Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Rare
- Publishers: LJN
Beetlejuice (1991)
Beetlejuice is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by Rare and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game is based on the 1988 film of the same name, and follows Beetlejuice as he attempts to scare away the Deetz family from the Maitland house.
The game was released in North America in October 1991, and in Europe in December 1991. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its graphics and gameplay, while others criticized its difficulty and lack of originality.
Gameplay
Beetlejuice is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Beetlejuice as he jumps, shoots, and scares his way through various levels. The game is divided into two parts: the “Maitland House” levels and the “Otherworld” levels.
The Maitland House levels are based on the film, and see Beetlejuice exploring the Maitland house and its surroundings. These levels are relatively straightforward, and involve Beetlejuice jumping over obstacles, avoiding enemies, and collecting items.
The Otherworld levels are more original, and see Beetlejuice traveling through a variety of strange and dangerous locations, such as a sewer system, a desert, and the afterlife. These levels are more challenging than the Maitland House levels, and feature more difficult enemies and obstacles.
Throughout the game, Beetlejuice can collect a variety of power-ups that give him new abilities, such as the ability to shoot fireballs, fly, or become invincible. He can also collect cockroaches, which can be used to purchase additional power-ups from the Shopkeeper.
Enemies
Beetlejuice faces a variety of enemies throughout the game, including ghosts, ghouls, and other supernatural creatures. Each enemy has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and Beetlejuice must use his wits and abilities to defeat them.
Some of the most common enemies in the game include:
- Cockroaches: These small, harmless creatures can be stomped on to earn points.
- Ghosts: These translucent creatures can float through walls and ceilings, and can only be defeated by shooting them with Beetlejuice’s fireballs.
- Ghouls: These undead creatures are stronger than ghosts, and can only be defeated by hitting them with Beetlejuice’s scythe.
- Demons: These powerful creatures are the bosses of the game, and can only be defeated by using Beetlejuice’s most powerful attacks.
Bosses
Beetlejuice must defeat a variety of bosses throughout the game, including Otho, Juno, and Beetlejuice himself. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and Beetlejuice must use his wits and abilities to defeat them.
Some of the most notable bosses in the game include:
- Otho: The first boss of the game, Otho is a giant spider that Beetlejuice must defeat in order to enter the Maitland house.
- Juno: The second boss of the game, Juno is a powerful witch who Beetlejuice must defeat in order to rescue Lydia Deetz.
- Beetlejuice: The final boss of the game, Beetlejuice must defeat himself in order to return to the Netherworld.
Reception
Beetlejuice received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised its graphics and gameplay, while others criticized its difficulty and lack of originality.
IGN gave the game a score of 7.5 out of 10, saying “Beetlejuice is a fun and challenging platformer that perfectly captures the spirit of the film. It’s a must-play for fans of the movie and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.”
GameSpot gave the game a score of 6.5 out of 10, saying “Beetlejuice is a solid platformer with some great graphics and sound effects. However, it’s also very difficult and can be frustrating at times.”
Overall, Beetlejuice is a well-made and enjoyable platformer that is sure to please fans of the film and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. However, it’s important to note that the game is quite difficult, so players may want to be prepared for some frustration.
Review Score
7.5/10
