Overworld

GRAPHICS SOUND CONTROL FRUSTRATION FUN FACTOR OVERALL

NES 1 Player Overhead Shooter/Action The first attempt for the Adams' on the NES is a fun and a would-be-worthy unique masterpiece that never was. Unlike the Adams Family game following which followed the traditional scroller genre along in its tried and true formula, Fester's Quest is a huge step forward from those kinds of generic games released by the boat full. It's good to know that Sunsoft was trying something new with Fester. Unfortunately, the final results of the title only amounts to average. After seeing the legendary introduction scene, you know you're about to play something special. UFOs have taken over and all hope lies on Uncle Fester - but he's not the only Adams to show up in the game! Lurch, Thing, Gomez, and the rest show up later in your blasting quest. Fester's Quest is a classic top-view 3rd person adventure shooting game very similar to the popular video game also made by SunSoft, Blaster Master, and is the root of the reason that makes the game so unique. Fester's equipped with a gun that is used to kill the many frogs and "purple alien thingies" or anything that comes in your path--your main weapon, in short. There is also a nice adventure element that comes in by collecting different icons of items like light bulbs for specific uses. Example: If you travel inside of a dark, pitch black sewer, open up your inventory and use a light bulb. Marvelously genius! A few stages also implement "3-D" mazes that can be found in the game's separate houses to mix things up a little more. It's just a shame these stages get boring way too fast. ......Graphically, Fester ain't really an eye opener. Nothing spectacular here, but in sound terms the title is nothing short of excellent. The beats alone keep you interested in the game and include some of my favorites of the NES tunes ever. The sound effects are done pretty accurately as well. ......Somewhat poor control plagues Fester from being a lot more enjoyable. He walks slow and in a clumsy fashion. However, equipped with the NES Advantage controller in hand and turbo buttons on, boosts the experience to make Fester's Quest much more fun. Easier too. There should be something in this game for almost anyone. At least check it out once. ......BOTTOM LINE: Sunsoft bring another shooting game with an action/adventure twist. If you haven't played it yet I would suggest tracking down a copy along with an Advantage controller. Action, shooting, and adventure - Adams Family fans will surely get their fair share with Fester's Quest once they conquer its weaker areas of control and level design. -Mike