Developed and published by Kemco, Kid Klown’s birth came from a copyright dispute in North America. Originally a Mickey Mouse game in Japan, Kemco was forced to take out any and all references to Disney due to the fact that Capcom had exclusive rights to make Mickey games in the United States. The copyright correction created an extended delay and caused Kid Klown in Night Mayor World to be released on the NES in 1993, two whole years after the Super Nintendo launched.
The first game in the series, Night Mayor World, revolved around our joyous and brave protagonist as he enters an insane new world after an evil magician named Night Mayor (a pun on nightmare, clever, huh?) kidnaps his family from his home state of Kansas.
Night Mayor World is a standard platformer that gets the process right. Colorful and creative graphics and character designs move past Kid Klown and his flowing blue hair as he scrolls through the dangerous terrain of each world. Kid Klown uses explosive balloons to attack enemies, bounce to higher platforms or float. Throwing balloons is the key for Kid Klown to defeat each of the end bosses and progress closer and closer to the Night Mayor.
Whether it be the love of the game or Kemco’s learning from 8 years of Nintendo platform prior but Kid Klown in Night Mayor World is a superbly made game with a catchy and upbeat soundtrack.
Only one year later, the sequel Kid Klown in Crazy Chase was released on the Super Nintendo. Crazy Chase overhauled the designs and mechanics of Night Mayor World to better differentiate it from its Mickey Mouse inspired past. The isometric on-rails adventure game gave our hero a massive redesign as well by taking away his wavy blue Sonic hair and giving him a more kid-friendly less edgy look.
Kid Klown is burdened with rescuing Princess Honey from the evil Black Jack. The clown hero ventures through each world while finding four different suits of playing cards and stopping a bomb from detonating to finish the level. Kid Klown walks or runs down the level at his own discretion and it’s up to the player to have him avoid traps and enemies on the way.
Crazy Chase would mark Kid Klown’s final new installment on a Nintendo console.
If you’re looking for a nifty and solid Nintendo platformer, find a cartridge of Night Mayor World, and get those explosive balloons ready because you’re sure to be surprised at how creative and memorable Kid Klown’s adventures can be. This overlooked and long lost Nintendo gem is a must play for platforming fanatics.