![Jerry Boy [Model SHVC-JB] screenshot](images/game/61548_2.png "Jerry Boy [Model SHVC-JB]")
Jerry Boy © 1991 Epic/Sony Records [Sony Music Ent., Incorporated.]
Jerry Boy is a vibrant, inventive platformer that showcases the creative freedom developers had during the early years of the Super Famicom. Players control Jerry, a prince transformed into a blue slime by his jealous brother, Tom. With the unique ability to manipulate his gelatinous form—flattening, stretching, and sticking to surfaces—Jerry must navigate a diverse world to rescue his girlfriend, Emmy, and reclaim his humanity.
GAME ID: SHVC-JB
Released on September 13, 1991 in Japan at a retail price of 8,500 JPY.
The 'Jelly Boy' Distinction: In the Western market, this title is often referred to as Smart Ball. However, the original Japanese release as Jerry Boy retains the intended narrative focus on the titular prince, emphasizing the character-driven "slimy" mechanics that defined the gameplay.
Unique Gelatinous Mechanics: Jerry's movement is the game's core innovation. The ability to stick to ceilings and walls added a verticality to platforming that was quite fresh in 1991. The "swallow and utilize" mechanic for items (red balls, iron balls, green seeds) added a layer of strategic environmental interaction, moving the game beyond simple "jump-on-head" combat.
Exploration-Focused Platforming: The inclusion of hidden collectible flags spelling "JERRY" in each area introduced an element of exploration and replayability. This rewarded players for investigating every nook and cranny of the stage design, a feature that would become a staple of 16-bit era "collect-a-thon" platformers.
RPG Elements: The inclusion of villages and towns where Jerry can interact with NPCs provided a narrative break from the platforming action, giving the world a sense of scale and purpose beyond just clearing stages.
Reviews:
[FR] November 1991 - Consoles + N.3: 89/100
Export releases:
[US] Smartball [Model SNS-JB-USA]