"Eat your spinach - it'll give you curly hair! (yeah right!)"

One of the most successful comic strip stars and cartoon series hits the NES viseo game media for the first time, starring everyone's favourite sailor, Popeye!

The aim here is to guide Popeye through various stages and win Olive Oyl's heart before his arch-enemy, Bruno (or is it Brutus?) does. Fortunately, Popeye's mates including his adopted kid Swee 'Pea are always there to back him up and make sure Bruno is down for the count. Just like in most cartoon shorts (did anyone know the movie?, so it's not surprising.

Apparently, this was one of the most basic and simple 'retro' games I ever played, but I mean that in a good way. On each stage, collect all the falling pieces Olive drops down to Popeye, but watch out for Bruno! Sometimes, other meanies want our fab pipe-smokin' buddy to fail miserably. Grab some spinach that appears to become invincible and knock down Bruno for extra points! Do your best to avoid Bruno at all costs - even if your're on a platform above or below him, he can still get ya!

Why six out of ten? Take a look here.

Storyline
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4/10
Basically, two guys love the same doll, but they eventually collide in a fisticuffs-style conflict, just like the cartoon shows. After the fight, the good guy (that's Popeye by the way) usually triumphs and gets the girl. Simple, huh?

Graphics
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8/10
Alright for a NES title. It's only 8-bit, ain't it?!

Sound & Music
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8/10
Aside from the catchy theme tune, the use of sound FX and music here are great! Just wait until Popeye grabs some spinach ad beat up Bruno for the best results!

Controlling
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6/10
There is not much to do, but usually plays accordingly well. Only one small problem - punching Bruno without the green stuff won't work!

Lifespan
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4/10
Not enough levels! The first few are easy, but later on, they are repeated and only the choice of enemies differ. It could have been more longer, even though there are two game modes...

PROS
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enjoyable music
fun for beginners
each level is different in a challenging way

CONS
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not many levels
repeated, too
experts may finish this under ten or five minutes

BUY OR RENT?
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Unless you're a true fan of the comics and cartoons, I suggest that you should buy the game to add to your NES compendium. Unfortunately, being over 15 years old, there are not many of these around. Try ebay or a car-boot sale. Otherwise, rent a copy.

Until then, ciao and don't forget to eat your spinach - it will give you curly hair! (yeah right!!)

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/16/03, Updated 02/16/03