Mendel Palace (NES) The Grade

So here we have a game developed by Game Freak, yes, the makers of Pikachu, Pokemon, and Team Rocket blasting off into space. To say this game is vastly underrated...well, its truly deserving. For the initiates who need to know you play as protagonist Bon-Bon who is out to save his friend Candy. Candy has been taken hostage by her...toys.

So its off to rescue your friend (or is it girlfriend? ^-^) from the 8 nasty toy bosses. Ranging from Sumo wrestlers, swimmers (yes I said swimmers), martial artists, dancers...and other assortments of baddies. All very unique, and interesting to say the least.

 I really enjoy this title screen. ^-^

 The cover art is okay. Nothing Special though. ^>^

 This game is known as Quinty in Japan. Also published by Namcot.

A cool little flyer for Quinty.

Okay so here's the rules: You need to first defeat the other 8 supreme toy masters to gain access into the Mendel Palace. You select one level and must go through 9 stages to reach the boss fight. Bon-Bon  moves around a 5X7 grid. You defeat enemies by flipping tiles over, thus pushing them (or even knocking them over). Your goal is to get rid of all enemies by tossing them back into the wall. Easy eh? Sounds easy but its rather challenging.

Watch out for the Sumo's attack!

You reveal a plethora of things under the tiles too. Some can be exhausted, others have stars (100 grants you an extra life by the way ^>^), the sun flips EVERY tile on the board, some other tiles flip single rows, later on you begin to flip blocks that impede your progress and your opposition, some generate enemies, others send you into bonus areas. This is one neat concept, that meshes extremely well with the different characteristics of the baddies.

An under appreciated gem, it also has great music too (Game Freak always created great tunes). While the graphics and the story may be too cutesy for some of you diehards, it's an absolute must play.

What better way than to celebrate with a kiss? ^>^

Did I also mention this is a two player co-op game? Even better, I know, I know! Final grade: A. 

Mendel Palace is one terrific game on the NES. The enemies are diverse and always throw something new at you. The tiles hold many secrets, boons, and hazards that keep you challenged (but the variety alleviates boredom). The music and graphics while cartoony, are nice looking and a treat for the ears. Grab this game! ^>^