The Nintendo SNES was a highly influential console that revolutionized the gaming industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was also known for its unique Barbie-themed games, which were designed to appeal to a female audience. One of the most iconic Barbie-themed games for the SNES is "Barbie Super Model" (also known as "Super Model Barbie"), which we will be reviewing in this article.
Published in 1992 by SimCo, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, "Barbie Super Model" was one of the first games to feature Barbie as the main character. The game was designed for female gamers and focused on themes such as fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Players controlled Barbie as she navigated through various levels, completing challenges and collecting outfits.
The gameplay in "Barbie Super Model" is relatively simple and easy to understand. The player must guide Barbie through a series of levels, each with its own unique theme and objectives. For example, in one level, players must help Barbie prepare for a fashion show by collecting clothes and accessories while avoiding obstacles such as models who try to steal the spotlight.
The game features a variety of characters, including friends and family members of Barbie's. These characters provide helpful advice and encouragement throughout the game. Players can also collect power-ups and items that give them special abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.
One of the standout features of "Barbie Super Model" is its focus on fashion and style. Players must dress Barbie in various outfits to complete challenges and progress through the game. The game includes a variety of clothes, accessories, and hairstyles that can be collected and used by players.
In terms of graphics and sound, "Barbie Super Model" is surprisingly good for a game from the early 1990s. The graphics are colorful and detailed, with smooth animations and particle effects. The music and sound effects are catchy and upbeat, adding to the overall fun and energy of the game.
However, it's worth noting that the gameplay in "Barbie Super Model" is somewhat shallow and repetitive. Players may find themselves repeating certain challenges or levels multiple times before progressing to new content. Additionally, the game's difficulty level is relatively low, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
Despite its limitations, "Barbie Super Model" remains a beloved classic among retro gamers and Barbie enthusiasts. The game's unique blend of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle themes makes it stand out from other games in the genre. Players can also appreciate the nostalgic value of playing a game that was released during their childhood or teenage years.
In terms of age rating, "Barbie Super Model" is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating indicates that the game is suitable for players of all ages, with no violent or mature content. However, some parents may still choose to restrict access to the game due to its gentle pace and lack of challenging content.
Overall, "Barbie Super Model" is a charming and entertaining game that offers a unique gaming experience for fans of fashion and style. While it may not be as challenging or engaging as other games in the genre, its nostalgic value and fun gameplay make it a worthwhile playthrough for retro gamers and Barbie enthusiasts alike.
Rating:
- Graphics: 7/10
- Sound: 8/10
- Gameplay: 6/10
- Replay Value: 5/10
Recommended for:
- Retro gamers who enjoy classic console games
- Fans of fashion and style games
- Players looking for a gentle and accessible gaming experience
- Anyone interested in playing a unique Barbie-themed game
Not recommended for:
- Players seeking challenging or complex gameplay
- Those who prefer more violent or mature content
- Gamers who are easily frustrated by repetitive gameplay
Age Rating: E for Everyone by the ESRB
Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Release Date: 1992
Developer: SimCo, Inc.
Publisher: Mattel