True Redux Review: The Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle

Today we go back to July of 1989, when The Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle was released for the NES. I used to love this game when I was younger, and played it for hours. I was two years old when this first came out, so it's logical to say that I probably played this at least a year or two after its release. I was a huge Bugs Bunny fan as a child, and I'm still repulsed by most of the 'cartoons' that have seemingly replaced the Looney Toons gang as the big children's shows. Nonetheless, that discussion is better left for another time and another blog.


First Impressions

Upon turning on the game, you're greeted by upbeat music and a decent image of Bugs Bunny. Before I say anything further, I must say that this game is the oldest game that has been reviewed on this site so far. As such, it is important to realize that the game's visual content is nowhere near the standards that we hold today. If you're just starting to look into video game history, it's important that you keep an open mind, and realize that these games, in spite of not being realistic in their looks, paved the way for the games we enjoy today.

Starting the game, it becomes quite clear what must be accomplished. You are placed in what appears to be brick room, with several platforms that are connected by stairs and stairwells. Scattered through the level are several carrots that must be collected in order to complete the level. In addition to the carrots are a wide variety of enemies, including Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote, and Daffy Duck. Touching any enemy once will result in death and loss of a life. Finally, the level is adorned with several cartoon style weapons, ranging from safes to boxing gloves, that can be used to defeat enemies.

Controls are relatively simple. You may move Bugs Bunny left and right. You cannot jump. In order to reach upper and lower levels, you must utilize stairs and stairwells. If you collect a boxing glove, you may throw it forward to defeat an enemy in its path.

The Game

The game can be defined as a strategy game in a sense. Enemies move with varying levels of AI. Since you cannot jump, you must utilize stairs and alternate paths to avoid the enemies while pursuing your carrot collecting goals. Getting cornered and killed is fully possible, and even likely depending on your skill. Strategies utilized to beat levels vary on the layouts. If weaponry is provided, they usually must be used wisely to clear tight paths. If stairwells are present, you can utilize them to avoid an enemy completely, as you are invulnerable while using a stairwell, even if an enemy uses it while you are.

In some levels, the means of movement change. For example, in some levels, the stairwells are removed and replaced with long pipes; the same basic idea remains, however, as pipes transport you from one area to another and render you completely invulnerable while inside. Levels of different designs often sport different music and scenery, which is a nice touch that reduces monotony.

In terms of difficulty, a game such as this should not offer a huge challenge to any of today's gamers. Extra lives are given out on the completion of every single level, and deaths usually do not pile up before a level is figured out. There are sixty levels, which increase in difficulty as you complete them, but not to the point of insanity. In spite of the easy flow of the game, it is still highly addictive.

Visually, for a game made released on the NES, it looks very good. Everything is easily identified, and nothing leaves the player wondering what it is. Musically, the game possesses a variety of catchy music that mixes itself up in different levels before monotony sets in. In terms of convenience, the game sports a simple password system that can be used to continue from where one left off, if they should have to quit playing at any point. A password system may seem archaic to some, but it's important to understand that most NES cartridges lacked the ability to save, and those that did possess the ability often were unreliable.

Storyline was hard to find in the 80's video games outside of role playing games. This game does not deliver any epic storyline, which was okay by the standards set back then. Upon completion, your gift is an image of Bugs Bunny and Honey Bunny locked in a loving stare; not too amazing, but it's better than the simple 'Congratulations!' many games handed out instead during that era.

Overall, in spite of the game not delivering insanely difficult levels in the late going in order to challenge hardcore gamers and not delivering a powerful storyline, it succeeds in delivering an addictive and enjoyable experience. The aspect of enjoyment is one of the most important aspects of any game, and when it is combined with pleasing visuals, good sound, and easy controls, it can only be labeled as a success as a whole.

Score: 8/10