The Ren & Stimpy Show Presents: Stimpy's Invention

"Faithful to its TV form, but nothing worth drooling over"

Even when my friend and I were only in kindergarten, we knew Ren & Stimpy was a work of art and a great show. Too many games based on television shows falter when they change to video games (let's not forget South Park), but Ren & Stimpy makes you feel like your playing in the show itself (forget I just said that cheesy line and read the review).

Story- 6/10. The story begins when Stimpy finishes his invention, which is designed to turn garbage into food. When Ren is doubtful, Stimpy gives a demonstration which causes the machine to explode and scatter parts around the entire neighborhood (don't you hate it when that happens)? Not only must our idiotic heroes collect the parts, but now the townspeople have been turned demented by the explosion and are out to get them. The story is original, but really makes no sense or propels you to finish the game. Luckily this game came out when stories were about as useful as a white crayon (as long as you pretend black paper doesn't exist).

Gameplay- 9/10. You can choose between Ren or Stimpy, who both have different, but similar, moves. On easy mode most edibles will restore health. If you go any higher then Powder toast will be your only health item. The levels come from the TV show and each has different obstacles and enemies. Regular fans will enjoy cameos from Log, Powder Toast Man, and the Fire Chief. The real fun comes from two player mode. You both share one health meter and many of your attacks put one another in danger. For example, Ren can use Stimpy as a bowling ball to knock out a hippo, but puts Stimpy at risk of falling in the harmful water. This kind of game requires good cooperation. Throughout most of the adventure the two are on foot, but once in a while the game gives a change a pace. In a bird house level both of you will become balloons (which will encourage you partner to hurt you in real life if you slam him into a vulture). There are bosses in some levels, but you never fight them in a traditional manner (who knew you could knock out a wrestler by avoiding him for a minute). Best of all, you can always use Ren's up A to slap your friend and show him who's boss.

Controls- 9/10. Nothing too complicated here. You have jump, dash, special jumps and attacks. You will have it figured out after the first level.

Graphics- 9/10. Everything looks like it came out of the show and the backgrounds look nice too. Ren and Stimpy have some humorous expressions that add a nice touch.

Sound- 8/10. The background music was pretty cool in most levels. What really impressed me were the voices. Some of the characters have some funny phrases (press up A as Ren to call Stimpy a stupid idiot). Nothing to drool over though (and I notice a lot of people at this site drool).

Replay value- low. Nothing much to go back for (or drool over) when your done. If you want to play it more than once, wait a month before sticking it back in the console.

Buy or Rent? It is old so buy with pocket change or whatever you have. I don't know if it is common, but it's not worth going crazy and looking for it.

The End.... Almost. It's true my friend and I don't play this much these days, but it can give you something to do for a few hours. Like I said it's a solid game with nothing to drool over. Goodbye.
*Droolz*
*Ends weak drooling joke*

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/17/03