Little Nemo: The Dream Master is a 1990 platform game developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is based on the 1989 animated film Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, which itself is based on the comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay. The music was composed by Junko Tamiya, credited in the game as "Gonzou".

The game revolves around a young boy in his own surreal dreams as he journeys to Slumberland. Nemo can ride certain animals such as a frog, a gorilla, or a mole, by feeding them candy. Every animal has its own skills needed to complete each level. The purpose of the game is to travel to Nightmare land to rescue Morpheus, the king of Slumberland, from the clutches of the evil Nightmare King.

Gameplay

frame|left|Gameplay screenshot

In Little Nemo: The Dream Master, the player controls Nemo as he proceeds through side-scrolling, 2D levels. In each level, Nemo must collect a specific number of keys, that are usually scattered throughout the large levels. The number of keys needed to beat each level is not indicated to the player until reaching the exit, which has a corresponding number of locks. The player must go through each level, typically left to right, but also up and down, looking for keys.

Throughout each level, the player encounters animals, which, after being fed, will allow Nemo to use their powers. A similar game mechanic would be used in Kirby's Adventure three years later. Using the powers of some animals is necessary while others simply make the game easier. The animal's lifebars often differ from Nemo's, with some animals possessing extra health. These abilities can be essential as many challenging obstacles exist throughout the game, and enemies are virtually infinite. As such, Little Nemo is generally regarded as a very difficult game.

Development and release

Little Nemo: The Dream Master was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in the United States in September 1990.

|EGM = 7/10, 8/10, 7/10, 9/10

|Fam = 27/40

|GamePro = 23/25

|HC = 88/100

|PO = 92%

|VGS = 69%

|rev1 = Game Zone

|rev1Score = 87/100

|rev2 = Mean Machines

|rev2Score = 79%

|rev3 = VideoGame

|rev3Score = 4/5

Little Nemo: The Dream Master on the Nintendo Entertainment System received positive reception from critics. Similarly, Gaming Bus Christopher Bowen wrote that Little Nemo was "punishingly difficult at times, even by NES games standards." Bowen also wrote that the game belonged in "the second tier of Capcom licensed games" alongside Adventures in the Magic Kingdom. Hardcore Gaming 101s Kurt Kalata felt that the ability to ride animals was awkward, due to each one featuring disadvantages, and criticized the key hunting gameplay portion to be annoying. Kalata also noted that its soundtrack was "fairly unremarkable" aside from certain music pieces. He ultimately regarded it to be a decent platform title. Anime News Networks Todd Ciolek felt the NES version "had greater traction" compared to its arcade counterpart, stating that the rideable animals turned each stage into a puzzle due to their abilities. Digital Trends Steven Petite called it one of the best NES games of all time.

Notes

References

  • Little Nemo: The Dream Master at GameFAQs
  • Little Nemo: The Dream Master at Giant Bomb
  • Little Nemo: The Dream Master at MobyGames