Crazy Faces

Crazy Faces

Overview & History

Released exclusively for the Sega Game Gear in 1992 by Cougar Software and published by Codemasters, Crazy Faces is a bizarre, lesser-known European puzzle-platformer. Set in a surreal, factory-like nightmare where distorted, floating visage expressions have gone rogue, the loose storyline follows a peculiar hero tasked with rounding up these runaway, morphing expressions before the factory's main computer system suffers a complete emotional meltdown. Built upon the codewire of classic isometric logic games, Crazy Faces stands out in the Game Gear library for its distinct visual style and peculiar acoustic chiptune soundtrack.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The game challenges players to navigate hazardous, multi-tiered platforms across several distinct industrial zones. Unlike standard platformers where combat is the primary objective, Crazy Faces relies heavily on spatial logic and timing. The protagonist must collect specific face tiles scattered throughout each maze-like stage while dodging mechanical hazards, conveyor belts, and shifting barriers. The primary character move set includes a specialized sliding dash to slip under low-hanging beams, and a high-vault jump used to scale stacked crates. Managing momentum is crucial, as the Game Gear's constrained screen resolution limits long-range visibility, forcing players to memorize enemy patrol routes and face-tile locations to prevent sudden, unexpected failures.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move protagonist and navigate menus
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause