One particular old Game Boy title from my childhood that I recently revisited, purely by coincidence. It’s not especially noteworthy by modern standards, but finally wrapping up some unfinished business from the past was genuinely satisfying.
Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on Game Boy is one of several video game adaptations tied to the Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992 film), the rare entry where the eternal frenemies actually speak normally. As a millennial kid with a fairly typical upbringing, I remember watching the movie and later stumbling across this version of the game.
This iteration is very much a product of early ’90s design, a straightforward side-scrolling platformer where you guide Tom and Jerry through hazard-filled stages. With 10 levels loosely based on the film, Frantic Antics isn’t exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it can be surprisingly challenging even today, especially if you aim for full completion.
As far as Tom and Jerry games go, Frantic Antics is a decent representation of the IP, though it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of fun or polish as the PSX era title, which I might revisit and write about another time.
As for Tom and Jerry itself, it remains one of the Western cartoon classics I hold in high regard, largely thanks to childhood exposure. I’ve always had a soft spot for the era shaped by Chuck Jones, whose style and timing gave the series a distinct charm.
