| Plok | |
|---|---|
Box art of Plok |
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| Developer(s) | Software Creations |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Designer(s) | John Pickford (Concept) Ste Pickford (Concept) Lyndon Brooke (Graphics) John Buckley (Code) |
| Composer(s) | Tim Follin Geoff Follin |
| Platform(s) | Super Nintendo |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Platform |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Plok is a Super Nintendo game developed by Software Creations and published by Tradewest Games in 1993 in North America, and later by Nintendo in Europe and Activision in Japan. The game is a traditional platform game starring a character named "Plok."
Contents |
Plok dwells on Akrillic, a large island in the fictional region of "Polyesta"
Plok's special power lies in the fact that he can launch any of his limbs at will and allow them to damage enemies, once the damage has been done they return to Plok until he decides to attack again. Another integral use of this ability is using it to solve puzzles that involve having to "sacrifice" one of Plok's limbs to activate switches (thus gradually decreasing Plok's mobility and his chances in battle). Once a limb hits a switch, it is placed on a hanger that may be right next to the switch or several screens away; some switches also require certain limbs. Plok's secondary attack takes the form of a buzzsaw-like jump that not only gives him increased speed, but also dispatches enemies. At a certain point in the game, the player can acquire an amulet that enables him to convert shells into power for this move at any time.
Plok can pick-up shells, which award extra lives and serve as ammunition for a special amulet received part way through the game.
Plok has numerous power-ups that come in the form of "presents" scattered amongst the majority of levels. If Plok locates one of these colorful gifts he is immediately transformed into a more powerful fighting machine for a brief length of time. These power-ups include a flamethrower, boxing gear, a shotgun, twin handguns and even multiple rocket launchers. Specific presents yield vehicles that Plok can use in some later levels.
As the game progresses, the player encounters a number of different enemies.
Plok's adventure begins when he wakes up one morning to find that his grandpappy's flag, a family heirloom, has been stolen. He must travel first to the nearby Cotton Island to retrieve it from the Bobbins Brothers.
After vanquishing the Bobbins Brothers, Plok returns to Akrillic to find that the island has been taken over by fleas, large blue creatures that jump around. He quickly learns that the theft of his grandpappy's flag was simply a decoy to lure him away from Akrillic and leave it unguarded. Plok must travel throughout Akrillic, ridding the island of fleas. Partway through the game, Plok takes a break to catch a nap, during which he dreams of Grandpappy Plok's search on Legacy Island for a magical amulet, which is eventually found and stumbled upon by Plok when he awakes.
After clearing out all the fleas from Akrillic, Plok descends into Brendammi Bog where the fleapit, the source of all the fleas, is located. Riding various vehicles, Plok journeys deep into the Fleapit, ultimately challenging the Flea Queen as the final boss.
In 2009, North American company Super Fighter Team released Zaku, a horizontal shooter for the Atari Lynx which features a special guest appearance by Plok.[1] His appearance in the game was made possible with the official blessing of John and Ste Pickford, creators and copyright holders of the Plok character.