Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Arthur’s Pet Chase unfolds as a classic side-scrolling platformer where precision and timing are key. You guide Arthur through 30 levels spread across five distinct environments, each with its own set of challenges, enemies, and hidden surprises. From sprinting through Arthur’s cozy neighborhood to navigating the eerie corridors of the Haunted House, the pacing remains energetic and engaging.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The core mechanic revolves around Arthur’s trusty water balloons, which serve as a non-violent way to stun monsters and clear a path. On top of that, power-ups like X-Ray Vision Eyeglasses reveal hidden paw prints, while the Bionic Bunny Super-Strength Cape and DW’s Safety Scissors introduce light puzzle elements by letting Arthur move objects or cut ropes. These mechanics keep the gameplay fresh as you progress.

Controls are straightforward, with keyboard keys dedicated to running, jumping, crouching, and climbing. Arthur responds responsively to input, making platforming sections feel fair rather than frustrating. Milk carton checkpoints sprinkled throughout offer a safety net, so a single misstep doesn’t wipe out your entire run.

Replayability is boosted by the level selection feature accessed via the Pause menu. You can revisit completed stages to hunt for missing pets, collect all power bars, or improve your time. This encourages exploration and mastery for completionists and adds value beyond the initial playthrough.

Graphics

Visually, Arthur’s Pet Chase embraces a vibrant, cartoon-inspired aesthetic that mirrors the PBS television series. Character sprites are bold and expressive, capturing the personalities of Arthur, DW, and the various quirky monsters you’ll encounter—flying books, evil troll dolls, and even malignant hamburgers.

Each of the five areas is distinct in color palette and design. Arthur’s Neighborhood features sunlit sidewalks and leafy lawns, while the Haunted House boasts moody purples and flickering candlelight. Background animations, such as passing clouds or fluttering bats, add a sense of life to the levels.

Though the game’s resolution and sprite detail reflect the hardware limitations of its era, the art direction compensates with charm and clarity. Environments are easy to read, and interactive elements—ropes, crates, and power-up icons—stand out against the backdrop, minimizing confusion during fast-paced segments.

Story

Arthur’s Pet Chase is framed as a dream sequence, launched by Arthur drifting off to sleep after signing in his 30th pet-sitting client. His mother and sister DW voice their doubts, setting the stage for a nighttime adventure where all the animals escape and scurry across the city.

The narrative serves primarily as motivation rather than a deep plot, but it taps into the playful world Marc Brown created. Familiar locations—DW’s Room, The Library, The Sugar Bowl—are reimagined as obstacle courses where Arthur’s loyalty to his furry (and feathered) friends drives him forward.

While dialogue is minimal, occasional text prompts remind you why each level matters: you’re gathering runaway pets before the dream fizzles. The setup is lighthearted and accessible for younger players, yet the challenge in later levels keeps older gamers invested in seeing the dream through to its resolution.

Overall Experience

Arthur’s Pet Chase strikes a nice balance between approachability for children and depth for seasoned platformer fans. The gentle difficulty curve eases you in, but later stages demand precise jumps and clever use of power-ups. This makes it an excellent choice for family play or solo sessions.

The combination of nostalgic characters, imaginative level themes, and solid mechanics results in a memorable title that stands out among PBS-licensed games. Its non-violent combat—using water balloons rather than traditional weapons—reinforces the series’ family-friendly ethos without compromising excitement.

If you’re a fan of the Arthur universe or simply seeking a colorful, well-crafted platformer, Arthur’s Pet Chase delivers. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers a polished, enjoyable journey through thirty cleverly designed levels. Whether you’re chasing after pets or replaying favorite stages to unlock every hidden collectible, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained.

Retro Replay Score

null/10