On this day April 8, 1989, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Loosely based on the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, the game followed the dual lives of the mild mannered Dr. Jekyll and his violent alter ego, Mr. Hyde, as players attempted to navigate both personalities through two overlapping worlds.
Developed by Advance Communication Company, the game became known for its confusing mechanics, unbalanced difficulty, and strange pacing. Players had to switch between Dr. Jekyll in a calm setting and Mr. Hyde in a twisted, monster filled version of the same level. The goal was to reach the church for Dr. Jekyll’s wedding — without losing control and becoming Hyde.
Though it received heavy criticism over the years, it gained cult status among retro gamers and became infamous thanks to early internet reviewers and gaming channels.
Fun fact: The game was heavily featured in early YouTube gaming culture and is often remembered more for its reputation than its gameplay.
Trivia question: What classic horror character inspired the NES game released on April 8, 1989, known for its frustrating difficulty?
Developed by Advance Communication Company, the game became known for its confusing mechanics, unbalanced difficulty, and strange pacing. Players had to switch between Dr. Jekyll in a calm setting and Mr. Hyde in a twisted, monster filled version of the same level. The goal was to reach the church for Dr. Jekyll’s wedding — without losing control and becoming Hyde.
Though it received heavy criticism over the years, it gained cult status among retro gamers and became infamous thanks to early internet reviewers and gaming channels.
Fun fact: The game was heavily featured in early YouTube gaming culture and is often remembered more for its reputation than its gameplay.
Trivia question: What classic horror character inspired the NES game released on April 8, 1989, known for its frustrating difficulty?
