Pocket Monster

About

Pocket Monster is a 1997 NES platformer starring Pikachu. Players navigate four worlds split into three levels each, with each world ending in a single-screen boss fight. Movement feels distinct due to inverted controls, B jumps, A cancels enemies or runs when moving. Pikachu takes three hits before losing a life, tracked by a Poké Ball counter. The game lets you freely walk off the screen during pauses and skip levels with the Select button. Levels include stompable enemies and sections where falling halfway into the ground is possible but harmless. The game reuses graphics from Athena and Adventure Island II, with enemies loosely based on Pokémon. Sound effects are lifted from Konami’s Twin Bee, while the music glitches occasionally. A debug mode is active by default, letting players explore freely. The final screen shows Pikachu dancing with a simple “End” message. Despite its 90s budget production, the quirky mechanics and accessible level design have earned it a niche following among retro fans.