1991 · Port · Puzzle · Strategy

The Brainies

Nintendo console exclusivePort

An Amstrad CPC Port of 1991 Amiga title "The Brainies".

Released: 1991
Platforms: Amstrad CPC MS-DOS SNES
Genres: Puzzle Strategy
Developers: —
Publishers: Titus Interactive
Series: Skweek
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Themes: Comedy
Country: France
Languages: English
Composers: Frédéric Motte

About

The Brainies is a 1991 puzzle video game developed by Atreid Concept and published by Loriciel. It was released for Atari ST, Amiga, Apple IIgs, Macintosh, and Amstrad CPC computers. Even though its European title is Tiny Skweeks, the connection to the popular Skweek series was made late. The game is also known as The Tinies on home computers. Titus France licensed the game and released a port to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1996.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The gameplay revolves around Mexican jumping beans (referred to in game as Brainies) as they navigate 101 levels to solve the puzzles that are in their way.

A time limit is in effect; running out of time means losing a life. Players can only control the direction in which a Brainy will walk; taking care not to bump into another Brainy or an obstacle. There are four difficulty levels and the object is to return the Mexican jumping beans safely home. Items can be picked up; they may be beneficial or detrimental to the Brainy depending on certain factors. Arrows can also force a Brainy to change directions, rendering him helpless for a while and possibly messing up a carefully solved puzzle.

Reception

GamePro gave the Super NES version a generally positive review, criticizing that "the icons are too small", but praising the brain-stretching and addictive gameplay.

The Super NES version of the video game was covered in the 86th issue of Nintendo Power