Review of the Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt (NES)

The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt is a video game released on the Nintendo in 1992, developed by Enigma Variations. It's the same as the Super Nintedo Addams family video game, except you play as Pugsley. Curious, but that won't be factored into the review. So is this a good game? Let's find out.

Story : Well, there isn't much to speak of here. I guess it's all in the title really. You're doing a Scavenger Hunt. What do you look for? I have no idea. Why are you doing it? I have no idea? Some instructions would have been nice. The game is mostly there for the platform action, not the story.

Graphics : Well, the graphics are a large improvement over the first Addams family game. Since it's later in the Nintendo's career, it's quite solid but not spectacular. Like the first Addams family though, nothing has many frames of animation. Pugsley does some interesting things however, and since you look at him the entire game this is a nice addition.

Sound : The game's largest flaw is right here. The Addams family song plays at the start screen. Then, there isn't a single piece of music for the rest of the game. That isn't an exaggeration. There is literally no music in this game. It's like a throwback to the Atari days, only pathetic and not amusing. If you like random bleeps and blips, this game might be right up your alley musically. Other than that, it's a bore.

Game play : There's actually a few positives here. One, extra lives are very plentiful in this game. So if you find yourself being killed a bunch, there isn't much to worry about. The level design is neat, based around the mansion and would give atmosphere if not for the lack of music. The game also has some power ups, which make certain tasks easier. Control wise, the game is much better than the first. Pugsley is very accurate and responsive to your touch, and jumping directly on something is no problem.

Re playability : Not much re play value I'm afraid. If you're an absolute die hard Addams family nut, you may enjoy this game multiple times. I doubt you would even make it through the first time if you aren't though, as this game gets very difficult near the end.

Overall : 6/10. This game is quite playable if you can deal with the lack of music. Many lives, good control, decent level design.