Retro(game)spective - Joe & Mac

Retro(game)spective

Every day Ben “Ben Pack” Pack or one of his brave compatriots will play a retro game, and break it down for you. That’s right, every day. To complain about us eventually missing a day or suggest your own, go ahead and comment below the article, or email us at retrogamefunclub@gmail.com

9/26/2010

The Game: Joe & Mac

Joe MAD, JOE SMASH!

Release Year: 1991

Skewes: Arcade, Super NES, Mega Drive/Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Amiga, DOS, Zeebo

So what’s it like: There are a lot of great caveman-themed games out there (not really), but probably the best is a little game known in America as “Joe and Mac.” Originally an arcade game, “Joe and Mac” is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer game where you must beat up everything in your path to rescue your cave ladies.

It wasn't a meteor that made the dinosaurs extinct... it was me.

You fight other cavemen, dinosaurs, and many other hazards along your path. You use a variety of caveman-themed weapons such as rocks, fire, the wheel and of course the old caveman trope, the boomerang. The gameplay is solid, fun and controls great. Like many games of these types of games, you can play with a friend, and totally screw them over.

Hell yeah I did.

Should you go back: Yes. Play with a friend and kill a couple of hours.

Should this game be remade: Yes. There’s room in this world for a new caveman game. The sequels to this game proved that they can change up the formula, but still make it fun.