The Addams Family

"Good if you have patience"

It was the 16-bit era. The Addams Family existed. From these two events, a game was required by law to be made. Surprisingly, the game isn't terrible. In fact, this is one of the better licensed platformers out there. The story is that Gomez returns from whatever he does all day (I'm not familiar with The Addams Family) and finds most of his family kidnapped. You can choose from 4 levels (plus the requisite final level after the choosable ones) to go through and rescue your family. But beware. This is a VERY difficult game. If you have low tolerance for frustration and repeating levels, leave now and don't even consider this game. This review assumes you will not be driven insane by the challenge.

Graphics: 5/10
Average in every way for a 16-bit platformer. The levels have varied settings, (but still semi-fit within the mansion setting) but there isn't much detail anywhere. You have average backgrounds, average characters, average (though unique) enemies, and that's about it. The graphics are overall boring, but you shouldn't play a game this old caring about the graphics anyway.

Sound: 6/10
Another average feature. There is music that I assume is from the show or movie (I've never seen either) and it fits fairly well. The sound effects are uninspired, everything makes the usual bop noise when you jump on it. Like the graphics, the sound won't offend but just exists, not really doing or adding anything.

Gameplay: 7/10
This is basic platform gameplay. It also has the most ripoffs of the Mario series that I've ever seen in one game. A two heart life meter out of Mario 2. Golf balls that behave exactly like fire balls. Fire ball spitting lava and mechanical traps straight out of Mario's castle levels. Still, the game is worth a look mainly because of its double edged sword: its challenge. This game is hard. Very hard. Each of the four levels is extremely long, and your two hits (which thankfully you can get more of by defeating secret bosses) won't last long. This is due in part to clumsy but not horrible control, and partly to the design of the levels. Loosing all five of your lives sends you back to the start of each level. This can cause agony considering how long the levels are. You will curse the game when you discover that even getting to a completely different themed section of a level sends you back to the hub level when you continue. But the game can be rewarding. The extreme difficulty makes you want to see more of the levels. There is some very good platforming action in the levels. Defeating a level (which thankfully results in a password so you don't have to beat it again) makes you feel like a great player. If you're still reading this after my warning above, I think you have potential to enjoy this game's challenge.

Graphics: 5/10
Sound: 6/10
Gameplay: 7/10
Overall (not an average): 7/10

Conclusion
If you're looking for a long and hard platformer, this game is for you. It is unoriginal, but if you've beat every Mario game and want more of the same but harder, this game could satisfy you.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/02, Updated 08/02/02