Spot: The Video Game (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Arcadia's 1990 puzzle game for the NES, Spot: The Video Game.
0:00 Game 1 (AI level 1)
7:35 Game 2 (AI level 3)
15:42 Game 3 (AI level 5, alternate board)
20:26 Game 4, all players are AI (hidden credit at end)
Spot: The Video Game for the NES, developed by Arcadia in 1990, is a puzzle-based adaptation featuring the red mascot of 7-Up, Spot. The game combines elements of strategy and simple gameplay mechanics, creating an engaging board game-like experience. Players take turns moving their Spot pieces across a grid, attempting to capture territory and outmaneuver their opponent.
The goal is to either dominate the board with the highest number of your Spots or block your opponent so they can no longer make moves. Moves are made by selecting a Spot and either duplicating it into an adjacent square or jumping it to a farther spot on the grid. Landing next to an opponent’s piece converts it into your own, adding a strategic layer as you carefully plan your moves to maximize captures while minimizing exposure.
The game is visually charming, with clean animations that bring the Spots to life as they flip and bounce around the board. A light-hearted soundtrack complements the whimsical atmosphere, making it approachable for players of all ages. While the concept is simple, the depth of strategy increases with experience, making it a surprisingly engaging challenge against AI or another player.
Although Spot: The Video Game lacks the flashiness of more action-oriented titles, its focus on strategy and accessible mechanics makes it a standout puzzle game for the NES library, offering hours of thoughtful, competitive gameplay.