Puggsy

Overview

Puggsy is a puzzle-platformer game released on Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, and the Amiga platforms. It sees Puggsy, an alien, visit an Earth-like planet who is then forced to recover his ship's parts after they are stolen by the inhabitants. Most of the game's puzzles revolve around picking up and using items, each offering different benefits and possessing different physical qualities that might factor into puzzles. An example would be barrels that float, making them suitable as bridges over water.

The game was originally slated for the SNES as well, but this port did not see an official release due to poor sales of the original Sega versions. A prototype that was close to completion surfaced online in 2022.

Plot

The game follows Puggsy who has crash landed on an alien planet 15 light years away from his home planet. The inhabitants of the planet have stolen his spaceship which stops him from being able to find his way home.

Puggsy must find his way through many levels where there is no set path and find his own way around, with the main objective of getting his spaceship back from 'The Raccoons'.

Gameplay

Puggsy is a platformer, which means it works pretty much in the same way as others: Up, Down, Left, Right, Pick up, Put down, Throw. However, many of the levels involve puzzles which are required in order to progress.

Puggsy uses Total Object Interaction which is the system that allows real world physics to come into play. Certain objects in the game can be picked up and used in some way to help Puggsy complete the level. He can even stack objects, such as barrels to help him reach the higher platforms. These objects can be thrown at the enemies as a weapon, or in the case of the gun be used to shoot them. Also, objects carried will make Puggsy weigh more, so he won't be able to jump as high depending on his weight. Each object has a different weight to it, from a balloon that will help him float to a weight that will sink him quickly.

The goal of each level is to reach the exit. Optionally, Puggsy may bring items with him through the exit door to give the player more points. Oftentimes levels will involve finding a key and unlocking a chest to reach the most valuable item to take back. With some finesse, it's possible to bring multiple things in the doorway, netting precious extra points. It's also possible to replay any level, which is helpful for points or to acquire a pair of sunglasses or trainers for Puggsy.

Special Items

• Sunglasses - Not only used to look awesome, they act as a shield for one hit.
• Shield - Makes Puggsy temporarily invincible when activated.
• Trainers - When worn, provides a speed and jump height boost. Also acts as a shield for one hit, bringing the total to two along with the shades.
• Water Pistol - Puts out pesky fires.
• Shell - Earns points if taken to the end of the stage.
• Barrel - Stack them to reach otherwise inaccessible ledges.
• Skeleton Key - Opens up big chests.
• Small Chest - Provides a hint or an item.
• Hook - Helps to hold onto high ledges or scale down walls.
• Pint - Shoots the foamy head at an enemy.
• Coin - Extra points.
• 10 Pound Weight - Keeps Puggsy from being blown away by fans.
• Balloon - Float around a bit.
• Blue Ball - Bounces, hurting enemies.
• Rubber Duck - Helps Puggsy stay afloat in the water, and provides a platform when needed.
• Big Key - Opens locked doors.
• Eyeball - Use it with the remote to see things out of Puggsy's view.
• Remote - Lets the player see whatever the eyeball sees.
• Beach Ball - Floats. Temporary water platform when stood on.
• Stool - Used for standing, like a barrel.
• Match - Lights a fuse, like one on a cannon.
• Cannonball - Like the weight, prevents Puggsy from being blown back by a fan.