Trog! (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Acclaim's 1991 arcade-style action game for the NES, Trog!
Trog! is a quirky and colorful arcade-style game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990, developed by Visual Concepts and published by Acclaim Entertainment. It is a unique blend of maze navigation and light action, borrowing some elements from Pac-Man but adding its own twist with prehistoric flair and comical animations.
In Trog!, players take control of one of several dinosaurs, such as Bloop, Rex, or Spike, who must race through a series of island-like levels to collect a set number of eggs scattered around the screen. Each stage is structured like a maze, and players must avoid or outwit the titular enemies—Trog, one-eyed, primitive cavemen who want to club the dinosaurs and steal their eggs. The Trogs roam the maze unpredictably, and as the levels progress, they become more numerous and aggressive, creating a challenging and sometimes chaotic gameplay experience.
To defend themselves, the dinosaurs can pick up special power-ups, most notably a pineapple that temporarily transforms them into a large, invincible T-Rex capable of stomping the Trogs. Other power-ups grant speed boosts or allow players to throw projectiles. This combat twist adds a satisfying layer of strategy and unpredictability to the otherwise straightforward objective of collecting eggs.
Trog! stands out for its humorous tone and cartoon-like visuals, with lively animations and whimsical sound effects that enhance its playful atmosphere. The game supports up to two players, allowing for cooperative or competitive play as both try to gather eggs while avoiding or battling Trogs. Although the NES version has simplified graphics compared to its arcade counterpart, it retains much of the charm and frantic pace that made the original appealing.
Overall, Trog! is remembered as a fun and accessible title with a distinct style, blending arcade action with humor and a prehistoric theme. While not a blockbuster hit, it holds a nostalgic place for those who enjoyed its offbeat personality and engaging gameplay.