Chameleon Twist is a 1997 video game developed by Japan System Supply, published by Japan System Supply in Japan, and published by Sunsoft in North America and Europe for the Nintendo 64.
Though disliked by critics due to its easy gameplay, repetitive music, and awkward camera angles, Chameleon Twist was followed by a sequel titled Chameleon Twist 2.
This 3D platform game has players take on the role of one of four anthropomorphic chameleons, and travel across six themed worlds. The chameleon's elongated tongue can be used as a weapon, a means to traverse gaps, or as a way to leap onto platforms. Once the tongue is unrolled, it can be guided in any direction using the analog stick. A five-room training area lets players practice the controls. The single-player game involves progressing through predominately indoor environments, each culminating in a boss battle, while collecting hearts to replenish health. In order to jump up to levels of ground that are usually impossible to reach, the characters are able to launch themselves into the air by using their tongues. If used while the chameleon is moving in a particular direction, the jump is given even more altitude, in what is comparable to pole vaulting. Similarly, the chameleons' tongues can be wrapped around poles, allowing them to cross gaps by either pulling themselves towards the pole or rotate around it while maintaining their distance.
A multiplayer "battle mode" is also playable separate from the main game, allowing two to four players the chance to take part in either a Battle Royal or Time Trial event. Battle Royal has players vying to be the last chameleon left standing on a suspended platform, while Time Trial rewards the chameleon that stays on the platform the longest. In the latter event, the chameleon that has fallen off the fewest times is considered the winner. Options include four difficulty settings for multiplayer games, adjustable battle lengths, and a choice of four stages for both the Battle Royal and Time Trial modes.
Release
The game was originally only planned for release in Japan, but Sunsoft and Nintendo thought children in the U.S. would enjoy the title.
| Allgame =
| Fam = 28/40
| GI = 7/10
| GSpot = 5.1/10
| IGN = 6.5/10
| N64 = 70%
| NP = 5.9/10
Chameleon Twist received mixed reviews, with common criticisms being awkward camera angles which can cause the player to make mistakes, Contrarily, Nintendo Power said the game has innovative mechanics and puzzles, but the novelty of the innovations wears off and the game ultimately becomes frustrating and dull.