s Ark 3D was re-released for the SNES, initially available only by private email orders, but later through Piko Interactive’s website. The game was also updated for the 20th Anniversary Edition and released at itch.io on May 26, 2014, for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
The re-release of Super Noah’s Ark 3D has allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this unique and charming SNES game. It is a reminder of the creativity and innovation that was happening in the early days of video gaming, and it continues to be a popular choice among retro gamers today.
Conclusion
Super Noah’s Ark 3D is a unique and charming SNES game with a Christian theme and non-violent gameplay. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of game developers in the early days of video gaming. The game has gained a cult following among retro gamers and fans of unlicensed SNES games, and its re-release in recent years has allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic title.
Review Score
6/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
