Circus Caper (1989-)

• Developer: Advance Communication Company

• Publisher: Toho

• Genre: Platform

• Designer: Takashi Wachi

• Composer: Michiharu Hasuya, Osamu Kasai, Masaaki Harada

Circus Caper for the NES was developed by Advance Communication Company and released in 1989. It was published by Toho, a company better known for its film productions, making this one of their few ventures into the video game market. The game was exclusive to the NES with no official ports or releases on other platforms. Circus Caper draws clear inspiration from circus-themed entertainment and classic platformers of the time, presenting a lighthearted story centered around rescuing a kidnapped sister from a circus villain.

The game is a side-scrolling platformer where players control a young boy named Rick who travels through various circus-themed levels. Gameplay involves navigating obstacles, avoiding enemies such as clowns and animals, and collecting items like balloons and hats for points and power-ups. The level design includes both land and water sections, requiring the player to adapt to different challenges. Although relatively simple, Circus Caper mixes traditional platforming with an unusual setting to create a distinct experience within the crowded NES library.

The soundtrack of Circus Caper complements the game’s circus theme with lively, upbeat melodies that evoke the atmosphere of a traveling circus show. The music cycles through different tunes for each stage, maintaining a playful mood throughout the gameplay. Sound effects are basic but effective, including jumps, attacks, and enemy encounters, which help keep the player engaged without overwhelming the senses. While not particularly complex, the audio adds to the game’s overall charm and energy.

Circus Caper did not have a prequel or any direct sequels and remains a standalone title. Its promotion was relatively low-key, and it never reached widespread popularity compared to other platformers on the NES. Critical reception at the time was mixed, with some players appreciating its colorful graphics and unique circus setting, while others found the gameplay repetitive and the controls somewhat clunky. Despite this, Circus Caper holds a nostalgic place for collectors and fans of obscure NES games, appreciated for its quirky theme and straightforward platforming challenges.

Images from MobyGames