An NES magic tricks action-platformer. Jake the magician transforms enemies with spells. Original and colorful concept. Overlooked but enjoyable for atypical platformer fans.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player7+
Description
Action platformer featuring a magician battling evil forces with spells. Published by Jaleco, released in the USA in 1991. Magician in side-scrolling view with varied spells, fantastical enemies and creative bosses. NES port of the Totally Rad game.
The Western localization of the Jaleco game known in Japan as Magic John, Totally Rad follows a sorcerer casting varied spells through an action platformer with inventive bosses. Noted for its deliberately hip tone and its localization-censorship backstory, it remains a title valued by connoisseurs of Jaleco's catalogue, with sustained loose and complete values despite decent distribution.
Is Totally Rad still worth playing in 2026?
An action platformer from Jaleco, Totally Rad follows an apprentice mage who fights the forces of evil by alternating shots and spells that transform the hero into creatures with distinct powers. The magic system and the metamorphoses bring welcome variety to a classic but polished platform action. The Western localisation, riddled with 1990s slang, gives an offbeat tone that became cult. The difficulty stays high. For a fan of retro platforming with a particular flavour or someone curious about Jaleco's output, the title keeps a dated charm and a clever power system.
