Garfield: Caught in the Act

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a game by Sega, and Novotrade
Genres: Action, Platformer
Platforms: Sega GenesisGenesis, GameGear
Editor Rating: 8/10, based on 3 reviews
User Rating: 8.8/10 - 5 votes
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See also: 2D Platformer Games, Side Scroller Games, Pixel Art Games, Movie-Based Games, Garfield Games
Garfield: Caught in the Act
Garfield: Caught in the Act
Garfield: Caught in the Act

America's most famous feline claws his way into the video game world with this pleasing action/adventure romp.

Cat Nap

When his TV goes haywire, Garfield gets sucked into a series of adventures in some very strange lands, ranging from prehistoric worlds to the inside of an Egyptian pyramid. The side-scrolling hop-n-bop gamepiay is straightforward and simple - Garfield's just trying to get from one end of each level to the other. Along the way he encounters plenty of strange enemies - none too onerous - and even some who look like Odie.

Garfield fortifies himself with his favorite foods, including lasagna and pepperoni pizza. He can also grab objects to toss at his foes. This cat's easy to control as he hops from obstacle to obstacle. But it isn't all fun and games - Garfield's also gotta use his noggin to solve a few puzzles.

Feline Groovy

Thanks to Garfield's creator, Jim Davis, who helped develop this game, Garfield looks and acts like Garfield, giving an otherwise-ordinary game some pizzazz. Garfield's mugs and shrugs are funny and, dare we say it, cute. The sounds are above average for the Game Gear, featuring unobtrusive tunes and just the right sound effects.

Garfield's hardly the game of the year, but if you're hunting for a holiday gift for a beginning or young gamer, take home this cat.

ProTips:

  • To defeat Odie, catapult rocks up into the air and knock him down. Then follow up by pelting him with coconuts until he's beaten.
  • There's cat chow everywhere. Eat whenever you can, and you'll never die.
  • To find a hidden 1-up, tide high into the sky on the second water spout in the Cave area. Then jump to the left across the platforms.

Download Garfield: Caught in the Act

Genesis

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • Game modes: Single game mode

Player controls:

  • Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
  • Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
  • "A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
  • "B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
  • "C" button - Left Shift (Item select)

Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.

GameGear

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

Everyone's favorite fat feline debuts in his first Game Gear side-scrolling adventure, Garfield: Caught In The Act. Different from the Genesis version, Garfield seems to be much easier to control than his 16-Bit big brother. His movements are clean and exacting, causing practically no problems for inexperienced or expert players. As for protection, this is a cat and he relies mainly on his claw attack to strike close-range enemies. It is slow, but it isn't really a bad means of protection. You have to get used to swinging early though, or you will take some mandatory hits from the opposition. Along with his cat claw, Garfield also has the combat skill to ithrow projectiles he picks up along his journey at enemies. These are his only two means of defense, but they are enough to get him through the game with minimal problems.

The levels he must conquer are challenging, diverse and lead through different periods of television time. A welcome feature is that there are never too many enemies on the screen at once. This allows you to keep your head while playing instead of running around, wildly scratching and throwing objects at anything that moves. Again, this adds to the fun,

Garfield for the Game Gear is just what the fans of portable systems are looking for. It may not be the title to put all others six feet under, but it is well thought out and rewarding to play. Players who are seeking a fair and challenging action title for their portable, need to check this game out.

Garfield the cat has conquered every other entertainment arena, so it was just a matter of time before he landed on a 16-bit video game system. Unfortunately, only young kids and serious Garfield fens will think Caught in the Act is anywhere close to the cat's pajamas.

All Dressed Up...

When Garfield and Odie get sucked up into a broken TV, they become characters in nine strange side-scrolling adventures. The action is your standard platform walk-and-throw with Garfield donning appropriate costumes for each level and Odie morphing into cute enemies.

ProTip: Pick up Pookies in the bonus rounds to gain extra lives.

Other Garfield cronies also make cameo appearances. If you thrill to the sight of Garfield as a King Tut kitty or a saber-toothed dino-cat, you might like this game.

...No Play to Go

Serious gamers won't find much to like, however, primarily because of the inefficient controls. Garfield doesn't run; he plods. And his jump, throw, and hit moves are too feeble to cleanly defeat the simplest enemies. Flail away at the first vampire boss for an hour or two, and you'll be so frustrated that you'll call the Humane Society.

The one thing this game has going for it is its look. A series of comic-strip panels drawn just for the game precedes the action. Throughout the levels, colorful backgrounds and big sprites will charm cartoon lovers, especially those with a sense of humor. Garfield's wacky costumes and comical expressions make you look forward to the next level.

The sounds are decent enough to add to the comical atmosphere. The music varies for each level, and the sound effects nicely re-create the zoops and boings of Saturday-morning cartoons. No voices, though.

  • When you fall into a crypt in Count Slobula's Castle, pull on the comer Odie tongues to elevate an escape platform.
  • Ride the parrot to get close enough to this pirate boss to nail him with bombs.
  • To beat the first level's vampire boss, swat the bats and jump up to open the shades.
  • Don't jump as you swing at enemies from your boat -- this cat can't swim!

To the Dogs

Novices are Garfield's target audience. The proof is in the repetitive gameplay and the two difficulty levels, one called Kitty and the other Normal. Whether beginners will be patient enough to overcome the controls is another question. Had Garfield been given better abilities, even veteran players might have enjoyed playing with him, but as it is they'll probably want to put this cat out.

Snapshots and Media

Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Screenshots

GameGear Screenshots