Snake Rattle 'n' Roll

: "For the similar sounding rock and roll song, see Shake, Rattle and Roll".

Infobox VG| title = Snake Rattle 'n' Roll


developer = Rare
publisher = Nintendo
designer =
composer = David Wise
engine =
released = 1990
genre = Platform game
modes = Single player, cooperative multiplayer
ratings =
platforms = NES, Sega Mega Drive (ported)
media = 512-kilobit cartridge
requirements =
input =

"Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" is a video game designed by Rare Ltd. and originally released by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. It is notable for being one of the earliest platform games to use a 3D isometric playing field. This built on Rare's earlier work in titles such as "Knight Lore". Despite its innovation, the game sold poorly and remains relatively obscure, possibly a result of its high difficulty level and unintuitive controls.

Setting and gameplay

The game stars two snakes, Rattle and Roll, who must eat small, spherical creatures called Nibbley-Pibbleys as they climb a mountain in a "race to the moon". As the two snakes eat the Nibbley-Pibbleys, they grow in length and weight, allowing them to tip a scale, opening the door to the next level. The game is considered one of the most challenging to have been released for the NES. This unusual difficulty sets in during the game's early stages, likely hampering its appeal for casual and novice players.

Follow-up

The original planned sequel, "Snakes In Space", was never made due to lack of sales. It was, however, followed up by "Sneaky Snakes" for the Game Boy in 1991, and was ported to the Sega Mega Drive in 1993. The Mega Drive version had a different soundtrack (with the exception of two songs) and an additional level, "Level 12: The Great Rocket Race".

External links

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* [http://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk/review/71/snake-rattle-and-roll.php Mean Machines review]