![The Adventures of the Rocketeer [Model SHVC-RK] screenshot](images/game/62497_2.png "The Adventures of the Rocketeer [Model SHVC-RK]")
The Adventures of the Rocketeer © 1992 IGS Corp.
The Adventures of the Rocketeer is a side-scrolling platformer based on the 1991 Disney film. Unlike the version released in North America and Europe by Ocean/NovaLogic—which focused heavily on flight simulation and gallery-style shooting segments—this Japanese exclusive title is a dedicated, linear platformer. Players take control of Cliff Secord, maneuvering through stages using standard platforming controls, punctuated by the signature jetpack mechanics that allow for limited aerial traversal.
GAME ID: SHVC-RK
The Adventures of the Rocketeer was released in February 28, 1992 in Japan. This version is distinct from the Western SNES release, which was a port of a DOS PC game. Because they are fundamentally different games sharing only the branding, collectors often consider the IGS version to be the superior experience for traditional platformer fans.
Platforming Focus: The core gameplay loop centers on precision jumping and utilizing the jetpack for verticality. The design is far more akin to a traditional action-platformer of the era, focusing on navigating obstacles and engaging in melee and projectile combat rather than the vehicle-based racing or gallery shooting found in the Western counterpart.
Artistic Direction: The sprites and environmental design are tailored specifically for the console's palette, avoiding the "stretched" look often associated with ports from PC hardware. The game manages to capture the 1930s aesthetic of the film through vibrant, detailed 16-bit depictions of Hollywood, airfields, and industrial settings.
Collector's Note: Due to its regional exclusivity, the IGS cartridge is a notable import for Super Famicom collectors. It is frequently cited in retro gaming circles as a "hidden gem" of the system's library, primarily because it offers a more cohesive and responsive gameplay experience than the better-known, but often criticized, Western SNES version.
Reviews:
May 1992 - Joypad N.8 (Page 146-147) [FR]: 73/100