Popeye

Avoiding Brutus is largely a game of cat-and-mouse, but eating your spinach lets you turn the tables on him, delivering a mighty punch that sends him bouncing around the screen. Just be sure to keep moving because Brutus is quite nimble for his size, and can pounce on you unpredictably. Each screens offers its own unique elements, like a trap you can trigger or a teeter-totter that catapults you to a higher platform. The music is also first-rate. Not only does each screen feature its own catchy jingle, but a lively rendition of the Popeye theme plays when you eat your spinach. Some might contend Popeye is a second-tier platform title, but I haven't had this much fun on my NES in a while.

In this cartoon-inspired platform game, you play Popeye, trying to catch Olive Oyl's "hearts" while avoiding the evil Bluto. Bluto is pretty relentless, however, once per screen Popeye can grab a can of spinach and turn the tables on that big bully. Popeye is available on several consoles, but this is probably the best version I've seen. The characters are multicolored, well animated, and easy to identify (unlike the Colecovision version). All three screens are included, and each has its own musical theme. Even the control is solid. My only complaint that the collision detection seems a little fishy at times. Otherwise, this is the next best thing to having the arcade game in your home.

Although there's only one skill level, the level of difficulty is just right (a little on the hard side). If you haven't been spoiled by the Colecovision version yet, you'll have a great time with this one.

Popeye risulta dunque un titolo molto intrigante, altamente giocabile, con personaggi ben caratterizzati, una buona colonna sonora e un livello di sfida notevole, l’unica pecca che ne abbassa di poco il giudizio finale è solamente l’estrema ripetitività, caratteristica comunque molto comune per tutti i titoli di derivazione arcade dello stesso periodo.

What then is my conclusion? First of all, Popeye is a fun game. It is a bit of a one-trick pony in that there aren't multiple game modes, but the mode that is here is quite entertaining. I will concede, however, that this game won't last forever in all likelihood. Aesthetically, particularly in the area of sound, Popeye is excellent. If you are a fan of Popeye, there is no logical reason for you not to give this game a try. Actually, if you're a fan of the Atari 2600 at all, there's little reason for you to skip out on this game. I would recommend that any true fan of the Atari 2600 consider buying this game.

If you like arcade classics or are a big fan of Popeye you will enjoy this game greatly. If you just like NES games you will probably find this game enjoyable for short periods. Either way it is worth playing at least once or twice.

In this likeable platform game, Popeye must collect floating objects thrown by Olive Oyl from the top of the screen while avoiding Bluto and other hazards. When Popeye eats his spinach, which appears once per round, he can turn the tables on Bluto -- sending him flying with one punch. This is a terrific version of the arcade hit, featuring all three screens (including the pirate ship). Although the scenery looks lovely, the characters aren't nearly as impressive. Popeye is solid white, and Bluto and Olive Oyl don't look so hot either. At least the excellent music and sound effects are arcade-perfect. Popeye is a blast to play, and with six different skill levels, it's always a challenge.

Popeye's biggest weakness is redundancy. Each level requires you to do basically the same thing: gather floating objects. Even so, it is a fun game that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

At least Parker Bros. managed to incorporate the part where you can drop a bucket on Bluto's head, but it's difficult to execute and really not worth the effort. Also included is a two-player mode where the second player controls Bluto. The sound effects are decent and include a nice rendition of the Popeye theme. Popeye for the Odyssey is hideous for sure, but if the graphics don't scare you off you're in for a fair amount of arcade action.