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Popeye(JP) is a 1982 video game developed by Nintendo R&D1 and originally released in arcades. The game is a platformer in a similar vein to Donkey Kong, which was also developed by R&D1. Interestingly, Shigeru Miyamoto originally wanted Donkey Kong to feature the characters from the third-party franchise, Popeye, though Nintendo couldn't receive the license to do so. However, after the success of the game, it was understandable that they would be given the right to create a game based off of the property. A Famicom port of the game was released alongside the console, and years later the game would be released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in America.

Plot[]

Gameplay[]

The object of the game is for Popeye the Sailor to collect a certain number of items dropped by Olive Oyl, depending on the level — 24 hearts, 16 musical notes, or 24 letters in the word HELP — while avoiding Bluto Brutus, the Sea Hag, and other dangers. The player can make Popeye walk back and forth and up and down stairs and ladders with a 4-way joystick. There is a punch button, but unlike similar games of the period, no jump button. Conversely, Brutus can jump down a level, or merely stoop and reach down into the level below, and he can also jump up to hit Popeye if he is directly above.

Development[]

When developing Popeye, Shigeru Miyamoto would watch the cartoon, stop frame by frame, and draw each frame by himself to assist him in developing the game and designing the graphics.

Reception[]

In the United States, Popeye topped the Play Meter arcade chart for street locations in April 1983.

Electronic Games wrote in 1983 that the arcade version of Popeye at first appeared to be "yet another variation of a theme that's become all too familiar since Donkey Kong". "But there are some nuances", it added, "not the least of which are the graphics and sound effects, that tend to allow the game the benefit of the doubt in execution". The magazine concluded that "Popeye does offer some interesting play that is more than complemented by the cosmetics." The Arcade Express newsletter scored it 7 out of 10 in January 1983, calling it "the closest thing to a videogame cartoon seen yet in an arcade," but also that "game play, unfortunately, doesn't come up to visual standards." Michael Pugliese writing for The Coin Slot described Popeye as "a visually stimulating and exciting game that will go well in any location," and noted that "it contains all the challenges and character appeal to make it a solid earner for a long time." Computer and Video Games magazine gave the arcade game a generally favorable review.

Antic wrote that the Atari 8-bit version of Popeye "is a thoroughly entertaining challenge for gamers of all ages". Mechanics differing from other climbing games, the magazine said, gave it above-average replay value. Computer Games magazine gave the ColecoVision and home computer conversions an A rating, calling Popeye a "terrific cartoony climbing game, much better than Donkey Kong."

External links[]

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