Скачать или смотреть Hook (NES) Playthrough

Playthrough of Hook, Sony Imagesoft's 1992 side-scrolling platformer for the NES.

Hook for the NES, released by Sony Imagesoft in 1992, is one of several adaptations of Steven Spielberg’s film of the same name. Unlike the more well-known Super Nintendo version, which plays as a straightforward side-scrolling platformer, the NES entry takes a different approach that combines platforming, item collection, and a few unusual diversions. The result is a game that feels odd, but also more playable than its reputation might suggest.

The premise follows the movie only loosely. Players take control of an adult Peter Pan who must return to Neverland to rescue his children from Captain Hook. The settings and characters are familiar, but the gameplay diverges quickly from the film. Each stage functions as a small maze, requiring Peter to collect a number of scattered objects in order to unlock the exit. While enemies roam the levels, combat is rarely necessary. Peter has a knife, but it is so ineffective that players are better off avoiding confrontation altogether. This design choice shifts the focus away from action and toward exploration, which is unusual for a licensed NES title but helps keep the difficulty manageable.

In addition to the item-collection stages, Hook introduces two other gameplay styles. Flying sequences present Peter from a behind-the-back perspective as he glides through the skies, collecting orbs and dodging hazards. These sections are mechanically simple, but they offer variety and serve as a change of pace. The boss battles take the form of one-on-one duels, where Peter faces opponents such as Rufio and Captain Hook in a peculiar fighting system that relies on reducing torso “health” meters. These encounters are awkward and strangely presented, but they add to the game’s eccentric personality.

Visually, Hook is more polished than many NES adaptations of films. The large sprites and colorful backgrounds give the game a look reminiscent of Ocean Software’s movie-based titles, though the presentation is a touch rougher. The music, while repetitive, is lively and matches the offbeat tone of the game. Controls are relatively responsive, and while platforming can feel stiff, the game is fairer and more tightly designed than many of its licensed contemporaries.

Taken as a whole, Hook for the NES is a strange but serviceable adaptation. It does not capture the spirit of the movie particularly well, and its unusual mechanics make it difficult to categorize neatly. Yet the combination of compact level design, variety in gameplay, and a challenge level that feels tough but not punishing helps it rise above the lowest tier of licensed NES releases. It is not a classic, nor is it as fondly remembered as the SNES version, but it remains a curious and surprisingly decent platformer in the crowded field of early 1990s movie tie-ins.