Big Nose the Caveman

Back in the dark ages, cave-people depended on bountiful harvests and successful hunts to survive. Unfortunately for Bignose the Caveman, this year's take on meat and veggies has been sparse, so he's decided to hit the trail in search of grub.

Jungle Fever

Bignose's prey for the day is a pesky pterodactyl. He chases the beast across four dinosaur-infested islands: Paradise, Monster, Terror and Chaos. He then explores seven areas in each, including murky swamps, subterranean caverns, steamy jungles and active volcanoes. Most of the inhabitants are mini-dinos and creepy plantlife. There's also a large helping of big boss characters, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

All action unfolds in the standard side-view perspective. Bignose swats enemies with his club, collects bones (prehistoric currency), and berries for extra rock-crushing batting strength.

ProTip: To beat the giant scorpion, smack him in the jaw and leap over his tail shots.

He can also catch air by using his club as a propeller! The SuperChip graphics are colorful and flicker-free, although they do suffer from occasional slow-down.

• Use a rapid-fire controller for a great turbo-charged club advantage.
• Land on a floating turtle when its shell peeps out of the water.
• You'll lose altitude in the flying sequences if you swing the club. Avoid enemies.

Prehistoric Purchases

Bignose can use the bones to buy witchcraft spells, hard feet (for a Mario-type stomp move), invincibility and extra lives.

If you see a bone in a hole, jump in after it and you'll find a secret passage.

Hard as a Rock

Bignose does a great Mario/Adventure Island impression, complete with secret areas. It's not for the meek gamer, however. Bignose is tough as a big ol' fossil, and could wind up too difficult for those who can't bear zero continues. All "schnoz" jokes aside, Bignose is a moderately-fun, highly challenging island adventure in cave-dude clothing. Grab a club and start swingin.

Bignose takes off on a dinosaur-bustin' romp across four wacky prehistoric islands.