Game Review - the Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt (SNES)

The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt is a game that has had me giggling for years. While it's predecessor is not all that great, this game is quite fun and addicting. Released and developed by Ocean Software in 1992, The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt was ported to almost every platform available during that time period (even many Arcade systems!).

The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt has literally no plot. While the first Addams Family game reflected a loose story that revolved around the apparent "kidnapping" of many of the Family members, this game has almost nothing. Wednesday, the female of the twins, is said to have hidden objects around the mansion, and it's Pugsley's (the male) duty to find them. As I said: no story. (Despite this, however, the game is wonderfully fun, and I enjoy it greatly!)

The graphics in The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt are similar to those in the first installment; in fact, there's been no change. All environmental objects are the same, most animations have not been altered, and the characters are quite similar. Since you play Pugsley, his animations and character sprites have been altered significantly, but there's nothing to speak of after that.

The sound tracks in The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt are relatively the same as those in the first, with the characteristic finger-snapping theme being the norm. The sound track generically changes based on the "mood" of the individual level, though there are only three or four "mood" changes in total.

The reason The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt is so fun is because of everything above-it's simple! It's magnificent in its simplicity. My favorite level, being inside of the lavatory of The Addams Family's home (specifically, the toiley!), is one of the most energetic, with enemies and obstacles abound. The amount of collectables has been increased, as well, making the game a little easier (but much harder if you play by your own rules!) Also, the difficulty level of The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt is altogether equal to that of the first game. It remains a generic, Mario-clone platformer, with a fun Addams Family theme.

In closing, The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt is a magnificent little gem that seems to be tragically underrated. Despite offering almost nothing new and having no deep or engaging storyline, the gameplay and the thematics keep me coming back year after year.