Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Puzzle
- Platforms: Nintendo 64, PlayStation
- Developers: Pure Audio
- Publishers: Mindscape
Rat Attack! (1999): A Purrfectly Perplexing Puzzle Adventure
Prepare to embark on a whisker-twitching adventure with Rat Attack! (1999), a charming and challenging puzzle game that will put your brain and reflexes to the test. Join the Scratch Cats, an elite superhero team of feline fighters, as they take on the nefarious Washington and Jefferson, two mutant space rats bent on enslaving the world with their vast army of rodents.
Gameplay: A Tail of Two Tasks
Rat Attack! presents players with a unique blend of puzzle-solving and action gameplay. Each level is a vibrant and interactive environment filled with obstacles, power-ups, and of course, rats. Your mission is twofold: first, you must capture the elusive rat using your trusty Eraticator, a high-tech vacuum cleaner that sucks up the pesky vermin. Once captured, you must then locate the Destructor pad hidden within each level. Only by placing the rat on the Destructor pad can you eliminate the threat and progress to the next level.
The Scratch Cats: A League of Extraordinary Felines
Choose from a roster of four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities:
- Clawd: The fearless leader, Clawd is a skilled fighter with a powerful pounce attack.
- Purrsephone: A cunning strategist, Purrsephone can use her tail to grab objects and solve puzzles.
- Whiskers: A nimble acrobat, Whiskers can jump and climb with ease, reaching areas inaccessible to others.
- Meowzart: The brains of the team, Meowzart can use his musical abilities to charm rats and even control their movements.
Levels: A Maze of Mayhem
Rat Attack! features over 50 levels, each one a labyrinthine playground filled with puzzles, traps, and hidden secrets. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the depths of a secret rat lair, the environments are as diverse as they are challenging. As you progress through the game, the levels become increasingly complex, requiring a combination of quick thinking, skillful platforming, and strategic use of your feline abilities.
Enemies: A Rodent Ruckus
Washington and Jefferson are not the only rats you’ll encounter in Rat Attack!. Their army of mutant rodents comes in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique abilities and behaviors. From tiny scurrying rats to giant, fire-breathing rat monsters, the variety of enemies keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.
Power-Ups: A Helping Paw
Scattered throughout the levels are a variety of power-ups that can aid you in your quest. These power-ups include:
- Speed Boost: Increases your movement speed for a limited time.
- Invincibility: Makes you invulnerable to enemy attacks for a short period.
- Extra Life: Grants you an additional life.
- Rat Magnet: Attracts all nearby rats towards you, making it easier to capture them.
- Destructor Boost: Speeds up the Destructor pad’s activation time.
Graphics and Sound: A Symphony of Sight and Sound
Rat Attack! boasts colorful and vibrant 3D graphics that bring the world of the Scratch Cats to life. The character designs are charming and expressive, and the environments are rich with detail and personality. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of catchy tunes and ambient sound effects that perfectly capture the game’s lighthearted and adventurous tone.
Conclusion: A Purrfect Puzzle Adventure
Rat Attack! (1999) is a delightful and challenging puzzle adventure that will appeal to gamers of all ages. With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and colorful world, Rat Attack! is a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. So gather your team of Scratch Cats, prepare your Eraticator, and join the fight against the mutant space rats today!
Review Score
7/10