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Squirrel King

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Squirrel King is an unlicensed platform game developed for the Sega Mega Drive. It was published and developed by Gamtec, and therefore its origin is Taiwan. Squirrel King is extremely similar to Capcom's Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers and it sequel, Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers 2 for the NES, t...

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Developer
Gamtec

Released on
1995

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Sega Genesis

Requirements
Sega Genesis

Downloads
Platform

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

Squirrel King is an unlicensed platform game developed for the Sega Mega Drive. It was published and developed by Gamtec, and therefore its origin is Taiwan.

Squirrel King is extremely similar to Capcom’s Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers and it sequel, Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers 2 for the NES, to the point where the player actually plays as two characters named “Chip” and “Dale” (though they look slightly different to their Disney counterparts). C jumps, B picks up and throws crates, and A allows Chip or Dale to throw fireballs, assuming they have some in their inventory.

Squirrel King is the basis for another unlicensed title, Super Mario World, also for the Mega Drive, but developed by Chuanpu and possibly published by Ming Super Chip Electronic.

Squirrel King

Overview & History

Released exclusively in the Asian market for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis in 1995, Squirrel King is an infamous 16-bit action-platformer developed by Gamte. Famously recognized by retro enthusiasts as the foundational software base for Capcom’s unlicensed Western port Rescuer and the notorious bootleg Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 3, this original title tasks players with guiding anthropomorphic squirrels through colorful, hazard-filled stages to rescue their kidnapped bird companion from a villainous owl. Though obscure due to its limited regional distribution and bootleg reputation, the game features remarkably vibrant sprite work, catchy chiptune tracks, and surprisingly polished platforming mechanics that elevate it far above standard shovelware.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Spanning several distinct, horizontally scrolling worlds filled with whimsical enemies like mechanical frogs and rogue insects, Squirrel King allows for both solo play and chaotic two-player cooperative action. The core gameplay heavily revolves around environmental interaction. Players do not wield traditional melee weapons; instead, they must crouch down to pluck large crates, boulders, and various items directly out of the ground. These heavy objects can then be carried, tossed directly at incoming bosses, or stacked to reach otherwise inaccessible high ledges. Collecting acorns scattered across stages rewards extra lives, while specialized power-ups grant temporary invincibility and enhanced throwing ranges. The level design emphasizes verticality, timing, and precise momentum control, forcing players to master platforming hazards while simultaneously managing projectiles.