Banana Prince (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Banana Prince: A Wacky and Wonderful NES Platformer

Released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Banana Prince is a quirky and charming platformer that stands out from the crowd with its unique protagonist and bizarre sense of humor. Developed by KID and published by Takara, the game follows the adventures of a young boy named Banan who, after eating a magical banana, transforms into the Banana Prince and sets out on a quest to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend, Mimi.

Gameplay

Banana Prince is a single-player platformer that plays similarly to other NES classics like Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man. The game features seven levels, each with its own unique theme and set of challenges. Banan must run, jump, and shoot his way through hordes of enemies, including monkeys, turtles, and even giant bananas. He can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to shoot bananas, become invincible, or fly.

One of the things that makes Banana Prince unique is its focus on puzzle-solving. In addition to the standard platforming challenges, players must also solve puzzles in order to progress through the game. These puzzles can be anything from finding hidden keys to activating switches to solving mazes.

Graphics and Sound

Banana Prince’s graphics are colorful and cartoony, with a distinct Japanese anime style. The game’s character designs are particularly memorable, with Banan himself being an instantly recognizable icon. The music and sound effects are also top-notch, with catchy tunes and humorous sound effects that add to the game’s overall charm.

Story

The story of Banana Prince is simple but effective. Banan, a young boy who loves bananas, eats a magical banana and transforms into the Banana Prince. He then sets out on a quest to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend, Mimi, from the evil King Baboon. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including a talking parrot, a wise old monkey, and a giant banana.

Reception

Banana Prince was a critical and commercial success upon its release in Japan. It was praised for its unique gameplay, charming graphics, and humorous story. The game was also a hit in Germany, where it was released in 1992. However, it was never released in North America, which is a shame because it is a truly hidden gem of the NES era.

Legacy

Banana Prince has become a cult classic among retro gamers. It is often praised for its originality, creativity, and sense of humor. The game has also been featured in several retrospectives and articles about the best NES games.

Conclusion

Banana Prince is a unique and wonderful platformer that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. With its charming graphics, catchy music, and hilarious story, Banana Prince is a game that is sure to put a smile on your face. If you are a fan of classic NES platformers, then you owe it to yourself to check out Banana Prince.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

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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