The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a pioneering console that revolutionized the gaming industry. Released in 1985, it went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with over 62 million units sold worldwide. However, not many people know about its lesser-known cousin, the Super NES (SNES). The SNES, released in 1990, built upon the success of its predecessor and introduced new features such as Mode 7 graphics and a redesigned controller.

One of the most iconic games for the SNES is undoubtedly Crash Bandicoot. Developed by Naughty Dog, this platformer follows the adventures of a marsupial named Crash Bandicoot as he attempts to stop the evil scientist Doctor Neo Cortex from taking over the world. With its colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay, Crash Bandicoot quickly became a fan favorite among gamers.

In Japan, however, there is another game for the SNES that has gained a cult following: Incredible Crash Dummies, The (Japan). Released in 1993, this game follows the adventures of two anthropomorphic dummies named Harry and Andy as they compete in various physical challenges to win the heart of their love interest.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Incredible Crash Dummies, exploring its unique gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and what made it a beloved game among Japanese gamers.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Incredible Crash Dummies is centered around physical challenges that Harry and Andy must complete to impress their love interest. These challenges range from sports events such as wrestling, football, and baseball, to more obscure activities like curling and badminton.

Players control either Harry or Andy, who can move left and right on the screen and jump over obstacles. The twist in gameplay is that players can switch between the two dummies mid-game, allowing for a unique approach to each challenge.

For example, when facing off against an opponent in wrestling, Harry's brute strength may be beneficial, while Andy's agility might give him an edge in football. By switching between dummies on the fly, players must think strategically about which character to use in each situation.

The challenges themselves are varied and often hilarious, with cartoonish sound effects and visuals that add to the game's comedic charm. Players can earn stars for completing challenges quickly and accurately, as well as points for knocking opponents out of the ring or onto the ground.

Characters

Harry and Andy are the main protagonists of Incredible Crash Dummies, each with their own unique personality and abilities. Harry is the more aggressive of the two, with a muscular build and a fighting spirit that serves him well in wrestling and other contact sports. Andy, on the other hand, is quicker and more agile, making him ideal for events like baseball and badminton.

Throughout the game, players can unlock new characters to compete against, including Harry's friends from his high school days and even some of Doctor Neo Cortex's former minions. These additional characters add variety to the gameplay and provide new challenges to overcome.

Reception

Incredible Crash Dummies received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in Japan. Reviewers praised the game's innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy music.

However, the game was not without its flaws. Some critics noted that the gameplay could be repetitive at times, with certain challenges feeling too easy or too hard compared to others. Additionally, the game's lack of multiplayer options was seen as a drawback by some players.

Despite these criticisms, Incredible Crash Dummies remains a beloved game among Japanese gamers. Its unique blend of physical challenges and humor has made it a cult classic that continues to entertain new generations of fans.

Age Rating

In Japan, Incredible Crash Dummies is rated "A" for adults (, A) by the Entertainment Software Rating Organization (ESRB). This rating indicates that the game contains mild violence, suggestive humor, and some partial nudity. However, it's worth noting that these elements are relatively tame compared to other games of its time.

The ESRB has also assigned a "Teen" rating to Incredible Crash Dummies, indicating that players under the age of 13 may not be suitable for the game due to its mild content.

Conclusion

Incredible Crash Dummies is a unique and entertaining game that has gained a cult following among Japanese gamers. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and humorous tone, it's no wonder why this game remains beloved by many today.

While some critics have noted that the gameplay can be repetitive at times, the game's charm and humor more than make up for any drawbacks. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun platformer to play on your SNES, Incredible Crash Dummies is definitely worth checking out.

So, if you're feeling nostalgic or just want to experience something new, dive into the world of Incredible Crash Dummies and see what all the fuss is about. Who knows? You might just find yourself having a blast competing in wrestling matches and curling for your favorite dummies.

Release Information:

• Release Date: August 1993 (Japan)
• Genre: Platformer
• Developer: Hudson Soft
• Publisher: Hudson Soft
• Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Box Art:

The box art for Incredible Crash Dummies features Harry and Andy standing side by side, each with a confident expression on their face. In the background, there's a blurred image of a wrestling ring or other challenge environment, hinting at the game's focus on physical competitions.

Overall, the box art captures the lighthearted and humorous tone of the game, setting the stage for what players can expect from Incredible Crash Dummies.