Description

"Pesterminator: The Western Exterminator" is a quirky video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990, developed by Color Dreams. Based on the real-life persona of the Western Exterminator Company's mascot, "Kernel Kleanup," this game puts players in the role of a determined exterminator tasked with ridding various environments of a multitude of pests. The game spans multiple levels, each with its own theme and pest challenges, from insects in a kitchen to rodents in the attic. Players use a variety of extermination tools, upgrading their arsenal as they progress. The gameplay involves a unique mix of platforming and strategic extermination methods, entwined with light-hearted graphics and animations.

The development and release of "Pesterminator" were unique due to its basis on an actual pest control company, which is an unusual premise for a video game. Color Dreams, known for creating unlicensed video games for the NES, opted to produce this title without the official endorsement of Nintendo, which led to limited distribution and exposure. Despite its obscurity, the game is remembered by enthusiasts for its bizarre premise and connection to a real-world company. Although not a blockbuster hit, "Pesterminator" has gained a cult following among retro gaming collectors and those fascinated by the odder corners of video game history. The game's blending of real-life branding with interactive entertainment serves as an interesting case study in the broader context of video game marketing and development strategies during the NES era.