Little Nemo: The Dream Master
The Mega Man games are the finest examples of action platforming on the NES, and are definitely some of the top titles on the system. Although Mega Man 2 and 3 are considered the height of Capcom's action-platforming endeavor, most people are likely unaware of a third, and just as excellent game, which Capcom created during that very same period. Little Nemo: The Dream Master is one of the best games on the NES, and possibly the console's greatest sleeper (no pun).
Story: On a quiet night in England, a blimp lowers itself to the window of a boy named Nemo. Nemo is awakened and learns that the Princess of Slumberland has requested to meet him. He later learns that the King of this land has been kidnapped by the Prince of Nightmares, and it's up to him to save said king. The game is thought to be based on an animated film with the same name and characters (which I own but have never watched), however I've heard that the characters and story were created in the 30's, in which way I'm not certain (I'd guess a comic strip). I also hear that the movie is a lot different, so the game is probably based on the original work.
Gameplay: It's a Capcom game, made during the time as Mega Man 2 and 3, and presumably using the same engine (best described as "time-to-change-your-pants" awesome).
The game is an action platformer that has Nemo jumping about a number of well designed and very diverse levels. Candy is your primary weapon, as you toss it around to stun enemies, but later you're given a wand which will destroy your foes altogether, in a more Mega Man-style fashion. The goal of each level is to scour about for the keys that open the door to the next, creating a quite adventurous dynamic as you're able to move in either direction, and well beyond what you'll initially see.
Best of all, is that the candy is also used to appease the more friendly animals, whom you can then use as a ride throughout the game. Each of these animals have distinct abilties like digging, climbing, super-jumping and flying, and each are used to expand the size of the levels and to acquire all of the well-placed keys. It works out much like the suits do in Super Mario Bros. 3, except a lot less linear as it's all integral to the adventure.
Control: Little Nemo plays extremely well, especially considering how much diversity is at work here. Nemo moves about much like Mega Man does, and all of the animals have quite distinct controls, some reminiscent of other Capcom classics. The candy is tossed at an arch, which may throw some players off initially, but it quickly becomes apparent that it's the fighting method best suited between riding an animal and using the wand. Nothing but glory. Sweet, sweet, forgotten glory.
Graphics: Damn fine. The characters are well designed, the often black sky is very atmospheric (it definitely drops you into its world), and the other enemies and bosses are equally as well crafted.
Sound: The sound effects and music are excellent as well. You -may- not remember the tunes as you would those in Mega Man, but they are of just the right character for the game. Nothing to be disappointed with by a long shot, and it's certainly in the upper levels of the NES's audio history.
Presentation: Impressive, fun, charming and clever. Most admirable are the level themes, which are unafraid to try things rarely seen or seldom successful on the NES. I won't spoil any of that. The simple cinema sequences are very softly done, and just as charming as everything else. The whole game just has a great uplifting mood to it, and really makes you feel like you're a part of something personal.
Overall: Little Nemo is one of the best and most unsuspecting games on the NES. It doesn't truly falter in any respect, and contains as much personality as you'll ever find in any game. Nemo has all of the reasons why you would still today look for great NES games that you haven't yet played.
94/100
