Do You NintenKnow: June 2023

Below is a set of clues for games that have a notable US release date anniversary (5, 10, 15, etc.) in the current month. See if you can figure out the title before clicking the blurred image to find out if you were correct! Head down to the comments when you’re finished and reminisce about the personal memories that were dredged up. Remember that these are going by the release date in the United States. Have fun!

June 1988

The NES saw the release of this port of the mega-popular arcade beat ‘em up developed by Technos Japan and published by Tradewest. As the first game in the franchise, take to the streets and Billy Lee (or is it Bimmy?) to try and rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. Punch, kick, throw, and use melee weapons in the various belt scrolling stages culminating in boss fights against baddies like Abobo. The biggest difference with the NES port compared to the arcade is that this version omitted two-player cooperative play in favor of alternating play. This changed the plot, making Billy’s brother Jimmy Lee the antagonist instead of another protagonist. Kind of a big change, don’tcha think?

Konami developed and published (under its Ultra Games division) this Hideo Kojima stealth-action title for the NES. Originally released for the MSX2, Kojima had no involvement in the NES port which featured many changes and was disowned by the creator. Sneak around Outer Heaven as Solid Snake and watch out for the exclamation points that indicate you’ve been seen by the enemy. Maybe you should make them “feel asleep” to creep past them?

June 1993

This late NES sequel platformer from Capcom put you back in the webbed feet of Scrooge McDuck in his quest for treasure. There are new elements like the ability to replay levels that were already completed and upgrades for Scrooge’s iconic cane. The biggest disappointment may be the lack of the “Moon” theme. “Woo-oo!”

The Software Toolworks released this educational game for SNES (along with versions on MS-DOS and NES) based on Nintendo’s most famous property. The usual hero has been captured by his archrival, Bowser, and must rely on Luigi to travel around the world returning stolen treasures as part of his quest to find his brother. This is the first time Luigi starred in a game – and would be the last until 2001’s Luigi’s Mansion. It was not very well reviewed, but at least you could help Luigi find Big Ben, the Mona Lisa, and King Kong!

June 1998

Rare threw their hats into the 3D platformer collect-a-thon ring with this musically themed bird and bear title. This game evolved from a canceled Super Nintendo title called Project Dream. Collect musical notes, Jinjos, and Jiggies while making use of a smorgasbord of skills and transformations to solve puzzles and stick it to Gruntilda. Want to help Christmas lights make it to a Christmas tree without being eaten? You’re in luck! And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope.

June 2003

The GameCube was about 8 months behind the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in receiving this IO Interactive stealth title published by Eidos Interactive. In this second title in the series, get inside the shaved head of Agent 47 as you experiment with innovative ways to eliminate your targets. You could go in guns blazing, but why do that when you can poison the target’s Borscht?

Treasure, mainly known for shooters like Sin and Punishment, tried their hand at a 3D brawler-ish platformer starring Nintendo’s garlic and money-loving antihero. Help him in his quest to retrieve his treasure and castle from the evil gem, Black Jewel. Depending on how many Spritelings are rescued, the ending will change.

June 2008

Activision released a portable version of their popular music game on the Nintendo DS, complete with a ridiculous peripheral that needed to plug into the Game Boy Advance port. Use the stylus to simulate strumming while pressing the fret buttons on the grip peripheral. Shockingly, the main criticisms of this game were directed at the peripheral which was both difficult to hold and caused hand cramps in some players. But don’t “fret”, at least the grip had a strap to attach it to your hand and ensure a snug fit while enduring all those cramps.

June 2013

Nintendo released this fourth installment of their beloved social simulation series on the 3DS. One of the major changes this game introduced was the mechanic that makes the player the town mayor instead of just a villager. You can complete Public Works Projects to construct bridges, light poles, campsites, etc. Players can visit other peoples’ towns via local play or online. The Able Sisters shop gives you the ability to create QR codes of your custom designs which other players can download with the 3DS camera. I’m sure no one abused this feature at all. Oh, and this is also the first appearance of Isabelle, who has become a fan favorite.

June 2018

The Switch saw the release of this Nihon Falcom action RPG port, originally released for the PS Vita in 2016. As the eighth numbered title in the series, the hero Adol Christin once again finds himself in the middle of an adventure. This time, the ship he’s on is attacked by a giant sea creature and he washes up on the cursed Isle of Seiren. Adol teams up with other castaways to explore the island and expand their campsite while building a ship to eventually escape the island. If you like shredding guitars, you’ll enjoy this soundtrack.

Bonus

This famous Nintendo handheld accessory released in the US on 6/1/1998, which allowed the user to take grayscale, horribly pixelated pictures. These photos could then be edited with stickers, stamps, frames, etc. to make them even more ridiculous. You could even print these on thermal paper with a separate printer accessory. The 90s were wild!