Super James Pond (SNES) Playthrough [4K]
1"Super James Pond", also known as "James Pond 2: Codename: RoboCod", for the Super Nintendo is a quirky platformer released in 1993. Developed by Vectordean Ltd and published by Ocean Software, it was originally released on the Amiga in 1991, and offers a unique twist on the traditional side-scrolling genre. Tasked with helping Santa and defeat the evil Dr. Maybe, James Pond, a suave fish with the ability to stretch his body to reach new heights, embarks on a perilous journey through various levels of Santa's Toy Factory.
The player starts outside Santa's toy factory with its many doors. Each door leads to a new stage. James Pond jumps at enemies to defeat them, since there are no weapons in the game. Each level is meticulously designed, with colorful backgrounds and playful aesthetics, ensuring that no two stages feel alike. The game's level design becomes more problematic towards the end, with complex maze-like worlds leading to frustration. Additionally, the lack of a save option or passwords means starting from scratch if the game isn't completed in one session.
Visually, the game shines with vibrant colors and quirky designs, showcasing a penchant for whimsy. James Pond can pick up items that provide points. Power-ups include extra lives and wings that grant James the ability to fly. From time to time, James Pond may enter vehicles, namely cars, planes, or flying bathtubs. The absence of indicators for remaining elves or navigation aids like a radar or arrow adds to the difficulty of the game.
The mechanic of exenting the body to bounce and maneuver levels adds a fresh dimension to the platforming experience, allowing for creative approaches to level design and puzzle-solving. With charming visuals, and unique gameplay mechanics, "Super James Pond" offers a decent platforming experience.