Please login to submit a screenshot

"The names Pond. James Pond..."

EA's original sweetheart, James Pond's history has been short but ever so sweet. The original was released with a positive buzz in the early 90's, and the makers realised they had a challenge to create a game that not only beat that game, but also added to the originals unique blend of humour.

But they done this, and not only that - they created one of the finest Platformers ever. A timeless classic that has proven its worth by being released on over 7 consoles to date (ranging from the basic Amiga to the Playstation and GBA) and all are basically the same game just with improved graphics as the system specs became increasingly better.

Anyway, to the review.

Story ~8~
Your basic platformer yarn. In short, Dr Maybe has stolen all of Santa's presents (oh noes!) and turned many of the toys into evil little enemies that populate each level. F15H hear about this dreadful crime and hire our hero JAMES POND to save the day, explore each level, destroy the potentially harmful toys and save Christmas for every child on the planet!

It is obviously a fairly crazy plot, as you are aided by Penguins (who in turn eat you for lunch if you get a Game Over, nice), but it is different - no generic romantic twists and plot turns midway to really speak off. Just good old fashioned platformer fun, and after a hard days work this is a joy to play and relax with.

Graphics ~9~
Obviously not the be all and end of of a game, but James Pond's graphics are simple yet detailed - just right for this game. You couldn't imagine them any different, and James moves with such style and smoothness that it really is tough to find a fault in them. It is obviously pushing the Mega Drive (or Genesis to those not from Europe) to the limit graphically, and was improved somewhat by the Playstation and GBA.

Sound ~10~
Oh those sweet tunes! Seriously, this game has some of THE most catchy computer game music EVER. You'll find yourself at the bus stop humming the tune, and other people who played the game years ago will instantly remember the classic tune and hum along with you. No lyrics, just catchy long tunes that fit the levels perfectly.

The boss music is haunting yet still as catchy as a frisbee covered in glue, and the opening music (that plays whilst you are in front of the huge house) is a worthy reward if you complete a difficult level.

Gameplay ~10~
Obviously the most important factor of any game, and this game does NOT disappoint. Pleasing on so many levels, James jumps, stretches and flies through each level with such ease and control you will really only have yourself to blame if you lose a life.

James Pond has a wonderful new invention which allows him to stretch his fin-filled body as high as he wants, then grab hold of the ceiling. This is an innovative and fun way to explore the level, and I am often finding myself stretching to the top of a level and realising disappointingly that there is no ceiling to grab hold of, and thus no secret points available for me.

James can also use any of the vehicles he discovers on his journey, including a smiling plane and a bathtub!

The basic game gist is to move from one door to the next, unlocking new doors as others are completed. Each two or three levels opens a 'Boss Door', adding a new challenge to the game. The bosses vary in difficulty, and it is often handy to find a useful tactic to defeat them before lunging in fin-first and often losing many lives before actually figuring out how to defeat them.

Difficulty - Medium
The game is RELATIVELY short, but will require even the most skilled platformer gamer a few run throughs to actually complete some bosses and levels. The first four or so levels are easy enough, but as the game trots along at a relatively fast pace so does the difficulty. Some of the later levels are extremely tough to beat, and will require your fullest concentration.

Length ~10~
I've had the game, what, about... 8 years now and I never grow tired of going back to it time and time again. The new release on the GBA will add my enjoyment even more, being able to play this classic on the train or college bus will hopefully ease all travel times and make me wish for FIVE MORE MINUTES just so I can finally beat a certain boss. Whether I'll be playing this game when I have a full time job, a wife and kid(s) remains to be seen but as it is; eight years is pretty good for a small platformer hidden away on a forgotten console.

~Conclusion~
Be it for the amazingly catchy music, the amazing gameplay, the nigh-on perfect 2D graphics or just the fact that this REALLY is one of the best platformers released on any console just try this game out. I often see copies of it on a dusty carpet at a local car boot sale, or thrown in the Retro Bin at my local Game store. Whether you purchase it really cheap, or splash out a bit more for one of the later versions it really is worth it.

As the quote didn't say:
James Pond: Do you expect me to talk?
Dr Maybe: No, Mr. Pond. I expect you to play!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/17/04