Bug! is a platformer released for the Sega Saturn in 1995.
Plot[]
Bug is a rising star in Hollywood, and the main premise of the game is it being an action film he's starring in. His family members are kidnapped by the antagonist of the film, the monsterous spider villain Queen Cadavra.
The plot is very basic kidnapping fare, but with a backset dropping of a movie set, which lends itself some unique additions to the gameplay.
Gameplay[]
Bug! is a 3D sidescrolling platformer that has Bug travel not only left to right, but into the background and foreground. The game uses similar
Players walk along pathways, jumping over obstacles and collecting blue crystals as they go. For every 100 Bug collects he'll earn not only an extra life but also a dragonfly icon. Collecting 3 of these icons will unlock a special Panzer Dragoon style bonus game where Bug rides on the back of a Dragonfly scoring points by flying through rings. Additionally other bonus games can be activated when coming across Daddy-O Longlegs who will transport Bug to a unique area where he must collect as many academy awards as possible whilst completing a basic platforming task.
Being an insect, Bug has a few unique gameplay elements; he can walk on vertical surfaces as easily as if he was walking on horizontal ones including upside down as a real bug would be able to, he has access to a spittle power up that can be used to deal damage, an electric stinger attack power up and stomping on enemies with his stinger tail.
As the game is seen as a movie, there are several movie related gameplay and visual elements; at the beginning of each 'scene' a clapperboard will strike, Bug has an invincible power up that allows him summon his 'stunt double'(essentially a blue recolor of Bug himself), each bonus stage has collectable academy awards and after beating a world, Bug will step out of that set and onto another with various camera equipment.
After beating three scenes(or levels), Bug will be taken to a finale for that 'movie' which will set him into that 'movie's boss battle after which he will rescue one of his family members before moving on to the next shoot.
Trivia[]
- Bug! is one of the earliest 3D platformers proceeding the arrival of Mario 64.
- Bug was created as a replacement mascot to Sonic the Hedgehog as SEGA were considering retiring him
- Steven Spielberg allegedly declared Bug the character who will do it for the Saturn.
- Sonic the Hedgehog cameos in the background in one level.
Gallery[]
| Gallery |
|---|
 Bug Opening  Queen Cadavra kidnaps Bug's family  Bug sets off to save them on a dragonfly  Bug! title screen  Bug sting stomping a grasshopper  Bug's Stunt Double power up  Example of going into the background  Example of Bug walking on a wall  Bug vs. Insectia's boss  Sonic's cameo in a Bonus Stage. Bug races him to the end.  Sonic's second cameo on the 'B' |
External links[]
- Bug! at MobyGames
- Bug! at GameFAQs
- Bug! at Sega Retro
- "Bug! The Green Machine" at Sega Saturn Shiro
- Bug! at Sega-16
- Bug! (Sega Saturn) at The Cutting Room Floor