Conker in his cute era before the wild N64 turn, in a charming isometric adventure. Puzzles stay varied, humour is gentle, and the squirrel is endearing. A sweet little treat before the madness hits.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player3+
Description
The squirrel Conker sets out to recover his stolen birthday presents from the Evil Acorn in this isometric portable adventure preceding his N64 outings. Published by Rare, released in the United States in June 1999. Isometric top-down adventure, varied puzzles, characteristic series humour, Super Game Boy compatibility. US version.
The North American edition of Conker's Pocket Tales, more widely distributed than the PAL and thus cheaper, keeps its value as a pivotal piece in the character's history. Issued under the Rare banner at the N64 peak, it documents the tame Conker before Bad Fur Day. American appeal rests on this continuity curiosity rather than marked scarcity, the US run being the most generous of the three.
An underrated gem
Before the N64's rude Conker, Rare gave the squirrel a far gentler isometric adventure of small puzzles and good-natured exploration. That unexpected mildness threw off those expecting the series' bite. Polished and endearing, it will delight fans of calm portable adventures and anyone curious about Rare's history.
