The Lawnmower Man

About

The Lawnmower Man mixes platformer action with sci-fi thrills in a 1993 release that leans into its era’s quirky tech. Play as Dr. Angelo or Carla Parkette in side-scrolling levels where you shoot enemies, gather weapons, and collect data discs to unlock the Virtual Suit, a buffer against early deaths. The story follows Jobe Smith, a man enhanced by experimental intelligence-boosting drugs, as his growing telekinesis spirals into revenge. The CD versions prioritize interactive movie sequences, while cartridge editions focus on straightforward shooting and exploration across locations like gas stations and lab complexes. The game stands out for its ambitious blend of FMV and action, though its execution feels dated by modern standards. Its single-player campaign offers a brisk, B-movie vibe with moments of campy charm. Community reviews often note its historical curiosity more than its gameplay polish, but fans of early 90s sci-fi action hybrids might appreciate the over-the-top narrative and the Virtual Suit’s simple power-up mechanic. Released on niche platforms like Sega CD, it’s a snapshot of an odd but creative period in gaming.

Storyline

With his reluctance to aim the research to military purpose, after one of the chimps escapes and shoots a guard in the process he is given a forced vacation, and while taking notes on the need for experiment with a human subject, he notices Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey), a simpleton who makes his living on odd jobs such as mowing the grass (hence, the title role). The first experiments quickly increase Jobe's intelligence, and while after an accident Angelo stopped the experiments, The Shop, a secret agency overviewing Project 5, reinserted the drugs responsible for violent behaviour into the program and sped up the treatment. As Jobe starts to develop telekinetic powers, he starts to take revenge on those who abused him before he started the treatments, and plots to take over all computers in the world. While the CD version of the game (PC, Mega CD) is an interactive movie, both cartridge versions are platformers, the player taking control of Dr. Angelo or Carla Parkette (mother of Jobe's best friend) in typical side-scrolling shooting action. The player can collect better weapons or data discs, which after collecting a number of them allow to morph into the Virtual Suit, which gives protection against a first hit. The player visits several locations seen in the movie, such as the gas pump and the VSI headquarters.