Genre: Platformer
Year: 1990
Developed by: Capcom
Published by: Capcom
Platforms: NES
#373
Feeling Like: Old Super Mario Bros U.
I’m still revising my list.
Once I complete a post, I cross it off and move on. It’s not always as simple as that; many entries will be riding the proverbial elevator on the final rankings sheet and will often end up in surprising spots. Nostalgia is a funny thing; sometimes I’ll know that I loved a game, until I start asking myself why and I can’t think of a single reason. Down it goes.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers at first seems like a ridiculous choice to put at 373 – ahead of such industry juggernauts as Half-Life, Metroid, Castlevania and many, many more. I did warn you that you’ll likely disagree with my choices. What I didn’t know is that I would disagree with myself. What the hell?
I’ve already deliberated on this game so much that I can’t possibly justify putting it off any longer. Placement number 373 it is, to hell with it.
But surely, there must be some reason as to why I found another Capcom sidescroller for the NES endearing?
There was. Don’t put your thinking caps on, it’s not rocket science.
BECAUSE IT HAD MULTIPLAYER, OK?
Do you know how crucial it was for kids in the 90s to be able to play with your cousins, friends and family? It practically became a whole new game. There were very few multiplayer platformers at the time. Most would allow you to take turns, but giving it a go side by side, simultaneously? Oh, that was a miracle. No waiting needed, let’s team up and throw apples and boxes at mechanical doggies.
That’s about it. It takes roughly half an hour to beat, has a kick-ass intro song and is faithful to the show it’s based on. As a child, I didn’t understand that Chip and Dale’s costumes were based on Indiana Jones and Magnum P.I. As an adult, I find this adorable.
Why isn’t it higher?
For the very same reason it isn’t any lower – MULTIPLAYER.
Having a friend may be more fun, but it sure doesn’t make it easier. You can stun your fellow partner by throwing something at them. You can delay your partner, by being slower or less skilled. You can also pick each other up, leading to various instances of hurling them into the abyss, or in the way of an oncoming enemy. Sound familiar?
Thankfully, it’s a very easy game. The boss fights are little more than momentary obstacles and there are only a few stages before the game is over. It’s no DuckTales, but I have better memories of this game due to playing it with buddies, the zany sound effects and my own love for the TV show.
The 500 