Description

"The Three Stooges" is a video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989, which is based on the comedic antics of the early 20th-century comedy trio of the same name, consisting of Larry, Moe, and Curly. Developed by Cinemaware and published by Activision, the game translates the slapstick humor and chaotic energy of The Three Stooges into a series of mini-games. Players take on the role of the trio in an attempt to raise money to save an orphanage from the evil banker, I. Fleecem. The game combines elements of strategy and skill across different events which include, but are not limited to, pie throwing contests, boxing matches, and hospital dashes, all rendered in a humorous and light-hearted style that evokes the irreverent spirit of the Stooges' classic films.

The gameplay is structured around a unique meta-game where players select from the mini-games by stopping a randomizing spinner, akin to a game show wheel, which can also land on traps that detract from the Stooges' funds. The audiovisual presentation of the game is notable for featuring digitized voices and faces of the Stooges—a rare feat for the NES—bringing a bit of their film personality to the digital format. Despite mixed reviews from critics, who often highlighted the game's repetitiveness against its inventive and varied mini-game design, "The Three Stooges" has been appreciated for its faithful homage to the source material, offering fans an engaging way to experience the hilarity and charm of the beloved trio. This game is an example of early attempts to blend celebrity-based licensing with interactive entertainment, making it a curious piece of video game history.

Title

The Three Stooges - Title

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Title

The Three Stooges - Title

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Gameplay

The Three Stooges - Gameplay

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Gameplay

The Three Stooges - Gameplay

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