The Nintendo SNES was a revolutionary console that brought numerous iconic games to the market during its time. One of the lesser-known titles is Eek! The Cat, a platformer released in Europe for the SNES. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Eek! The Cat and explore its features, gameplay, and age rating.

Introduction

Eek! The Cat was developed by Tose and published by Nintendo for the European market. Released in 1994, it was initially intended to be a more serious platformer, but due to some controversy surrounding its content, it ended up being toned down for Western audiences. This article will examine the game's story, gameplay, graphics, music, and overall impact on the gaming industry.

Storyline

Eek! The Cat follows the adventures of Eek, an anthropomorphic cat who must stop his arch-nemesis, Dr. Weird, from taking over the world. The story is relatively simple, with Eek facing various obstacles and enemies as he progresses through the game's levels. However, the narrative is not overly complex, making it accessible to players of all ages.

Gameplay

Eek! The Cat features a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Players control Eek as he navigates through various environments, including forests, deserts, and cities. The gameplay revolves around timing and pattern recognition, with Eek needing to jump, dodge, or avoid obstacles to progress.

The game also includes some unique mechanics, such as the use of "powers," which grant Eek special abilities like super speed or increased strength. However, these powers are limited, and players must strategically choose when to use them to overcome challenges.

Graphics

The graphics in Eek! The Cat are surprisingly good for a 16-bit console. The character sprites and backgrounds are detailed, with intricate textures and animations. The game's color palette is also well-executed, with vibrant hues that bring the world to life.

However, some critics argue that the animation could be more fluid, with occasional stutters and jerks visible in certain areas. Despite this, the overall presentation is still impressive for its time.

Music

The soundtrack in Eek! The Cat is catchy and upbeat, featuring a mix of electronic and pop elements. The music is memorable, with earworms like "Eek's Theme" and "Dr. Weird's Lair" becoming stuck in players' heads.

The sound effects are also well-designed, with satisfying 'boings' and 'bongs' that accompany Eek's movements and interactions with the environment.

Impact

While Eek! The Cat may not be as iconic as some other SNES titles, it has still left a lasting impression on gamers. The game's unique blend of platforming and puzzle-solving elements helped pave the way for future games in the genre.

Additionally, the game's tone-downed content ensured its release in Western markets, making it more accessible to a broader audience. However, some critics argue that this compromise watered down the game's overall impact.

Age Rating

Eek! The Cat received an age rating of 7+ from the European Age Classification (EAC) and a similar rating from other regions. While this is still relatively tame compared to modern games, it's worth noting that some content may be considered too intense for younger players.

In particular, some scenes feature cartoonish violence or mild slapstick humor, which might not sit well with children under the age of 7. Parents and guardians are advised to review the game before allowing their children to play it.

Conclusion

Eek! The Cat is a charming platformer that offers a unique gaming experience for players of all ages. While its impact may be less significant than some other SNES titles, it has still left a lasting impression on the gaming industry.

If you're looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Eek! The Cat is definitely worth checking out. With its catchy music, engaging gameplay, and colorful graphics, this title is sure to delight both old and new gamers alike.

Rating Breakdown

• Storyline: 7/10
• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics: 8/10
• Music: 9/10
• Impact: 6.5/10

Recommendation

Eek! The Cat is recommended for players aged 7 and above, due to the mild cartoonish violence and slapstick humor present in certain scenes. However, due to its charming gameplay and colorful graphics, it's also suitable for older gamers who enjoy retro titles.

If you're a fan of platformers or are looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Eek! The Cat is definitely worth checking out.