Rascal (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Rascal


caption =
developer = Traveller's Tales, Psygnosis,
Jim Henson's Creature Shop
publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|NA=1998-03-31|PAL=March, 1998vgrelease|JP=1999-03-18
genre = Action, Platformer
modes = Single player
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone
platforms = PlayStation
media = CD-ROM
requirements =
input =

"Rascal" (also known as "Bubblegun Kid" in Japan) is a platformer/action game developed by Traveller's Tales in part with Jim Henson's Creature Shop and Psygnosis that was originally released for the PlayStation in the United States on March 31, 1998 by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was later distributed in Japan by Takara and in the United Kingdom by Psygnosis.

Premise

In the game, the player assumes the role of a blonde haired boy named Callum Clockwise armed with a toy gun that shoots bubbles, in a mission through six worlds to rescue his father from the master of time, Chronon.

The Levels

Callum "Rascal" Clockwise travels to five different levels during its past, present, and future. Except for the future stages and the Corridors of Time, Rascal must collect six pieces of the Hourglass of Time in each level to return home. All of the future stages are boss battles with Chronon himself.

Castle Hackalott--In the past, it is a medieval castle containing evil knights, blacksmiths, and Sir Hackalott himself, under Chronon's control. Underground lies Gordon the Good-Natured Dragon, pet of Sir Hackalott, who is also under Chronon's control.In present time, it is now the grounds of a museum filled with many items from the castle's past. It is protected by security guards, guard dogs, and there are even a few ghosts lying around.

Aztec Temple at Chichimeca--In the past, it is a large aztec temple, home to many temple guards called Paynal, similar to those in Legends of the Hidden Temple. The temple is complete with traps, such as falling statues and arrow-shooting walls.In present time, the land is now a lumber yard, with the temple replaced with a lumber factory. Bees swarm all over the place, and there are a few lumberjacks out to get Rascal.

Atlantis--The famous lost city before it hits the depths of the ocean. All of the rooms are very elegant, with some having fish tank-like windows on the walls.In present time, the whole city is underwater. Many mermaids and Delphinus, a Poseidon-like merman, are swimming around this time.

The Jolly Raider Pirate Ship--In the past, this ship is sailing the high seas. As it rocks back and forth, Rascal must avoid Peg Leg Pete and his pet parrots numerous times, as well as giant crabs, automatic cannons, and other obstacles on the ship.In present time, the ship is at the bottom of the ocean. It is now home to eels, jellyfish, and large sharks.

Dodge City--in the past, it is a Wild West-type level complete with saloons, horse barns, the county jail, etc. As soon as you step outside, you'll have a stand-off with Deputy Warren Nash.In present time, it is home to Hollywood, full of sets of movies that resemble that of Godzilla, The Godfather, and others. Even the movie directors want a piece of Rascal.

The Corridors of Time--this level takes place in the middle of the space-time continuum. Rascal must face five bosses (some new, and the others old foes with new tricks). They are Delphinus, Gordon the Good-Natured Dragon, Deputy Warren Nash, Camaxtli, and an unnamed blue turtle-like dragon. After defeating these bosses, Rascal must confront Chronon one final time.

Reception

The game was very badly received by critics and gamers alike. The main criticisms leveled at the game were loose controls and a relentlessly problematic camera. 3D platform games were in vogue at the time, following the success of Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot in 1996, and the previous year. Rascal was perceived by many as a half-hearted attempt to jump on this bandwagon, but it failed to perform as well as expected, although it was praised for its graphics.