Nerdicus SNES Review #49: Bugs Bunny Rabbit Rampage

Title : Bugs Bunny Rabbit Rampage

Publisher : Sunsoft

Developer : Viacom New Media

Genre : Action

Players : 1 Player

Release Date : 1994

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $5-$10

Wait, a second.....didn't we just play a Bugs Bunny game for the genesis? And wasn't it pretty much the exact same thing? You know, battling your way through various Bugs Bunny cartoons against your fellow Warner Bros toon characters? Ugh, this is the problem with doing things alphabetically, you start running into the same game too many times in a row. So, let's make this a quickie shall we?

You all know I'm a fan of Bugs, so hopefully this one will be more entertaining than the others. But you know, I say that all the time, and I'm typically disappointed. However, I will say I do like the twist of the story line that Bugs is battling against an animator. It does remind me of that old WB toon, "Rabbit Rampage" - I can only assume this game is loosely based on it.

This time, you're battling Daffy Duck. What the hell is Daffy's problem? Is he that damn jealous of the rabbit?

Rabbit season! DUCK SEASON! RABBIT SEASON! RABBIT SEASON..DUCK SEASON..NOW SHOOT! Classic...

Compared to the Genesis game we just played, Rabbit Rampage SCREEEEAAAMS Warner Brothers cartoons. It legitimately feels like I'm watching a cartoon. It's not even subtle, it's blatant. The way the game starts with bugs munching on a carrot on top of a "presents screen". The title, the music. Props to the developers, they really knew their cartoons.

Gameplay wise, you're getting what you expect out of a Bugs Bunny game. It's just another platformer. You know what would be interesting? A Bugs Bunny RPG in the theme of Mario RPG. Who wouldn't buy that? I know I would. As with any platformer, you'll stomp on enemies, collect power ups to recover your carrot life bar, and just make your way from one side of the screen to the other in search of an exit. 

You've got ten levels, and all of them are fairly short which means the game itself is lacking in length, but the game does offer enough diversity with each level that it reels you in for most of the game. I'm talking about insanely well-crafted and visually stunning levels for the SNES. I can't stress enough how much it felt like I was watching a cartoon.

Boss battles are commonplace, and the stages actually include a few toons that are more like mini-bosses. Rabbit Rampage to me is turning into one of those nostalgic trips down Toon lane, since you'll end up recognizing characters you haven't seen in years and find yourself looping back to your childhood.

I was kind of annoyed that they limited Bugs Bunny to a few attacks, and it was kind of repetitive to constantly high kick and jump on enemies heads. The game does implement a lot of items that you can use against enemies, but you'll waste more time trying to figure out how to actually use items and which enemies they are effective against. That's some what different from other action games, because you can't just pick up a dog bone and whack an enemy over the head with it. You need to use a dog bone with a dog.....get it?

Besides the typical pit fall and instant death environmental hazards, the game is actually incredibly easy. It basically feeds you extra lives at every turn, which is a damn shame because I'm always looking for a challenge, not a hand holding event.

Compared to the Genesis game, Rabbit Rampage is a breath of fresh air for a Bugs Bunny video game. Hell, I'll even recommend it as one of the best Warner Brothers based toon games out there. It's exceptionally satisfying, visually stunning, and has a soundtrack that is reminiscent of those old toons.

Despite being too easy, and a bit repetitive and short, the game play does offer enough visual variation to keep you stimulated. And who doesn't love a good Warner Brothers cartoon?

Final Score (out of 5) :

Until next time, keep on gaming!