Based on the Saturday morning cartoon, *Eek! The Cat* is an unconventional platformer that trades traditional combat for a high-stress escort mission. Players control the eternal optimist Eek as he guides the sleepwalking Sharky the Shark-Dog or other oblivious characters through hazardous environments filled with traps and enemies. The gameplay loop focuses heavily on manipulating the environment—flipping switches, building bridges, or literally taking hits for your companion—to ensure they reach the exit unscathed. It captures the chaotic energy of the Nelvana animation perfectly, though the relentless pace and unique mechanics can be polarizing for those seeking a standard Mario-style experience.
Visually, Ocean Software delivered a vibrant aesthetic that mirrors the show’s chunky, colorful art style with surprising fidelity. The character sprites are large and expressive, featuring fluid animations that convey Eek’s slapstick suffering and Sharky’s menacing presence with genuine charm. The audio design is equally commendable, featuring catchy renditions of the show’s themes and a variety of "squish" and "clack" sound effects that emphasize the physical comedy of the cartoon. While the SNES hardware occasionally struggles with slowdown when the screen becomes cluttered with moving traps, the overall presentation remains a high-water mark for mid-90s licensed properties.
Despite its whimsical appearance, *Eek! The Cat* is notoriously difficult, often bordering on frustrating due to the companion's unpredictable pathing and the precision required to protect them. Success requires pixel-perfect timing and significant trial and error, which might alienate casual players who expect a breezy licensed romp. However, its unique "Lemmings-meets-platformer" approach sets it apart from the sea of generic mascot games that flooded the 16-bit era. While it never achieved the legendary status of other Ocean hits, it remains a cult classic for those who appreciate innovative level design and a faithful, if punishing, adaptation of 90s animation.
