Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind

Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind is a platformer created by Accolade for the SNES and SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis, released in 1993.

The game features the adventures of Bubsy, a bobcat with a penchant for yarn balls.

The game’s title is a playful nod to the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In Bubsy, players take control of the titular character, who must defend Earth’s supply of yarn balls from alien invaders known as “Woolies.” These mischievous extraterrestrials have their eyes set on stealing the precious yarn balls, and it’s up to Bubsy to thwart their plans.

Bubsy follows the classic 2D side-scrolling platformer format. Players guide Bubsy through a series of vibrant and challenging levels, each filled with obstacles, enemies, and collectibles. Bubsy’s primary abilities include jumping and gliding. He can leap onto enemies (including Woolies) to defeat them. The game’s unique twist lies in the yarn balls—collecting them adds points and earns extra lives. Bubsy’s yarn ball collection is legendary!

Bubsy starts the game with nine lives. Losing all lives results in a game over, so players must be cautious during their yarn-filled escapades.

Michael Berlyn’s Inspiration: Game designer Michael Berlyn drew inspiration from Sega’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog series. Like Sonic, Bubsy moves swiftly through levels, emphasizing speed and precision.

The game faced initial delays due to legal issues with Sega. Fortunately, it eventually saw releases on both the SNES and Genesis platforms, allowing players on both consoles to enjoy Bubsy’s adventures.

The title received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised its colorful graphics, catchy music, and quirky protagonist, while others criticized its occasionally frustrating difficulty. Despite the polarized opinions, Bubsy became a memorable character in gaming history.

Bubsy remains a nostalgic gem for fans of retro gaming. Whether you’re bouncing on Woolies or collecting yarn balls, this feline hero’s adventures continue to captivate players. So grab your controller, channel your inner Bubsy, and embark on a yarn-filled journey through time!