M.C. Kids for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

M.C. Kids for NES is a platformer game released in 1992 by Virgin Games. It features two children, Mick and Mack, on a quest to help Ronald McDonald retrieve his magical bag, which has been stolen by the Hamburglar. The game offers a colorful, fast-paced platforming experience inspired by the McDonald’s characters and world. Despite its branding, M.C. Kids stands out for its solid level design and inventive gameplay mechanics.

Key Features:

• Creative Platforming Mechanics: M.C. Kids introduces several unique gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other platformers of its time. Players can pick up blocks to use as weapons, push or pull objects to solve puzzles, and flip the screen to access hidden areas. The creative use of the environment adds a layer of puzzle-solving to the traditional platforming gameplay.

• Multiple Playable Characters: Players can choose to play as either Mick or Mack. While both characters have the same abilities, the option for two players to take turns adds a cooperative element to the game, allowing friends to experience the adventure together.

• Varied Level Design: The game features six different worlds, each themed around a McDonaldland character. Each world offers a variety of levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and secrets to discover. The level design is intricate, with hidden areas and alternate paths encouraging exploration.

• Challenging Objectives: In each level, players must collect a certain number of puzzle cards to progress, making the game more than just a typical run-and-jump platformer. Finding these cards often requires careful exploration and mastery of the game’s mechanics.

• Bright and Colorful Graphics: M.C. Kids features vibrant, cartoon-like graphics that bring the McDonaldland characters and environments to life. The smooth animations and detailed backgrounds give the game a whimsical, child-friendly feel, while still maintaining a level of challenge for older players.

• Catchy Soundtrack: The game’s upbeat music matches its lighthearted tone. Each world has its own set of tunes, helping to create a fun and immersive atmosphere.

• Password System: M.C. Kids includes a password system, allowing players to save their progress and return to the game later. This is especially useful given the game’s challenging level design and the need for repeated attempts to find all the puzzle cards in each level.

• High Replay Value: With its non-linear level design, hidden secrets, and collectible puzzle cards, M.C. Kids offers high replayability. Players can return to the game to find all the hidden areas, improve their times, and complete their collections.

• McDonald’s Branding: While the game is based on McDonald’s characters, it manages to avoid being an outright commercial, focusing instead on delivering a solid platforming experience. The use of the McDonaldland theme adds a unique flavor to the game without overshadowing the gameplay itself.

Genre: Puzzle-Platformer
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)