Overview and Gameplay
King Voldam has only three days to live, and Kid Kool must recover seven Wonder Herbs from the Empire of Draxer before time runs out. This single-player platformer spans seven rounds of three stages each, with a boss guarding every herb. Movement is built around acceleration: Kid Kool needs room to reach full speed, and his jump distance depends heavily on his momentum. The unusual handling, blind hazards, and one-hit deaths make the quest notably demanding. Completion time determines the ending, with the best result awarded for finishing in under 90 minutes.
Controls And Mechanics
- Directions move Kid Kool, build or reduce momentum, and duck or enter certain tubes.
- A jumps, releases poles, and stops the roulette wheel.
- B throws Wicky when the companion is riding on Kid Kool’s back.
- Wicky attacks enemies and absorbs one hit before disappearing.
- Kid Kool can skip across water at speed, swing from poles, uncover hidden items, and collect effects that alter time, grant lives, or provide temporary protection.
Version Notes
The Japanese Famicom release is titled Kakefu-kun no Jump Tengoku: Speed Jigoku and stars a character based on Japanese television personality Kenji Sagara. The USA version replaces that identity with Kid Kool and changes the hero’s appearance and story names.
Release And Credits
- USA release: 1990
- Developer and publisher: Vic Tokai
- Original platform: Famicom/NES hardware family
