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Banana Prince (1991-)

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  • Developer: KID

  • Publisher: Takara

  • Genre: Platform

  • Designer: Shōji Takagi

  • Composer: Nobuyuki Shioda

Banana Prince was developed by KID and released for the NES in 1991. It was published by Takara, primarily targeting the European market where it saw its main distribution. The game was exclusive to the NES and did not receive official ports to other platforms, making it a relatively rare title compared to more widely known NES games. Its distinctive art style and playful character design helped it stand out among other platformers of the early 1990s.

The game centers on the adventures of the Banana Prince, who embarks on a quest through various colorful and imaginative levels to rescue kidnapped creatures and restore peace to the kingdom. Inspired by classic side-scrolling platformers, Banana Prince incorporates exploration and puzzle-solving elements, encouraging players to interact with the environment and NPCs. The gameplay features include running, jumping, and utilizing power-ups while navigating diverse terrains filled with enemies and traps. Its blend of platforming and light-hearted story made it accessible to a broad audience.

The soundtrack of Banana Prince complements the game’s bright and playful aesthetic with upbeat and catchy melodies. The music adds a cheerful atmosphere to the game, reinforcing the lighthearted tone of the story and the whimsical worlds the player explores. Although limited by the NES’s sound capabilities, the compositions make effective use of the hardware to create memorable tunes that suit the game’s adventurous spirit.

Banana Prince does not have a known prequel or direct sequels, which places it as a standalone title in the NES library. It was promoted mostly through European gaming magazines and word of mouth, targeting fans of platform games. Reception was mixed to positive, with praise often directed at its colorful graphics and enjoyable gameplay, though some critics noted its similarity to other platformers of the era. Despite this, Banana Prince has maintained a modest cult following among NES enthusiasts for its unique charm and solid design.

Images from MobyGames