My Played Video Games Review: The Little Mermaid for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

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The Little Mermaid is a licensed side-scrolling action game developed by Capcom of Japan for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), based on the 1989 Disney film of the same name. It was released in 1991.

I have played this game during the early 1990s and was surprised that it was not as girly and childish as I thought. In fairness, the game was meant to be played by kids of all ages. And so I thought of reviewing this game too to give it some justice.

The Story

Ariel, the Mermaid Princess of the sea, fell in love with Prince Eric at first sight. She asked Ursula the Sea Witch to make her human so she could be with Eric. Ariel and Eric got together at last.

Then, one day, Ariel's sea creature friends came to ask Ariel for help. They explained that Ursula had bewitched the fish of the sea so could take over the ocean. Ariel decided to go to Ursula's Castle to try rescue all the fishes.

Prince Eric convinced her not to go, but she transformed back into a Mermaid and began to swim towards Ursula's Castle thus beginning her adventure.

NES cartridge of the game (image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics are still great. The game has bright and vibrant colors. It has a fun and festive look which fits the atmosphere of the game. One of the best things about this game are the detailed backgrounds.

Each of the 5 levels has its own uniquely look and theme. The Little Mermaid, may not be a graphical wonder but it can hold its own. It is ageless.

The sound is very good. The music has a fun, festive moody theme like in the animated movie. The sound effects are great. They are not really that original. They are standard NES sound efects, but they add to the "animated" feel of the game.

Gameplay sample of The Little Mermaid

The Gameplay

The gameplay of The Little Mermaid has simple controls. It is kinda fun to control Ariel once you get to easily learn the moves. You use bubbles thrown by your fish tail to catch enemies and throw the trapped-enemy-in-bubble as a projectile. It is simply fun. The game is basic, simple and is fun and easy to play.

Once you beat the game, it maybe fun to go back and play it again sometimes when you feel like it. It has a fair replay value. You can get some satisfaction from beating it again, though.

My Verdict

Despite being a short game, The Little Mermaid really is a hidden NES gem. Its short length makes it that way somewhat but not enough to make gamers ignore it.

Don't let the cutesy visuals fool you. Go check it out and play it on the NES or on emulators.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!



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