The Three Stooges

"Woo-Woo Woo-Woo Woo-Woo!"

I had first been introduced to this game on my cousins' Amiga computer, and later rented the NES version (Ironically on New Years' Eve when they would show Three Stooges marathons on that night!) Considering how small the NES was, it was amazing to see how well they pulled off the antics of Larry, Moe, and Curly!


Graphics: 8/10
The 8-bit graphics weren't very detailed, but they depicted the boys of slapstick very well. From the pie fights, to the boxing matches, to the hospital races, you'll see your favorite Vaudevillians (sp?) doing what they do best on your NES! Expect plenty of laughs!


Sounds: 9/10
The music is pretty good, even if it is 8-bit. Some of the sound effects are bleeps and beeps, while others are actual 'slaps.' What's amazing though is the fact that they were able to add in the actual voices of the stooges, and make them sound crystal clear! You'll hear quips like 'Woo-Woo Woo-Woo!' 'You imbecile!' and 'You missed me!' in full crystal clear audio (I wonder what compression software they used!)


Controls: 7/10
Some things, like choosing where to go, and the pie fights, are a little complicated. Others, like the hospital race and the boxing match are rather simple. Either way, if you can figure out an NES game, then you should be all set here.


Storyline: 8/10
Ma's Orphange is about to lose their mortgage to the nasty banker I. Fleecem. They only have 30 days to come up with the rent, which they haven't the money for, let alone repairs. Wait, though, who should come up the road, but Larry, Moe, and Curly, who will do anything to get the dough! This means reenacting scenes from classic shorts like 'Punch Drunks,' 'Men In Black,' and others as the stooges become waiters, boxers, doctors, and other silly stuff as they cause chaos trying to raise enough money to save Ma's Oprhanage!


Mini-Games:

Waiters: You must throw pies at the guests, and dodge the incoming pies that are thrown at you. If you are hit too many times, you're fired with however much you make. If you serve enough, your pay is doubled.

Doctors: While a doctor pushes a gurney through a hospital hallway littered with crippled patients, the stooges follow behind in go-karts, picking up falling crosses and trying to work as fast as they can. Crashes are penalized with time loss, and the game ends when there's no time left or they get to the operating room.

Boxing: Curly takes on Killer Killduff, thinking that when he hears 'Pop goes the weasel,' he'll become a maniac (like he always does) and knock him out. Problem: Larry's violin is broken, so you have to run an obstacle course to find a new music source before six rounds expire.

Oysters: Curly must eat all the soup crackers in each bowl of soup. Problem is, there are hungry oysters who want to eat too. If the oysters eat too many, the game ends.

Trivia: Test your knowledge about the stooges.

Slapstick: Slow the pointer down to find the game you want. Beat the daylights out of Larry and Curly, and slow the pointer down. Get hit or miss the other stooges, and the speed increases. This has to be one of the best games, as anyone can relate to beating up Larry and Curly!


Overall: 8/10
Stooge fans should check out this game. Even if you're not, you should still try it. Either way, be prepared for a lot of laughs and slapstick!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/08/00, Updated 07/16/01