Dive into the zany world of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, the 80s game that combined comedy, chaos, and cult-classic charm.
We can’t talk about the 80s without also talking about Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. Yes, it sounds funny, but it was pure 80s madness. The whole concept was inspired by the cult following the 1970 film of the same name. It later resulted in the creation of a cartoon series. And eventually, it led to the creation of the video game where players are dropped into a world where killer tomatoes were deadly serious.
Just imagine being a kid in the 80s, and living through the Golden age of home gaming consoles. Out of nowhere, someone hands you a cartridge for the game, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. Just look at the title written across the front, and you are instantly intrigued. So, you plug it into your Nintendo Entertainment System, and out of nowhere, you are fighting oversized tomatoes with a slingshot. It is a completely bizarre and ridiculous game, that is also kind of brilliant.
So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and dig into what made this game so special.
The Basics: The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Lowdown
Here is the nitty-gritty on the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes videogame:
- Title: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
- Developer: Imagineering Inc.
- Publisher: THQ (yes, that THQ before they became a big deal)
- Release Dates: 1991 for NES; 1992 for Game Boy (cheating slightly, but hey, it’s rooted in 80s culture)
- Genre: Action-Platformer
- Platforms: NES, Game Boy
The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Gameplay
The game itself is a side-scrolling action platformer. Your role is to play the protagonist Chad Finnletter who has been tasked with the job of stopping Dr. Putrid T. Gangreen and the Army of mutant tomatoes that he created. You are armed only with a slingshot, and you are left to navigate through levels that are filled with deadly produce, traps, and of course, the occasional mini-boss.
But don’t worry, the gameplay is fairly straightforward. You jump, shoot, and survive. They weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel when they created Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, but that is also part of the game’s charm. The game itself was challenging enough to keep you hooked, but also quirky enough to make you laugh at every level along the way.
Then we had the levels themselves. They were a mixed bag of classic platforming challenges such as leaping across gaps, dodging hazards, and figuring out how to take down mini-bosses. And, the tomatoes were everywhere. Not your garden-variety tomatoes, these were killer tomatoes. Some of them rolled, some of them bounced, while others just exploded. You had to be careful and stay on your toes because you never knew what kind of tomato would pop up next.
Cultural Impact: Why It Was a Big Dill (Pun Fully Intended)
It’s important to remember that it wasn’t just another video game. Instead, it was part of a bizarre multimedia franchise that included a film, cartoons, and lots of toys. Sure, the 1978 movie was a parody of cheesy horror films, but it was a cult classic. And, the game rode that wave of popularity straight to your living room.
This was the era of 8-bit graphics, and although the game wasn’t exactly groundbreaking, it still had a distinctive flare to it. The tomatoes themselves were hilariously menacing, and the levels captured the cartoon’s wacky vibe. It didn’t revolutionize the gaming industry, but it was a reminder of just how much fun video games could be when they didn’t take themselves seriously.
Game Background: Behind the Seeds (Get It?)
The game was developed by Imagineering Inc., which was known for groundbreaking games in the 80s and 90s. And, it was created as part of a growing trend during the decade where everything had to have some type of tie-in game. You name it, if it was the 80s, then it probably had a game associated with it.
Imagineering was known for making games based on licensed properties. After all, they created The Simpsons series of games, as well as Barbie. So, naturally, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes fits right in. They wanted to create something that was just as absurd as the franchise itself. The result was a game that was silly as well as challenging.
Granted, there were a few quirks in the game. The Nintendo version had a few frustrating mechanics, especially when jumping tomatoes. And, the Game Boy port was a bit stripped down. Nevertheless, despite the flaws the game had heart. It wasn’t a quick cash grab like other games of the era, as it felt like the developers wanted to genuinely capture the spirit of the movie, cartoon, and overall franchise.
As is the case with most games that were developed throughout the 80s, this one also had some amazing Easter eggs built in. There were several references to characters from the cartoon mentioned in the game and even certain moments. And, for kids in the 80s and 90s, it was the sort of thing that made them feel like they were part of the joke.
Reception and Legacy of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Believe it or not, when Attack of the Killer Tomatoes was first released, it received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its humor and faithfulness to the franchise, others didn’t like the gameplay itself. But, it’s important to always remember that it wasn’t intended to be another Super Mario Bros. or Legend of Zelda.
And, just like the movie itself, the game has its own cult following. Retro gamers love it for its nostalgic gameplay, and it has also become a fan favorite among those who love weird and offbeat games. In fact, you might even be able to find people streaming it on Twitch or YouTube from time to time.
FAQ: What You Want to Know About Killer Tomatoes
Is the game based on the movie or the cartoon?
For the most part, the game is actually based on the cartoon and not so much the movie. The cartoon was a spinoff of the movie, but it also wasn’t fully based on the movie itself.
Is it hard to find a copy today?
Getting your hands on physical copies is extremely difficult. However, there are a number of emulators and ROMs available on the market today.
Was there ever a sequel?
Unfortunately, there was never a sequel to the game. Even after decades of changes in the gaming industry, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes remains a one-hit wonder.
Is it worth playing today?
If you are a fan of retro games, and don’t mind a little bit of frustration, then this is definitely a fun game to play.
Why Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Is Still Worth Talking About
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is not a household name. But, it is a perfect snapshot of the 80s videogame industry. It is silly, charming, and of course, a little rough around the edges. But, that is also what makes it so lovable. For any gamer who is a fan of retro gaming, this is a must-play. After all, what’s not to love about telling everyone that you battled muted tomatoes in 8-bit form?
