The Ottifants

The Ottifants

Overview & History

Released in 1993 by Infogrames exclusively for the European and Japanese markets, The Ottifants is a charming platformer based on the famous comic book and cartoon characters created by German comedian Otto Waalkes. The storyline follows the lovable, blue, elephant-like creatures as they embark on a quest to rescue their captured friends and grandfather from the clutches of the villainous Paul and his cronies. Navigating vibrant, surreal worlds filled with eccentric enemies and environmental hazards, the game translates the whimsical tone of the source material into a demanding 16-bit challenge. Despite its cute exterior, the Genesis adaptation is known for its unforgiving platforming precision, blending colorful cartoon sprites with surprisingly intricate level designs that require keen timing, exploration, and mastery of unique character abilities across diverse thematic stages ranging from prehistoric jungles to futuristic urban spaces.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Players primarily control Bruno, the brave young Ottifant, utilizing a dynamic set of mechanics to traverse vertically and horizontally scrolling stages. Bruno's main offensive move is blowing bubbles to trap enemies, which can then be kicked away to smash other foes or destroy obstacles. Unlike standard platformers where jumping on enemies defeats them, mastering the bubble-and-kick rhythm is vital for survival. Additionally, players can collect golden peanuts scattered throughout the levels to unlock bonus stages or purchase critical power-ups. The game features multiple playable characters with distinct attributes, hidden collectible items, and password features to track progress. Each stage culminates in a quirky boss encounter requiring distinct strategic patterns, offering a blend of puzzle-solving and frantic reflex-driven action.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move left/right, duck, and look up
• Action Keys: Attack / Blow Bubble (A), Jump (B), Kick trapped enemy (C)
• Enter: Start / Pause