Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (NES) Playthrough

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Published on June 15, 2025 4:22:05 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXUr285ftr0

Game:

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1991)

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Playthrough of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, THQ's 1992 platformer for the NES.

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes for the NES is a side-scrolling action platformer released in 1991 and developed by Imagineering. It is loosely based on the 1978 cult film and the animated television series that followed. The game casts players as Chad Finletter, a young boy tasked with stopping the evil Dr. Gangreen and his army of mutant tomatoes from taking over the world. While the premise is intentionally absurd, the game plays it relatively straight as a platforming challenge.

The gameplay involves navigating through various urban and factory environments while dodging or fighting off hostile tomatoes of all shapes and sizes. Chad’s only weapon is a short-range punch, which he uses to defeat enemies. The game requires players to be precise in both timing and movement, as enemy patterns can be erratic and Chad has limited health. There are occasional boss encounters, and completing certain stages involves locating key items or triggering specific actions to progress.

Graphically, the game is colorful and has a cartoonish style that suits its offbeat tone. Enemy designs are exaggerated, with tomatoes that hop, roll, and fly, and environments that shift from city streets to lab interiors. The music and sound effects are simple and repetitive, with a few themes that match the goofy aesthetic of the source material. Though it doesn't push the NES hardware, the game’s visuals are functional and reflect the oddball nature of the franchise.

Despite its quirky appeal, the game is known for its difficulty and stiff controls. Chad’s jump arc is rigid, and his punch has very short range, which can make enemy encounters frustrating. Power-ups are sparse, and checkpoints are limited, so players often need to replay sections multiple times to learn the best routes and tactics. However, for fans of the film or show, or those looking for a different kind of NES platformer, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes offers a unique and challenging experience with an unmistakably strange charm.