Do You NintenKnow: October 2024

Below is a set of clues for games that have a notable US release date anniversary (5, 10, 15, etc.) in the current month. See if you can figure out the title before clicking the blurred image to find out if you were correct! Head down to the comments when you’re finished and reminisce about the personal memories that were dredged up. Remember that these are going by the release date in the United States. Have fun!

October 1994

Anthropomorphic animals were all the rage in the mid 90’s as were sidescrolling platformers. It’s no different here with this SNES title from Shiny Entertainment starring an invertebrate inside a robotic suit. He’s got a blaster and can also use himself (??) as a whip. Let’s not forget some of the memorable side characters like Peter Puppy, Psy-Crow, and Evil the Cat. Oh, and cows. Lots of cows. Groovy!

Nintendo published and released this SNES boxing sequel which was technically the 4th game in the series counting the arcade versions. Some characters from the previous NES game make a return like Bald Bull but there are plenty of newcomers including personal favorites like Masked Muscle and Bear Hugger. I can still hear “Gabby Jay…Yay” in my mind!

October 1999

Game Freak and Nintendo began a trend in 1999 with the release of a “third version” in their popular monster catching franchise, a few years after the original pair of games. This Game Boy title was designed to be closer to the series’ anime, featuring characters like Team Rocket’s Jessie and James. Another change is that you’re able to get all three original starters throughout the adventure. This game was ridiculously hard to find in my area, but my uncle was able to snag one for me for Christmas in 1999 and I absolutely freaked out…one of my favorite childhood memories!

October 2014

This PlatinumGames Wii U action sequel was quite the surprise when it was revealed as a platform exclusive considering the first game was never released on a Nintendo console. The original bewitching action title was published by Sega, but this one was funded by Nintendo – a curious decision considering the mature and racy nature of the series. Since many Nintendo fans likely hadn’t played the original game, a Wii U port was included with the new title. Don’t worry, Nintendo didn’t neuter the new game, it’s just as sexy and stylish as the original…maybe even more so!

October 2019

While the first game from Playtonic Games featuring their chameleon and bat stand-ins for the bird and bear duo was a 3D platformer like the days of old, this entry was a side-scrolling 2D platformer borrowing heavily from the Donkey Kong Country series. In fact, they even had DKC series composer David Wise contribute to the soundtrack, which is never a bad thing! There are plenty of unique characteristics like a 3D overworld where your actions will cause changes in the stages and create a secondary version to play through. There are also tonics to buy from Trowzer the snake. Yes, the former Rare humor is back and in full form!

One of the “impossible ports” for Switch, this CD Projekt Red action RPG put you in the shoes of Geralt of Rivia as you took down monsters and tried to find your adopted daughter. The stories and side quests are extremely detailed, and your choices will affect the endings. The Switch version included both expansions for even more monster slaying and debauchery.

Next Level Games developed this 3rd installment in Nintendo’s spookiest franchise for the Switch and released it on Halloween, October 31, 2019. The scaredy-cat brother is the center of attention again, but he has a blobby doppelgänger as a partner this time. Make use of Professor E. Gadd’s Virtual Boo to suck up ghosts and solve puzzles in a haunted hotel.

Bonus

This accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in 1989 great commercial success, mostly because it was featured in The Wizard. It was manufactured by Mattell and was a controller that you wear on your hand. Sadly, it didn’t work very well but still has a solid place in video game history!