Forgotten Gaming Mascots #5: Chuck Rock

On 02/05/2021 at 08:44 AM by The Last Ninja

Games: Chuck Rock (Gen, SNES, GG, computers/1991), Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck (Gen, Amiga, GG, Master System/1993)

Mascot for: Core Design

You know you're in trouble when your mascot's name is a pun all by itself. The first game was ported to just about everything. Chuck is a caveman who can chuck rocks and bounce on his belly. This is a very typical platformer. The story has Chuck trying to rescue Ophelia Rock (his wife), who has been kidnapped. Here's another pun: Chuck and Ophelia are in a rock band (whyyyyy?). The game apparently did well enough because there is a sequel in which you play as Chuck Junior; Junior has to rescue his dad, who has been kidnapped (because of course).

What happened: If you're old enough, you remember that caveman culture was a big thing in the '90s. There were several caveman movies, TV shows, and plenty of games during this period. However, it was a fad that quickly faded once we reached the 2000s. Also, a caveman isn't a very compelling mascot because it's a pretty dumb stereotype (big strong guy that's stupid). Even Bonk hasn't lasted this scrutiny, although he's more well-known than most caveman gaming characters.

Fun Fact: Core Design would go on to make another mascot in 1996. She was an archaeologist that explored tombs, and her name was Lara Croft.

Cary Woodham

02/05/2021 at 08:55 AM

Here's another mascot that was more popular in Europe, since his game as well as James Pond were on popular European computers at the time, like the Amiga. I always wanted to play the Chuck Rock games, but never got around to it. Did you know at one point they were going to make a Chuck Rock kart racer?

Yeah there were a lot of caveman games back then, huh? Speaking of forgotten mascots from Data East, remember Joe & Mac? They were caveman ninjas in two main games, a third game that was like Bubble Bobble called Joe & Mac Returns, and a spinoff game called Congo's Caper. And like Karnov, they also showed up in other games like TumblePop.

CORE also made a SEGA CD mascot platformer that I always wanted to play called Wonder Dog.

The Last Ninja

02/06/2021 at 01:30 AM

Joe & Mac is pretty good. Man, there really were ton of caveman games back then!

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/05/2021 at 08:56 PM

I remember when GEICO ads starred a caveman.

So do I, those were funny!

KnightDriver

02/05/2021 at 09:36 PM

I throw rocks and bounce on my belly. I feel this game was made for me.

02/06/2021 at 01:31 AM

LOL are you also in a rock band?

02/06/2021 at 07:20 PM

I was, but not with my girlfriend.

PixlBit