This entertaining and clever little DOS video game is based on a blockbuster hit movie that was the number one film of the Christmas season in 1987. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a fully licensed title that features all of the favorite characters from the movie, including Roger Rabbit, Benny the Taxi, Baby Herman, Jessica, and of course Judge Doom and his weasels. Who Framed Roger Rabbit was created by Silent Software and released by Buena Vista Software in 1988. It was ported to several other formats, most notably the Commodore 64 and the Atari.
It features some great arcade action.
The plot in this video game, like its movie counterpart, has a lot going on. Roger Rabbit has numerous tasks to complete. The setting is 1947 Hollywood, and a portion of the city is more or less run by living cartoons. Marvin Acme, the owner of the Acme Corporation, has been killed and Roger Rabbit has been framed. To make matters worse, Acme’s will—which details the fact that Toon Town is supposed to be turned over to the toons upon his passing—is nowhere to be found. To make matters worse still, Judge Doom and his weasels have taken the buxom red-head, Jessica, hostage. She is Roger Rabbit’s wife. Roger will have to clear his name, find the will
and save Toon Town, and rescue his wife from the notorious Judge Doom.
There are four levels in the video game. The first and third levels both star Benny the Taxi as Roger tries to race Judge Doom’s weasels to specific destinations. Cars, trams, and of course Judge Doom’s toxic dip will serve as obstacles to try to slow Roger and Benny down. Of course, there will be some pretty cool power ups along the way to help give Benny that little extra boost of speed. The second level takes place in the Ink and Paint Club, and features some hilarious little penguin waiters who are dropping shreds of Marvin Acme’s will on all of the tables. Roger will have to avoid the gorilla bouncer and recreate the will with the pieces he picks up from the table. Finally, the fourth level sees Roger trying to save his wife from Judge Doom and the weasels. Here, Roger’s arsenal will consist of gags, pranks and jokes and he will advance in the level by making the weasels laugh themselves to death.
This is a vividly colorful and charmingly goofy little video game that is appropriate for gamers of all skill level and age. It features several different types of action, which adds depth, and a reasonably fun storyline. Give it a try.
