The Tick is a side-scrolling beat 'em up video game developed by Software Creations, released by Fox Interactive and distributed by FoxVideo in 1994. The game was released on the Super NES and Sega Genesis systems and was based on the comic book and Fox Kids animated series of the same name.

The Tick
Sega Genesis cover art
Developer(s)Software Creations
Publisher(s)Fox Interactive
Designer(s)Joe Hawkins
Artist(s)Dave McLachlan
Composer(s)Paul Tonge
Tony Williams
Platform(s)Super NES, Sega Genesis
ReleaseSuper NES:
  • NA: November 1994
Sega Genesis:
Genre(s)Action
Beat 'em up
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay edit

The game is very typical for the side-scrolling genre. However, it turns into a semi-isometric view like in Streets of Rage once enemies appear on the screen. The Tick's signature humor is also present in various parts of the game, such as his unorthodox gestures and "Spoon!" battle cry after completing a level (and starting a level in the Genesis version). 44 levels make up the game with "wobble" environments and arcade style graphics.[1]

Reception edit

Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Genesis version a 4.75 out of 10, panning the game for its failure to capture the humor of the titular character, the Tick's limited number of moves, the monotonous repetition of the same enemies, the irritating sound effects, and the general boring tone.[2] They scored the Super NES version a 4.8 out of 10, again citing its "tedious action and plain enemies."[3] GamePro also gave the Super NES version a generally negative review. They felt the game succeeded in replicating the humor of the comic book, but that the low frame rate and the "endless wave of the same enemies" made the entire experience unenjoyable.[4]

Brett Allan Weiss of Allgame evaluated the Genesis version as being "repetitive" and "boring".[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Smith, Rick New Products ReviewsOnline.com (December 1994). Retrieved January 5, 2008.
  2. ^ "Review Crew: The Tick". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 65. EGM Media, LLC. December 1994. p. 40.
  3. ^ "Review Crew: The Tick". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 65. EGM Media, LLC. December 1994. p. 38.
  4. ^ "The Tick". GamePro. No. 67. IDG. February 1995. p. 32.
  5. ^ The Tick Allgame. Retrieved April 16, 2008.

External links edit