Kid Chameleon

"Finally! After 9 years I finally complete this absolute beast!"

I remember when I first picked up this game back in 1992 – and I only just completed it for the first time last week – it’s that hard!
But enough of that. Have you ever played SNES Super Mario World? Then you’ll be right at home here – the level structure, game-play mechanics, and game size are all extremely similar to the best game ever made. However, in Kid Chameleon you get the chance to play through as 10 different characters, switching between them by picking up various helmets, and as you’d expect – some characters are much better at getting through certain levels than others, bringing important strategic elements into play. One instance in particular stands out: – Devils Marsh II – changing from Red Stealth to Cyclone makes this level take absolutely ages, but subsequently makes the next 3 levels extremely easy.
It has to be said that my opinions on this game have changed dramatically over the years. Back in the early ‘90’s I was put off playing it because I knew I wouldn’t complete it, so what was the point? It wasn’t until I downloaded a FAQ (from this site!) that I realised that the game is very possible indeed! As long as the impossible level that is Bloody Swamp is avoided, the game can be clocked in about 4 hours if you are good. But is it easy? Hell no.
Anyway, the story. Basically you play this dude called Kid Chameleon (surely not his real name?) who goes into this sort of VR machine called Wild Side to rescue people who were captured after it went a bit ballistic and started trapping people who played it. (I have to admit that I want this ‘Wild Side’ to exist in real life – it would be so cool!) And so starts the 96 level marathon that is this game. Game-play wise it’s very similar to Mario – hit blocks with your head to get items, jump on enemies heads to kill them etc. All very familiar stuff. There is your typical level design, locations and 2 player mode, but the element of changing characters adds a whole new dimension to it – putting it above the competition and making it a joy for nostalgia freaks of the now. Sega – please make an update of this right now.

Graphics – not the game’s strong point, but that doesn’t really matter – what do you expect for ’92?

Sound – basic sfx, speech includes such phrases as ‘die’ and ‘bummer’. You will hear these a lot on the later levels. Music ranges from cool to cheesy to bland, but it suits the game pretty well.

Gameplay – standard platform gaming. Nothing particularly new, but changing characters is good fun: - Red Stealth, Micromax and Maniaxe are particularly great.

Challenge – it’s very hard, but contrary to popular belief it’s also very possible. Even though there are 96 levels, you only actually need to do about 50 of them to complete the game. It took me about 4 hours – that’s not too bad is it? If you are finding it too much – try playing a 2-player by yourself to give you more attempts at the hard levels.

Lastability – if like me you are determined as hell to complete any game you play, you won’t be able to leave it alone. However, once it’s done you will be very relieved to put it back on the shelf!

Overall – great game, great character morphing, lasting challenge. Definitely recommended for cheap. People say it should have a save mode – but I’m not too sure about that – it might make it too easy. If Sega make a new version of this I will be very happy!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/09/01, Updated 11/09/01