Popeye 2

Hey, all that spinach-eating musta' paid off! This game's strong to the finish, but where's Olive Oyle when you need her?

Ahoy, Popeye fans! Cute graphics and simple, yet diverting game play will make Popeye 2 sail into the hearts of younger gamers this Christmas. He's no Sonic or Speedy, but this itemgathering, enemy-bashing seadog stars in one of the best new hand-held kids' games ever to hit the high seas.

Yam What I Yam

Popeye does for forearms what Bonk does for heads. As the familiar cartoon sailor explores the waterfront in search of his kidnapped friends, he finds cans of Spinach to pump up his massive arm, which he can use to beat up everything in sight including crabs, bats, lizards, and even walls!

The game play is similar to other Game Boy games, though it can be repetitive. Popeye climbs ropes with one hand, pummels enemies, picks up points and Spinach, jumps chasms, and dodges falling objects. He whacks walls wherever he goes, because that's where the Spinach is. Fortunately, there are 11 levels that keep the action and scenery varied. Its all charming and relatively easy, though the mazes and bosses will challenge novices.

Popeye's not eye-popping. The graphics are above average and just good enough to make you want to keep playing. Likewise, the sound effects offer nice variety, though they're not remarkable. The music changes for each new area, but it's strangely non-nautical. Activision could've used more of his rousing maritime theme.

Strong to the Finach

Passwords would've helped keep this sailor afloat. Even so, Popeye 2's good enough to shiver yer timbers.