The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy (1991)

Introduction

Prepare for a prehistoric adventure with The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy, a side-scrolling platformer released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Join Fred Flintstone and his loyal companion Barney Rubble as they embark on a time-traveling quest to save their beloved dinosaur Dino and kangaroo Hoppy from the clutches of a futuristic scientist.

Story

The game’s plot revolves around the arrival of Dr. Butler, a scientist from the 30th century, in Bedrock. Dr. Butler’s mission is to capture Dino and Hoppy for the Orbit City Zoo, and he has brought with him a time machine to accomplish this task. Upon discovering Dr. Butler’s plan, Fred and Barney are determined to rescue their prehistoric pals.

The Great Gazoo, a friendly alien who has taken up residence with the Flintstones, informs Fred that he can build a time machine of his own, but he needs to find all the necessary parts. With the help of Wilma, Barney, and Betty, Fred sets out on a quest to gather the missing components.

Gameplay

The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy is a classic side-scrolling platformer. Players control Fred or Barney as they navigate through a variety of prehistoric levels, including caves, forests, and swamps. The gameplay is similar to other NES platformers of the era, with players jumping, climbing, and attacking enemies with Fred’s signature club or Barney’s trusty slingshot.

Each level is filled with obstacles and enemies, including pterodactyls, saber-toothed tigers, and even cavemen. Fred and Barney can collect power-ups to enhance their abilities, such as invincibility, increased speed, and the ability to shoot projectiles.

Levels

The game consists of six levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges:

  • Level 1: Bedrock – Fred and Barney start their journey in their hometown of Bedrock, where they must collect the first time machine part.
  • Level 2: The Forest – The duo ventures into a prehistoric forest, where they encounter a variety of woodland creatures and obstacles.
  • Level 3: The Swamp – Fred and Barney navigate through a treacherous swamp, filled with quicksand and hungry alligators.
  • Level 4: The Cave – The search for the time machine parts leads Fred and Barney to a dark and dangerous cave, inhabited by bats and other cave-dwelling creatures.
  • Level 5: The Volcano – The penultimate level takes place inside a volcano, where Fred and Barney must battle their way through molten lava and fire-breathing enemies.
  • Level 6: Orbit City – The final level transports Fred and Barney to the futuristic Orbit City, where they must confront Dr. Butler and rescue Dino and Hoppy.

Characters

  • Fred Flintstone – The patriarch of the Flintstone family and the main playable character. Fred is known for his strength and his signature catchphrase, “Yabba-dabba-doo!”
  • Barney Rubble – Fred’s best friend and neighbor. Barney is a loyal and supportive companion, although he is often clumsy and prone to mishaps.
  • Wilma Flintstone – Fred’s wife and a loving mother. Wilma is a skilled homemaker and always there to support her family.
  • Betty Rubble – Barney’s wife and Wilma’s best friend. Betty is a kind and compassionate woman who often helps Fred and Barney out of trouble.
  • Dino – The Flintstones’ pet dinosaur. Dino is a loyal and playful companion, although he can be a bit mischievous at times.
  • Hoppy – The Flintstones’ pet kangaroo. Hoppy is a curious and energetic marsupial who loves to hop around.
  • Dr. Butler – A scientist from the 30th century who wants to capture Dino and Hoppy for the Orbit City Zoo. Dr. Butler is a cunning and determined adversary.
  • The Great Gazoo – A friendly alien who has taken up residence with the Flintstones. The Great Gazoo possesses a variety of supernatural abilities and helps Fred and Barney on their quest.

Reception

The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s colorful graphics and charming characters, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, the game has gained a cult following over the years and is fondly remembered by many NES fans.

Legacy

The Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy is a fun and nostalgic platformer that captures the spirit of the beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon series. While it may not be the most groundbreaking game ever made, it remains a charming and enjoyable experience for fans of the Flintstones and classic NES platformers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Flintstones or simply looking for a fun and challenging platformer, The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy is definitely worth checking out. With its colorful graphics, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay, this prehistoric adventure is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So gather your family and friends, fire up your NES, and join Fred and Barney on their quest to save Dino and Hoppy!

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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