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Virgin's M.C. Kids -Nintendo NES
Retro Gaming Review
 |
| Title: | M.C. Kids |
| Manufacturer: | Virgin Games |
| Platform: | Nintendo NES |
| Release Date: | 1992 |
| Part #: | NES-4Q-USA |
| Rating: | 3 out of 5 |
| ESRB Rating: | N/A |
Rating: 
Virgin's M.C. Kids Screenshot: 
Video games go through cycles and fast food mascots as central game characters was certainly one. But of all the attempts to insert a food mascot into a viable game, it's hard to beat the marketing power of Ronald's golden arches. How many billions served... or is it trillions now? Called McDonaldland in Europe, M.C. Kids was the NA equivalent from Virgin Games.
As a kid I loved McDonalds - not so much for the food - I loved the characters from Ronald down to the Hamburgler and Grimace. Their kid's toys left a marked impression on me. Later in life I incurred an irrational fear of clowns, but Ronald McDonald has always been aces with me. And what a great company to affiliate a video game with. I've read the the game was originally to be promoted with Happy Meals, but McDonalds took issue with elements of the game and opted not to promote it. Crazy clowns!
Many have likened M.C. Kids to the Super Mario games as both were side scrolling platformers. Both had 2-player co-op modes, but where as Mario was focused on reaching the end of the level, Mick and Mac had to pick up a variety of items in their travels. Showing up empty-handed offered no reward. Any SMB fans that thought they could eliminate an enemy by jumping on him, was mistaken. That's a hard one to get over as a Mario fanatic :)
M.C. Kids Story Arc
The Hamburgler has stolen Ronald McDonald's magic bag and is hiding out in the McDonaldlands. The MC Kids have to find puzzle cards in each level in order to locate Ronald's bag. You'll meet many enemies sent by Hamburgler to throw you off his trail.
Holy shit! Check this out...
M.C. Kids was criticized as a fast food advertisement even though there is almost no mention of McDonald's products within the game. The various mascots of the franchise are strewn throughout, but that's to be expected. Much like McDonald's food, the game quickly became a favorite! There is a secret "quit" code. Press start, then select and hold them both for 3 seconds. This procedure will end the level at the cost of one play session.
M.C. Kids was criticized as a fast food advertisement even though there is almost no mention of McDonald's products within the game. The various mascots of the franchise are strewn throughout, but that's to be expected. Much like McDonald's food, the game quickly became a favorite! There is a secret "quit" code. Press start, then select and hold them both for 3 seconds. This procedure will end the level at the cost of one play session.
M.C. Kids Game Play
As stated, this isn't a race to the finish. At the start of each level, a McDonald's character will tell you how many Puzzle Cards you need to find. As you traverse the level, the end comes when you present the cards to the same character. You can play as either fo the 2 kids - they are bot identical in terms of game play. A map screen lets you move between the six different worlds as you gather puzzle cards and fend off enemies.
Your character starts with 3 lives and can pick up objects, throw them, duck down and do a few kinds of jumps. When you lose all your lives (Hearts) you start over. During game play some challenges will reward you with additional hearts.
As you find Puzzle Card you'll see them fill in up in the corner. You will discover that not all cards for a world are found in that world. You may want to check in with the land's character for a few tips. You'll begin in Ronalds Clubhouse and travel through: Birdie's Treehouse, Grimace's Highlands, Professor's Workshop, Cosmic Retreat and Hamburgler's Hideout.
Just as you'll encounter many enemies, there are also ample opportunities for power-ups. As far as I can tell, the only thing you won't find is Mayor McCheese. He doesn't seem to appear in McDonaldland. If this makes up for the mayoral loss, Here's a Ronald McDonald cosplayer.
As much as I like SMB, I found this to be a fairly novel divergence from Mario and Luigi. There certainly are similarities, but it's nice to encounter a game with a similar feel, but not feel derivative of the Plumbers. This is a fun game with some fun elements to keep you on your toes.
Final Judgement:
Virgin's M.C. Kids
is a fairly average side scrolling game that may bring back some Super Mario memories. Success with this game comes quicker if you forget your Mario moves as some of them are counter to surviving in McDonaldland. You'll find some areas are very easy while others are insanely difficult. This is a pro and a con... depending :)« Return to Retro Video Game Reviews
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