Rocky Rodent (1993). Play online

Summary

Rocky Rodent for the SNES blends frantic side‑scrolling action with a quirky stylistic twist. The protagonist relies on four distinct hairstyles as functional tools: the first lets him skewer enemies, smash porous blocks and latch onto ledges; a mohawk doubles as a boomerang‑like projectile and a springy wall‑bound trampoline; braids function as a grappling‑hook, while a corkscrew cut lets him bounce on his own head for higher jumps. Getting hit strips the current ‘hair weapon’ away, and losing a haircut without any in place costs a life. Visually the game feels more like a comic‑book panel than a Saturday morning cartoon, complete with text‑bubble cutscenes. Its six‑level, multi‑stage layout draws comparison to the speed of Sonic and the platform polish of Super Mario Bros. Critics were split; scores ranged from a solid 83% in GameFan to a modest 41% in Super Gamer, reflecting its niche appeal.

Storyline

In Rocky Rodent, the adventure kicks off when the titular mouse, Rocky, stops by Pie Face Balboa’s restaurant for a bite. He accidentally swallows an envelope containing Balboa’s protection money. Unaware of its importance, Rocky’s mistake triggers the mob’s wrath.

In retaliation, the mob kidnaps Balboa’s daughter, forcing the tough restaurateur to turn to Rocky for help. Balboa promises Rocky an All‑You‑Can‑Eat buffet if he can rescue his girl. Thus begins Rocky’s quest through city streets and seedy back‑alleys to save the hostage and claim his feast.