Rascal

by n/a

Product Features

• for PS1

Product Details

• ASIN: B000006OTB
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 1.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,872 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review

Rascal is a visually confusing 3D adventure that is as entertaining as shopping in a crowded grocery store. It is another in a long line of 3D adventure games far below the Mario standard; this game proves dull and inconsistent.

Rascal is tasked with wading through six worlds to rescue his father from a bad guy, Chronos. I find it hard to imagine that a boy with a bubble-blowing gun could depose a master of time travel, but such is the premise. As advertised, there are 18 levels to the game (three to a world), but only 12 offer anything more than fighting with said bad guy. In each of those 12 levels you assemble an hourglass of six pieces, which teleports you back home. Each level's standard inventory is what you might expect: puzzles, critters, power-ups - not much left to the imagination. And much of the game is centered on merely picking up this stuff. Once Rascal makes it through all six worlds, the game is over. Anyone that has mastered jumping on mushrooms and shooting while running backwards could easily finish this game.

Jim Henson's Creature Shop was assigned the task of designing Rascal the character. Sadly, it designed something quite similar to Atari's Paperboy. Rascal says little more than "whoa" and "ouch" as he saunters through many a blandly painted room. The soundtrack in the Old West and Hollywood levels and the random noise in many of the later rooms made me want to die. Luckily, volume is one thing you can control. This game has a few technical problems, too. Seams in between polygons, flickering animation, and pop-up occur regularly. The poor camera angle work makes the game impossible in spots, obscuring what Mario or Lara would see clearly. Objects behind Rascal prevent you from clearly seeing what lies ahead, because the invisible camera can't occupy the same space. In some places Rascal disappears for no reason other than camera malfunction.

There are a few levels in the Atlantis and Aztec worlds that are well designed, challenging, and cohesive right down to the music. The Paynal character is the rare visual standout of the ordeal, brightly colored and well animated. The high point of the game was several skateboard-styled half-pipes. They were fast, deadly, and fun. What's odd is the overall thrown-together feel of the game. The few outstanding levels are so good it makes me wonder if the developers cheaped out due to release date economics. Regardless, Rascal is a 3D adventure similar to Mario 64 or Tomb Raider only in ambition. --Sean Kelly
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Manufacturer Description

As the crafty kid hero designed by Jim Henson's Creature Shop you must save both your inventor dad and the entire planet from an evil overlord. Take on enemies from cunning pirates to Mayan gods and dragons. Hunt your way through 6 huge worlds -- from the Lost City of Atlantis to the Wild West -- with 18 action-packed levels.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars basically "OK", April 23, 2001

By 

Alaria (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rascal (Video Game)

The Plot: When the father of Callum Clockwise (aka Rascal) is kidnapped by the evil time lord Chronos, Rascal must follow them through six time zones, armed with only a bubble gun.

What's Good? All the reviews I have read about this game seemed to be negative. I actually liked `Rascal' a lot. Sure, the graphics and gameplay aren't the best and the character is hard to control, but I found it fun to play. There are eighteen different levels in six different worlds - Atlantis, Aztec, Wild West, Middle Ages and Pirate Ship. The Atlantis world has to be my favourite - its colourful and challenging and a superior to most of the other levels in terms of enjoyment and graphics.

What's bad? The character can be hard to control and the camera doesn't always keep up with you as you play. The game possibly won't have a very long lifespan either - I've played it twice now but probably won't again. Also, the battle levels against Chronos are basically the same but with different scenery and a few more missiles as you progress.

Gameplay: 2 - the character is hard to control and the camera doesn't always follow you as you play. Sound: 3 - the character just kinda says `Ouch!' and squeaks a lot, but the music on most of the levels in pretty good. Graphics: 3 - colourful and fun, but nothing spectacular. Enjoyment: 4 - Fun and easy to play, but the plot line isn't particularly interesting.

Recommendations: I think younger kids would like this game. The graphics aren't great, but the game is bright and colourful and fairly easy to play. If you liked this game, I would recommend "Crash Bandicoot", which is similar but much better, and "Croc, Legend of the Gobbos" which is another fun, easy game for younger kids.

Overall Rating: This game is awarded three stars overall. Three, because the four stars go to games that are either visually superior or just easier or more fun to play, and the five star rating is reserved only for my beloved Final Fantasy VIII game.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars WARNING: DO NOT BUY THIS GAME, September 22, 2000

By 

Charles & Robin Cassill (Chillicothe, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rascal (Video Game)

This game is about the wost game I have ever played. I have played bad games before but this is definently the worst. the graphics are bad , The game is confusing , and is very BORING. some suggestions buy Tony Hawks Pro Skater , Nascar 98 ,99, 00 , and Rumble are some very cool games.

4.0 out of 5 stars Rascal Rocks!, July 16, 2010

A Kid's Review

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Rascal (Video Game)

I remember playing this game when I was just 7 years old! It was so much fun, I played it every day. But when I found it hidden away in my closet and tried it again, it didn't work! (When I was young, I didn't take good care of my things!) So I decided to order a new one from Amazon! This was probably one of the most challenging games I ever played. But everyone loves a great challenge! I remember it scared me a little, because some characters chase you around, that just made me play it more though for some reason! The graphics could be a little but better, and clearer, but it is a pretty old game. I don't know why this game has low ratings, beacuse I think this game rules!