The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a beloved gaming console of the 1990s, known for its iconic characters, engaging storylines, and addictive gameplay. One of the most popular games on the SNES is "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West," a platformer that has been delighting gamers for generations. In this article, we'll delve into the world of An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, explore its age rating, and discuss why it remains a classic among gamers.

Background and Storyline

Developed by Virgin Interactive and released in 1994, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is a platformer that follows the adventures of Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse from New York City. The game takes place in the late 19th century, where Fievel embarks on a perilous journey to California in search of his family, who were sold into slavery.

Players control Fievel as he navigates through various levels, avoiding obstacles and enemies while collecting cheese, which serves as the primary power-up. Along the way, Fievel encounters other characters from the film, including his friends, enemies, and even a few surprises.

Gameplay and Mechanics

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is a side-scrolling platformer that requires players to guide Fievel through challenging levels while avoiding enemies, traps, and obstacles. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward:

1. Run, jump, and flip: Fievel can run, jump, and perform a short flip (similar to Sonic the Hedgehog) to navigate through levels.
2. Cheese collection: Collecting cheese gives Fievel an energy boost, allowing him to tackle more challenging sections of the game.
3. Enemy encounters: Players must avoid or defeat enemies like cats, dogs, and even other mice who try to stop Fievel.

Age Rating

The age rating for An American Tail: Fievel Goes West varies depending on the region. In the United States, the game is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This means that the game is suitable for players of all ages, including children.

However, it's worth noting that while the game itself is not violent or explicit, some scenes may be too intense for very young children. The game features mild cartoon violence and occasional scary moments, which may make it unsuitable for younger gamers.

Reception and Legacy

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West received generally positive reviews upon its release in 1994. Critics praised the game's charming graphics, engaging storyline, and addictive gameplay. The game's soundtrack, composed by Michael Landau and Allee Willis, was also widely praised for its catchy melodies.

Over time, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West has become a classic among gamers, particularly those who grew up playing the game on the SNES. The game's platforming mechanics have been cited as an influence by several other games, including Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country.

Conclusion

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is a beloved platformer that has stood the test of time. With its charming graphics, engaging storyline, and addictive gameplay, it remains a classic among gamers. While some may find certain scenes too intense for younger players, the game's E rating ensures that it is suitable for most audiences.

If you're looking to experience this classic game for yourself, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is available on various digital platforms, including the Nintendo Virtual Console and Steam. With its nostalgic value and timeless gameplay, it's a must-play for anyone who grew up gaming on the SNES.

Technical Specifications

• Developer: Virgin Interactive
• Publisher: Virgin Interactive
• Release Date: 1994 (NA), 1995 (EU)
• Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Sega CD
• Genre: Platformer
• Rating: E for Everyone (ESRB)
• Box Art: A cartoon illustration of Fievel Mousekewitz standing in front of a California landscape

Trivia and Fun Facts

• An American Tail: Fievel Goes West was released simultaneously on the SNES and Sega CD in North America.
• The game's soundtrack features several original songs, including "The Streets of New York" and "California Dreaming."
• Fievel Mousekewitz is based on a character from a 1970s animated television special, An American Tail.

Comparison with Other Games

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West shares similarities with other classic platformers, such as:

• Super Mario World (SNES): While not directly comparable, both games feature side-scrolling platforming and charming graphics.
• Donkey Kong Country (SNES): Both games have challenging level design and addictive gameplay mechanics.
• Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis/Mega Drive): Both games feature fast-paced platforming and catchy soundtracks.

Overall, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is a classic platformer that has stood the test of time. Its engaging storyline, addictive gameplay, and charming graphics make it a must-play for anyone who grew up gaming on the SNES.