Pocket Monster is a classic NES platformer game that brings Pikachu, everyone's favorite Pokémon, to the forefront. Originally released for the NES, it was later ported to the Game Boy Advance under the name Pokémon Gold Version. In this game, players take control of Pikachu as they navigate through challenging worlds and face off against formidable bosses.
Unlike many other NES games, Pocket Monster features inverted controls. Jumping is done by pressing the B button, while pressing the A button while moving causes Pikachu to run. Pressing A on its own clears all enemies on the screen. Similar to the mechanics in Super Mario Bros., Pikachu can also stomp on enemies. Players should be cautious, though, as Pikachu can only sustain three hits before losing a life. The remaining hit count is conveniently displayed by a Poké Ball counter located in the top left corner of the screen.
The game comprises four distinct worlds: Velbt, Woods, Tableland, and Motte. Each world consists of three levels, offering plenty of challenges and surprises for players to overcome. At the end of each world, an epic boss battle awaits Pikachu, testing the player's skills and reflexes. With its exciting gameplay and varied levels, Pocket Monster offers a thrilling platforming experience.
One notable feature of Pocket Monster is its built-in debug mode, which is enabled by default. In this mode, players have free movement while paused, allowing them to explore levels more freely. Additionally, players can skip to the next level simply by pressing the Select button. This debugging feature adds an extra layer of playability and flexibility to the game.
In terms of graphics, Pocket Monster leverages elements from other NES games such as Athena and Adventure Island II. The background graphics have been ripped and slightly modified from these games to create new and unique environments for Pikachu to explore. The enemy characters in the game have also been sourced from various games, with some inspired by the Pokémon universe itself.
The sound engine used in Pocket Monster is from Twin Bee, a game developed and published by Konami. While the game features its own soundtrack, players may recognize some of the sound effects as being from Twin Bee. This unique combination of music and sound effects adds to the nostalgic charm of the game, reminiscent of classic NES titles.
As players progress through the game, they will discover hidden secrets and unlock new features. The ending of Pocket Monster rewards players with a delightful scene of Pikachu dancing, accompanied by an "End" message at the top of the screen. It's a satisfying conclusion to an exciting platforming adventure.
Pocket Monster is a must-play for NES enthusiasts, platformer lovers, and Pokémon fans alike. Its engaging gameplay, challenging levels, and charming graphics make it a standout title for the NES platform. Join Pikachu on an unforgettable journey filled with platforming fun and exciting boss battles in Pocket Monster.
