The Adventures of Gilligan's Island

The Adventures of Gilligan's Island brings the cast of the classic 1960s sitcom to the NES in a rather unusual action-adventure game. Released in North America in July 1990, it was developed by Human Entertainment and published by Bandai. Instead of controlling Gilligan, you play as the Skipper, with Gilligan following behind you throughout the adventure.

The goal is to explore the island, find the other stranded members of the crew, and figure out a way to escape. The game is divided into four episodes, and each one gives you a different problem to solve. The Professor, Mary Ann, and the Howells provide clues, but you need to pay attention to what they say and visit the right characters in the correct order. It gives the game more of a puzzle-solving feel than a straightforward platformer.

Exploration takes place across large, maze-like sections of the island filled with jungle paths, underground caves, rivers, quicksand, rocks, falling objects, wild animals, and hostile headhunters. The Skipper can punch enemies or use weapons such as a club, but avoiding trouble is often just as important as fighting. There is also a time limit and a limited food supply, so wandering around without a plan can quickly become a problem.

Gilligan himself is an important part of the gameplay. Since he is controlled by the computer, he can become separated from the Skipper or get stuck behind obstacles. A rope item can instantly bring him back, which is especially useful because certain conversations and clues cannot be accessed while Gilligan is missing. The game also includes a map that helps you keep track of the island and the locations of the castaways.

The Adventures of Gilligan's Island is certainly an unusual NES title. Its slower pace and sometimes awkward companion mechanics can take patience, but the combination of exploration, clues, hazards, and sitcom characters gives it a personality that makes it worth remembering.