Chubby Cherub (1985-)

• Developer: Tose

• Publisher: Bandai

• Genre: Action

Chubby Cherub for the NES was developed by Tose and published by Bandai in 1990. The game was released exclusively for the NES and did not have ports to other platforms, making it a relatively niche title during the console’s lifespan. It stood out for its unusual protagonist—a cherubic, winged baby who navigates through colorful and often surreal levels. The game appears to draw inspiration from lighthearted platformers of the era, with a quirky premise that set it apart from more traditional action or adventure titles.

The gameplay in Chubby Cherub is a side-scrolling platformer where players control the titular cherub as he flies and hops through various stages filled with enemies and obstacles. One of the unique aspects of the game is the ability to fly by flapping wings, which adds a different dimension to the platforming mechanics. The player must collect hearts to maintain health and use the cherub’s unique abilities to defeat enemies, such as shooting hearts as projectiles. The level design is straightforward but incorporates elements that challenge timing and precision, typical of platformers from that time.

The soundtrack of Chubby Cherub complements its cheerful and lighthearted tone, featuring upbeat and repetitive melodies that play throughout the game. While not particularly complex, the music fits the game's whimsical atmosphere and maintains player engagement during gameplay. Sound effects are simple and serve functional purposes, such as alerting players to damage or item pickups. Despite its relatively modest audio design, the soundtrack contributes to the game’s overall quirky charm.

Chubby Cherub did not have a prequel or any sequels and remained a standalone title within Bandai’s NES lineup. Promotion for the game was limited, and it was generally overshadowed by more prominent releases during the early 1990s. Reception to the game was mixed; some players appreciated its unique concept and cute protagonist, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. Despite this, Chubby Cherub has gained a modest cult following among NES collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy its offbeat style and nostalgic value.

Images from MobyGames