The Adventures of Willy Beamish

I enjoyed this game when I played it, it was totally different than anything I had played up to that point and was an interesting title on the Sega CD game. It utilized the Sega CD's ability to have good music, some animation and voice work without resorting to cheesy actors and movie clips. I would give it a higher score, but it is also very difficult to figure out what to do and starting over from certain parts kills all your drive to even play the game.

The story revolves around Willy Beamish, of course. He is a video game playing kid that likes to enter his frog in jumping contests. I figure the video game playing part comes into play near the end of the game, however, I never was able to win this one. Willy must first try to get out of school and make it home before his report card gets to his home. Willy may be clever in figuring out some things, but school is not one of them. He gets grounded and you must figure out how to get a key to unlock your gaming system so you can practice for the big tournament. You also have to outwit your crazed babysitter who has a very dark secret and break into a house to try and rescue your frog from becoming the main course! The game is a point and click game, however, with this one you are not simply staring at a picture with minimal motion. Here you can at times guide Willy here and there and the backgrounds are colorful and have more of a three dimensional aspect unlike another point and click game released for the Sega CD, "Rise of the Dragon". I believe that game was for home gaming computers and ported over to the Sega CD, this one may have the same type of origin, but not entirely sure. There were a couple of places I had trouble with so I was never able to make it to the end, but my guess is you compete in a video game contest and you play a clone of Galaga. You have the opportunity to play this game if you can get the key back from your sister, and this is one of the easier things to figure out and accomplish. I had trouble with the babysitter, took me a while to figure it out as I figured out what to do, but for some reason I could not accomplish it. Then I totally got stuck in the house trying to rescue my frog.

The game is pretty good, but it could have learned from another point and click game, "Monkey Island". What could it have learned? Well, that you do not need to die a hundred deaths to find a game fun and challenging. I just think dying here is unnecessary and having to start over is incredibly annoying. That game did not boast the graphics and it did not have any voice overs, but it still made me laugh and still challenged me. This game was fun, and it too seems like a game that should not feel the need to go hardcore, but it did and for that reason I was never able to get poor Willy to that gaming contest.

It took me years to find this game on the PC (I purchased the Sega CD version, but neglected to get the system!), but once I did, I snapped it up instantly, and was somewhere close to heave. Why? Because this game, while a bit on the short side when put alongside today's computer games, is an absolute blast. Bitingly Funny(although dated, I love the Leona Helmsley parody) and with highly memorable characters, this game is a winner.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta keep up with my Nintari practicing.

Willy Beamish, a clever kid with a hectic life, goes through realistic circumstances. The voice acting is surprisingly good, like most Dynamix/Sierra videogames.

The game's basic interface is a point-and-click system. Most of the game's challenge comes from being at the right place, at the right time, with the right items. Sometimes a simple mistake; such as forgetting to, or not knowing to, do something early on in the game, can affect you later on. Walkthroughs are HIGHLY recommended for this game.

Although this game's a bit cartoony, it has several subtle references to things of a mature theme, providing fun for all ages.

Graphics: 10

Basic 2D cartoony graphics are beautifully illustrated, and present an atmosphere that fits the storyline; cute, hilarious, dramatic, sometimes scary!

Sound: 10

Nearly each place you visit provides a different tune, and the sound effects are as cartoony as the graphics.

Gameplay: 8.5

Chat with friends, try different items on different things, sometimes for no reason at all. Make decisions, try to keep the meter down (A thermometer, only popping up when something happens, measures Willy's behavior, in relation to his parents' reaction.) The loading times can be frustrating, namely if you're repeating a scene you are having trouble with. If the loading had been faster, it would've recieved a 9.5 easily.

Entertainment: 9.5 Since a lot of the game revolves around communication between characters, those not playing this game can enjoy the storyline. Decision-making, as well as practicing the "Nintari", are the main attractions here, and believe me, they are a lot more fun than they sound.

[Note that the graphics and sound are subject to difference, between the PC and Sega CD Versions. I rated this game from experience with the Sega-CD version.]

Also check out Sierra/Dynamics' Rise of the Dragon, if you're looking for a more mature, violent thrill.