Summary

• Release Year: 1985
• Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Strategy
• Platforms: Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System
• Developers: Nintendo R&D1
• Publishers: Nintendo

Gyromite (1985): A Unique and Challenging NES Platformer

Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Gyromite is a unique and challenging platformer that made use of the Robotic Operating Buddy (R.O.B.), a robotic peripheral released alongside the NES. Gyromite is one of two games in Nintendo’s Robot Series, the other being Stack-Up.

The game’s story is simple: Professor Hector creates a new type of robot called the S.O.B. (Smart Operating Buddy), but the S.O.B. malfunctions and kidnaps the professor’s daughter, Penny. The player controls R.O.B. as he sets out to rescue Penny and defeat the S.O.B.

Gyromite is played from a top-down perspective, and the player must navigate R.O.B. through a series of mazes while avoiding enemies and collecting keys to open doors. The game’s unique feature is the use of R.O.B. to move objects and solve puzzles. For example, R.O.B. can be used to push blocks to create platforms, or to rotate mirrors to reflect lasers.

Gyromite is a challenging game, but it is also fair and rewarding. The levels are well-designed and the puzzles are clever. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and the music is catchy.

Overall, Gyromite is a fun and unique platformer that is well worth playing. It is a challenging game, but it is also fair and rewarding. The game’s use of R.O.B. is innovative and adds a new level of depth to the gameplay.

Gameplay

Gyromite is a platformer game in which the player controls R.O.B. as he navigates through a series of mazes. The goal of each maze is to reach the exit while avoiding enemies and collecting keys to open doors.

R.O.B. can move in four directions: up, down, left, and right. He can also jump, and he can use his gyroscope to rotate objects. The gyroscope is used to solve puzzles, such as rotating mirrors to reflect lasers or moving blocks to create platforms.

The game’s enemies include robots, spiders, and bats. Robots can be defeated by shooting them with R.O.B.’s laser gun. Spiders can be defeated by jumping on them. Bats can be defeated by hitting them with R.O.B.’s gyroscope.

In addition to enemies, the player must also avoid a variety of obstacles, such as spikes, pits, and lasers. The player can use R.O.B.’s gyroscope to rotate objects to create platforms or to block lasers.

The game is divided into four worlds, each with its own unique set of mazes. The first world is a forest, the second world is a cave, the third world is a factory, and the fourth world is a castle. Each world has a boss that the player must defeat in order to progress to the next world.

Development

Gyromite was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 1 (R&D1), the same team that developed the NES console. The game was designed by Gunpei Yokoi, who is also known for designing the Game & Watch and the Virtual Boy.

Gyromite was originally released in Japan in 1985. It was released in North America and Europe in 1986. The game was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Reception

Gyromite received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, clever puzzles, and innovative use of R.O.B. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult.

Overall, Gyromite is a well-made and enjoyable platformer that is well worth playing. It is a challenging game, but it is also fair and rewarding. The game’s use of R.O.B. is innovative and adds a new level of depth to the gameplay.

Legacy

Gyromite is considered to be one of the best NES games. It is a challenging but fair game with clever puzzles and innovative gameplay. The game’s use of R.O.B. is unique and adds a new level of depth to the gameplay.

Gyromite has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS, and the Wii. The game is also available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Gyromite has been featured in a number of video game magazines and books. The game has also been the subject of a number of fan-made remakes and sequels.

Conclusion

Gyromite is a unique and challenging platformer that is well worth playing. It is a challenging game, but it is also fair and rewarding. The game’s use of R.O.B. is innovative and adds a new level of depth to the gameplay.

Whether you are a fan of platformers, puzzle games, or Nintendo history, Gyromite is a game that you should check out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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