Snake Rattle 'n' Roll (NES) Playthrough
4Playthrough of Snake Rattle 'n' Roll, Rare's 1990 isometric platformer for the NES.
Snake Rattle ’n’ Roll, developed by Rare and published by Nintendo, was released for the NES in 1990 in North America and 1991 in Europe. The game was designed by Tim Stamper and programmed by Mark Betteridge, with music composed by David Wise. It stands out as one of Rare’s more distinctive NES projects, blending platforming, arcade speed, and an unusual isometric presentation. Players control one or two snakes, Rattle and Roll, across eleven ascending levels, with the objective of eating enough pellets called “Nibbley Pibbleys” to gain weight and open the exit scale.
The game’s graphics were striking for the NES, making use of an isometric viewpoint that was still a rarity on the system. Each stage is presented in bold colors, checkerboard surfaces, and imaginative structures. Enemies are equally inventive, ranging from hopping teeth to a giant foot that tries to stomp the player. The playful, surreal style is matched by David Wise’s upbeat soundtrack, which draws from 1950s rock and roll, giving the game a lively and energetic tone.
Gameplay is defined by speed and physics. The snakes move diagonally, meaning the player must adapt to controls that translate the D-pad into angled movement. Jumps require careful timing, as the isometric perspective can make depth and distance difficult to judge. Precision becomes crucial in later levels, where hazards such as falling anvils, slippery slopes, and underwater sections test a player’s mastery of the mechanics. The challenge is steep, earning the game a reputation for “Nintendo hard” difficulty. Yet this toughness is balanced by smooth controls and rewarding progression, making success feel like an accomplishment.
A two-player cooperative mode allows Rattle and Roll to explore simultaneously, which introduces both advantages and complications. While sharing the task of collecting pellets can ease the burden, coordination becomes vital, since both players must navigate the same screen, line up jumps, and survive hazards together. Rather than simplifying the game, co-op raises the difficulty but also provides a memorable shared experience.
Snake Rattle ’n’ Roll has secured a lasting reputation as one of Rare’s most original NES efforts. Its unique blend of visual style, catchy music, and punishing but fair gameplay has earned it a place among the system’s more memorable platformers. Though its sequel teased in the ending never appeared, it remains celebrated today, both for its technical ambition and for its distinctive personality. For players willing to meet its challenge, Snake Rattle ’n’ Roll delivers a demanding but rewarding experience that showcases Rare’s creative energy during the NES era.