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Story

Short Order / Eggsplode! is a distinctive two-in-one game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. It stands out not only for its quirky gameplay but also for its unique use of the Power Pad, an accessory that was innovative for its time. While the game does not follow a traditional narrative, each component offers a whimsical premise that fuels its engaging gameplay.

In Short Order, players take on the role of a chef who must keep up with the ever-increasing demands of a picky customer – a giant, anthropomorphic chicken. The goal is to stack hamburgers to the exact specifications provided by the chicken, requiring quick thinking and nimble footwork on the Power Pad. The game’s storyline, while simple, centers around the challenge of culinary creativity and speed, offering players a light-hearted yet tense cooking experience.

Eggsplode!, on the other hand, shifts the focus to a barnyard setting where players must protect a nest of eggs from being bombarded by mischievous foxes. The story here is more of a backdrop for the fast-paced action, as players must use their feet to stomp on the correct pads to defuse the foxes’ explosive attempts. Both games encapsulate a charmingly absurd narrative that emphasizes fun and agility over complex storytelling.

Gameplay

Short Order / Eggsplode! capitalizes on the novelty of the Power Pad, a floor mat controller that translates physical steps into in-game actions. This peripheral was primarily designed to promote active gameplay and to stand out from the traditional joystick or button-based interfaces common at the time.

Short Order Gameplay

In Short Order, players must skillfully step on the Power Pad to build towering burgers. Each round begins with the chicken customer announcing a specific burger order, detailing the sequence of ingredients required. Players then have to step on the corresponding pads to stack the burgers in the correct order, all while racing against the clock. As the levels progress, orders become increasingly complex, requiring players to memorize and swiftly execute longer sequences.

The challenge lies in the player’s ability to physically maneuver across the Power Pad efficiently. Mistakes in ingredient selection or order can lead to a failed round, compelling players to start over. This game tests not only the player’s memory and coordination but also their speed and accuracy, offering an engaging and physically active gaming experience.

Eggsplode! Gameplay

Eggsplode! shifts the focus from culinary creation to bomb defusal in a barnyard setting. Here, players must protect a clutch of eggs from being destroyed by bombs dropped by cunning foxes. Each bomb is designated to a specific egg, and players must step on the correct Power Pad position to neutralize the threat before it reaches the nest.

The game becomes progressively more hectic as the number of bombs increases and the time to react decreases. Players need quick reflexes and precise footwork to keep the eggs safe. Eggsplode! is a test of speed and agility, challenging players to maintain focus and react instantaneously to visual cues.

Graphics and Sound

Short Order / Eggsplode! features graphics that are typical of the NES era, characterized by simple yet colorful 8-bit visuals. Despite the technical limitations, the game employs a charming and cartoonish art style that enhances its whimsical and light-hearted tone.

In Short Order, the kitchen setting is vibrant, with oversized burger ingredients that are easily distinguishable, aiding players in quick decision-making. The animation is fluid enough to depict the urgency of the tasks, while the character design, particularly the giant chicken, adds a layer of humor and personality to the game.

Eggsplode! maintains the playful aesthetic with its depiction of a barnyard environment. The foxes are animated with a mischievous flair, and the vivid colors of the eggs and bombs ensure that players can easily track the action. The simplicity of the graphics complements the fast-paced gameplay, ensuring that visual clarity is never compromised.

The sound design in Short Order / Eggsplode! follows the NES tradition of catchy chiptune music and sound effects. The soundtrack in both games is upbeat and energetic, perfectly matching the frenetic pace of the gameplay. Sound effects are used effectively to provide feedback, such as the satisfying click of a correctly placed burger ingredient or the alerting beep of an incoming bomb. These auditory cues are crucial in keeping players engaged and responsive during play.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Short Order / Eggsplode! garnered attention primarily due to its innovative use of the Power Pad, a peripheral that was not widely utilized in the NES library. The game’s focus on physical activity was ahead of its time, foreshadowing the later popularity of motion-controlled gaming seen in platforms like the Nintendo Wii.

Reception of the game was mixed. While some players appreciated the novelty and physical engagement offered by the Power Pad, others found the accessory cumbersome and the games’ reliance on it limiting. However, for those who embraced the concept, Short Order / Eggsplode! provided a unique and entertaining experience that stood out amidst the more traditional titles of the era.

In terms of legacy, Short Order / Eggsplode! remains a curiosity in the NES catalog. It is often remembered as a precursor to the more sophisticated fitness and motion-based games that followed in subsequent generations of gaming consoles. It holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of those who experienced its quirky charm and serves as a testament to Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with new forms of interactive entertainment.

Conclusion

Short Order / Eggsplode! represents a fascinating chapter in the history of video games, marked by its distinct combination of whimsical themes and innovative gameplay mechanics. By leveraging the Power Pad, the game offered a physical and interactive experience that was rare at the time of its release. While it may not have achieved widespread acclaim, its impact on the evolution of active and motion-based gaming is undeniable.

The game’s legacy is one of creativity and experimentation, highlighting Nintendo’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of how games can be played. Short Order / Eggsplode! remains a beloved piece of gaming history, cherished for its charm, humor, and the unique challenges it presents to players, both in its original era and by retro gaming enthusiasts today.