Kid Klown in Night Mayor World (1992-)

• Developer: Kemco

• Publisher: Kemco

• Genre: Platform

• Composer: M. Takenaka, Hiroyuki Masuno

Kid Klown in Night Mayor World is a platform game developed by Kemco and released for the NES in 1993 in North America. It was published by Kemco as well and is part of the Kid Klown series, which also includes earlier titles such as Kid Klown in Crazy Chase for the SNES. The game was later re-released on the Game Boy Advance as part of compilation collections, giving it exposure beyond its original NES release. Its core design reflects the early 1990s trend of character-driven platformers, combining colorful graphics, imaginative level design, and light-hearted action.

The game’s story revolves around Kid Klown, a circus clown, who must navigate through a series of nighttime-themed worlds to rescue kidnapped friends from the villainous Night Mayor. The game draws inspiration from classic platformers like Super Mario Bros., with vertically and horizontally scrolling levels, but it differentiates itself through its circus and nighttime motifs. Players move through diverse stages filled with traps, moving platforms, and enemies, each level presenting its own set of challenges while maintaining a playful tone throughout.

Gameplay emphasizes precise platforming and timing. Kid Klown can jump, throw projectiles, and perform acrobatic maneuvers to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Collectible items such as keys and stars are scattered throughout the stages, encouraging exploration and rewarding careful play. The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Masuno, features upbeat and melodic tracks that enhance the energetic pace of the game and complement the nighttime circus setting. Music cues also help signal hazards and level transitions, adding an additional layer to the gameplay experience.

Kid Klown in Night Mayor World builds upon the concepts introduced in its prequel, Kid Klown in Crazy Chase, which focused more on racing and puzzle elements rather than pure platforming. While no direct sequel followed this NES entry, the series’ characters reappeared in later compilations and spin-offs, maintaining a cult following. Upon release, the game was promoted through Kemco’s usual marketing channels and NES-focused gaming publications, highlighting its colorful visuals and challenging platforming. Reception was mixed to positive; reviewers praised its imaginative levels and charming character design, though some criticized the steep difficulty and occasional awkward controls, a common critique for platformers of the era.

Images from MobyGames