Yo! Noid

Infobox VG
title = Yo! Noid


developer = [http://www.nowpro.co.jp/ Now Production]
publisher = Capcom
designer =
engine = modified Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru engine
released = ^NA November 1990

genre = Platformer
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = NES
media = 2-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input = NES Controller

"Yo! Noid" is a platform video game released in the United States for the NES by Capcom during November, 1990. It stars the Noid, the former claymation mascot of Domino's Pizza, traipsing through fourteen different side-scrolling levels throughout various locations of New York City to battle his evil duplicate, Mr. Green, for the public good, and for the massive pizza reward. The game is a modified version of an earlier Japanese release called "Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru" (for details, see below).

Gameplay

The Noid has no life meter, and loses a life by enemy contact. Levels also have time limits. He's equipped with a short range yo-yo for offense, but can gather magic points by collecting scrolls and use them for screen-clearing special attacks or very rare power-ups, both kinds of which are found in large scrolls opened with the yo-yo. Extra lives are awarded for every 20,000 points scored. Most levels are traveled on foot, but one features a skateboard, two a gyrocopter, and a part of one level features the "Pizza Crusher," as seen on the "Avoid the Noid" commercials, and the front of the game box -- a cross between a large weight and a pogo stick.

As was the case with many Capcom games based on cartoon characters, Yo! Noid had detailed cartoon graphics and sound effects for its time. Its high difficulty made it a feat for anyone but the most seasoned player. The back cover of the instruction manual included a $1 off Domino's Pizza coupon.

Hanamaru

Yo! Noid is a localization of the lesser-known "Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru" ("Masked Ninja Hanamaru"), a Famicom game released by Capcom in Japan on March 16, 1990. Much of the presentation, but none of the game mechanics, were changed and it was released in the rest of the world as "Yo! Noid". Given that both games were released in the same year, it is possible that they were developed concurrently, rather than Yo! Noid being considered a mere localization of Hanamaru.

In the process, the game gained coherence in locations but lost it in plot and character design. Pizza-eating contests were originally card-based battles. Most of the game's music was re-used for "Yo! Noid", though a few tunes were changed, and a few new tracks were written for the latter.