Nintendo FDS Coconuts! The Forgotten NES Add-on's Hidden Gem

In the vast world of retro gaming, there are many titles that have flown under the radar, waiting to be rediscovered by enthusiasts and collectors alike. One such gem is the Nintendo FDS (Family Computer Disk System) add-on for the NES, which brought a unique twist to the classic console with its ability to play games on disk rather than cartridge. Among the various titles available for this system, Coconuts! is a charming platformer that has garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

Released in 1986, Coconuts! was developed by Taito and published by Nintendo, making it one of the first titles to be released for the FDS add-on. The game follows the adventures of two cartoon-like characters, Bob and Lulu, as they navigate through various worlds filled with obstacles, enemies, and treasure.

Coconuts! is a side-scrolling platformer that features colorful graphics and catchy music, making it a delight to play. The gameplay is straightforward, with players controlling either Bob or Lulu as they jump, dash, and attack their way through levels. The game's difficulty increases gradually as the player progresses through the levels, requiring precision timing and strategic thinking to overcome challenges.

One of the standout features of Coconuts! is its unique disk-based format, which allowed for more complex and detailed graphics compared to traditional NES cartridges. The game's use of full-color sprites, tile maps, and audio tracks showcases the FDS add-on's capabilities and sets it apart from other platformers of its time.

As with many retro games, Coconuts! has been subject to various age ratings over the years. In Japan, where the game was originally released, it received a "General Audiences" rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which is equivalent to an E10+ rating in modern times. This means that the game is suitable for players of all ages, with no explicit content or violence.

In the West, however, Coconuts! was released with a more mature rating due to its cartoon-like violence and mild humor. In 1994, the game was rated "General Audiences" by the ESRB, but later re-rated as "Kids to Adults" in 2011 after a re-rating of other Taito titles.

The age ratings for Coconuts! are as follows:

• Japan: General Audiences (ESRB equivalent)
• Europe: PEGI 3+ (Suitable for all ages, with no explicit content or violence)
• North America: E10+ (Suitable for players aged 10 and above, with mild cartoon-like violence)

Despite its age, Coconuts! remains a charming and enjoyable platformer that is well worth playing. Its unique disk-based format and colorful graphics make it a standout title among the NES library, and its gentle difficulty curve and varied gameplay ensure that players of all ages can enjoy its challenges.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro gaming, with many titles being re-released on modern consoles and PCs. Coconuts! is one such title that has benefited from this trend, with the game being re-released on various platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and even the NES Classic Edition.

In conclusion, Coconuts! is a hidden gem of the Nintendo FDS add-on, offering a unique gaming experience that is both nostalgic and enjoyable. With its charming graphics, catchy music, and varied gameplay, this platformer is well worth playing for fans of retro gaming and newcomers alike. Whether you're an experienced retro gamer or just starting out, Coconuts! is sure to provide hours of entertainment and challenge.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Game Overview
3. Gameplay and Mechanics
4. Graphics and Audio
5. Age Ratings and Availability
6. Conclusion
7. Retro Gaming and the Nintendo FDS Add-on
8. Taito's Influence on the NES Library
9. Coconuts! in Modern Times

10. Final Thoughts

11. Introduction

The Nintendo FDS (Family Computer Disk System) add-on for the NES was a innovative piece of hardware that allowed developers to create games with greater complexity and detail compared to traditional NES cartridges. Released in 1986, Coconuts! was one of the first titles to be released for this system, showcasing its capabilities as a platformer.

1. Game Overview

Coconuts! is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Taito and published by Nintendo. The game follows the adventures of two cartoon-like characters, Bob and Lulu, as they navigate through various worlds filled with obstacles, enemies, and treasure. The gameplay is straightforward, with players controlling either Bob or Lulu as they jump, dash, and attack their way through levels.

1. Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in Coconuts! is divided into two main characters: Bob and Lulu. Each character has unique abilities, such as Bob's ability to climb ladders and Lulu's ability to roll into enemies. Players can switch between the two characters at will, using their combined abilities to overcome challenges.

The game features a variety of enemies, including rolling balls, swinging pendulums, and even giant spiders. Players must use their wits and reflexes to navigate these obstacles and reach the treasure chests scattered throughout each level.

1. Graphics and Audio

Coconuts! features colorful graphics and catchy music, showcasing the FDS add-on's capabilities. The game's use of full-color sprites, tile maps, and audio tracks sets it apart from other platformers of its time.

The soundtrack is a key part of the game's charm, with catchy melodies and sound effects that complement the on-screen action. The game's graphics are also noteworthy, with detailed backgrounds and animations that bring the world to life.

1. Age Ratings and Availability

Coconuts! has been subject to various age ratings over the years due to its cartoon-like violence and mild humor. In Japan, it received a "General Audiences" rating by the ESRB equivalent, while in Europe, it was rated PEGI 3+ (Suitable for all ages).

In North America, Coconuts! was initially released with an E10+ rating, but later re-rated as Kids to Adults after a re-rating of other Taito titles.

The age ratings for Coconuts! are:

• Japan: General Audiences (ESRB equivalent)
• Europe: PEGI 3+ (Suitable for all ages, with no explicit content or violence)

• North America: E10+ (Suitable for players aged 10 and above, with mild cartoon-like violence)

• Conclusion

Coconuts! is a charming platformer that showcases the Nintendo FDS add-on's capabilities as a unique gaming experience. With its colorful graphics, catchy music, and varied gameplay, this title is well worth playing for fans of retro gaming and newcomers alike.

1. Retro Gaming and the Nintendo FDS Add-On

The Nintendo FDS add-on was an innovative piece of hardware that allowed developers to create games with greater complexity and detail compared to traditional NES cartridges. Its release in 1986 marked a new era in home console gaming, offering players more variety and depth than ever before.

1. Taito's Influence on the NES Library

Taito was one of the key developers behind the Nintendo FDS add-on, with Coconuts! being one of its first titles. The company's influence on the NES library cannot be overstated, with many classic titles featuring in the system's catalog.

1. Coconuts! in Modern Times

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro gaming, with many titles being re-released on modern consoles and PCs. Coconuts! has benefited from this trend, with the game being re-released on various platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and even the NES Classic Edition.

1. Final Thoughts

Coconuts! is a hidden gem of the Nintendo FDS add-on, offering a unique gaming experience that is both nostalgic and enjoyable. With its charming graphics, catchy music, and varied gameplay, this platformer is sure to provide hours of entertainment for retro gamers and newcomers alike.