Popeye

About

Popeye is a 1982 side scrolling platformer where players control Olive Oyl, Popeye, or Bluto. The goal is to rescue Sweet Pea from Brutus by navigating levels filled with enemies and hazards. Players jump over obstacles, dodge attacks, and reach the end of each stage. The game supports one or two players taking turns, with the highest five scores saved using three letter initials. The controls are simple but require timing to avoid falling off platforms or getting hit. The game uses King Features Syndicate's Popeye cartoon characters in their classic forms. The score leaderboard and option to play cooperatively or competitively were uncommon in 1982 arcade titles. Two cabinet styles were available - standard upright and a lower height "cocktail" table version. Nintendo developed and released it just before the end of the year. It retains the black and white comic book aesthetic with simple but recognizable character designs. The game's short level design keeps matches fast paced.