Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Genre: Adventure 
# of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: N/A 
US Release: January 1992
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami

In all the world, in all the universe, there is but one simple, unbreakable rule that binds the very existence of reality.  That rule is simple and unforgettable:

Konami rocks.

That having been said, let us move on to yet another example of the rule in full effect:  Bucky O'Hare.  Bucky models game functions that were YEARS ahead of its time.  We are talking 1992 NES and already Bucky O'Hare had tackled the Playstationesque level select and character toggle.  Add to that gorgeous classic side-scrolling gameplay and the rockingest soundtrack of the time period and you have yourself the sweetest ass game around.  This is the important part, boys and girls.  If you have the means, PICK THIS GAME UP.  You shan't be disappointed, methinks.  

If you've ever seen the show, which by the way, is just as cool, than the story is simple enough.  The crew of the Righteous Indignation has been kidnapped by the evil Toads and it is up to you, Bucky O'Hare (who did you think you played as, the nerdy kid?) to rescue each crew member from the planet (level) on which they are being help captive.  Here's where it gets cool.  Traditionally, when they start you out on the first level of some crappy game, you rescue your friend, and that's it.  The friend is probably back at "home base" and they start you on the next piece of garbage level.  Booooooring!  Bucky O'Hare not only lets you CHOOSE the level you want to start from, but once you rescue your pal, you get to play as them!  Yeah, I know what you are thinking.  That is freakin' incredible.  I know.  I thought the same thing.

Well, it gets better.  Not only did Konami give you the chance to play as the others AT ALL, but you can switch characters mid-play!  You simple hit "select" and you can toggle through all the characters that you have freed already.  Each character has their own unique and useful weapon.  Let me give you a scenario so you can see how great this game is.  

Let's say you're cruisin' through the level as Bucky and you come to a stone wall.  You switch to the robotic Blinky and he can crush the wall with his block-buster.  Then you see an enemy hiding in an unreachable spot.  You switch to the pilot, Jenny, and use her guided energy blast to get into those hard to reach areas.  A swarm approaching?  Switch to Deadeye Duck and use his spread-shot to croak those freakin' Toads!

Not only does Bucky O'Hare brandish sweet game functions and killer classic gameplay that is smooth and unchoppy, like say, the exact opposite of like every other game I've ever reviewed, it also boasts the most killer soundtrack I've ever heard in a game.  Each level is cooler than the next.  I tell you no lie, if such a CD were being produced, I would pick it up (steal) in a heartbeat (I don't have a job).  Man I wish I could hum it for you, but I can't.  Ask me sometime you see me in real life.  I'm so excited about it I just want to kick someone in the throat.

Holy mother!  Just writing this freakin' review has put me in such a mood to play.  I hafta hurry this recap up so I can jump down my house and scramble to my lair and play.  Bucky O'Hare has seemingly NO major flaws whatsoever, and basically guarantees a great time, unless you are one of those overly negative people who hate EVERYTHING, even good stuff, in which case I guarantee nothing.  It is fun as hell, the music is freakin' awesome, the control is as creamy as melted butter, the graphics are prime, especially for its time, and the replay value is killer.  Buy.  Steal.  Whatever.  Just get.  Now. 

  -- Neal Iannone {06-2003}

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