Awesome Possum (USA)

Awesome Possum stands as one of the most distinctive retro games from the Sega Genesis era, offering players a unique blend of platforming action and environmental awareness. Released in 1993 by Tengen, Awesome Possum challenges players to help the titular character defeat the evil Dr. Machino and his robot army who threaten to destroy the environment. What sets Awesome Possum apart from other mascot platformers is its distinctive environmental message, featuring recyclable items as collectibles and educational trivia between levels.

Traversing through four themed worlds including rainforests, sea caverns, the Arctic, and Dr. Machino's domain, Awesome Possum delivers fast-paced gameplay where timing and precision are essential. The game's digitized speech was revolutionary for retro games of its era, with Awesome Possum frequently commenting on the action with his signature catchphrases and environmental facts. Players can also ride animal friends like rhinos and giant bees to access different areas of each level.

Despite its challenging controls, Awesome Possum remains a memorable example of early 90s retro games that attempted to combine entertainment with education. The game's environmental theme makes Awesome Possum a uniquely positioned title in the history of platformers, offering both nostalgic gameplay and an ecological message that remains relevant today.

As one of the distinctive mascot platformers from the golden age of retro games, Awesome Possum represents an ambitious attempt to combine entertainment with environmental education. Though challenging in its control scheme, the game remains appreciated for its unique voice acting, environmental message, and place in the pantheon of animal mascot games that defined the early 1990s gaming landscape.