Ponpoko
Developer(s)Sigma Enterprises
Publisher(s)Sigma Enterprises (JP)
Venture Line (NA)
Platform(s)Arcade
ReleaseJP: November 1982[1]
NA: January 1983
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Ponpoko (ポンポコ) is a non-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sigma Enterprises. It was released in arcades in Japan in November 1982.[1] As a Japanese raccoon dog which can jump and climb ladders, the goal is to collect all of the fruits and vegetables in each level. Ponpoko was sold in North America by Venture Line as a conversion kit starting in January 1983.[2]

Gameplay

In Ponpoko, the player controls a Tanuki (狸 or たぬき), or Japanese raccoon dog, that can climb ladders, walk across platforms, and jump over deadly apple cores and gaps.[3] Colorful creatures (called hairy caterpillars by Sigma,[4] scorpions by Venture Line[5]) move horizontally from one side of the screen to the other and back again, floating over gaps in the platforms.[3] A mystery pot usually gives bonus points when collected, but certain pots in each level always release a snake.[5] Both caterpillars and snakes are deadly to the touch.

Reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed Ponpoko on their August 15, 1983 issue as being the fifteenth most-successful table arcade unit of the month.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Ponpoko". Gaming History.
  2. ^ "Overseas Readers Column - Sigma's "Ponpoko" Licensed To Venture Line For N.America". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 202. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 December 1982. p. 26.
  3. ^ a b "Coin Up! review Of Ponpoko!". October 3, 2011.
  4. ^ "Sigma Ponpoko Flyer". The Arcade Flyer Archive. Sigma Enterprises.
  5. ^ a b "Venture Line Ponpoko Flyer". The Arcade Flyer Archive.
  6. ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 218. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 August 1983. p. 27.

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