Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (video game) explained

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Developer:Imagineering
Sega (Genesis)
Manley & Associates (PC)
Producer:Alex DeMeo (SNES)
Designer:Alex DeMeo
W. Marshall Rogers
Programmer:NES
Christopher Will
Joseph A. Moses
SNES
Henry C. Will IV
Jason Benham
Game Boy
Roger W. Amidon
Artist:Ray Bradley (NES/SNES)
Jesse Kapili (SNES)
Ross Harris (SNES)
Amy Bond (GB)
Composer:Mark Van Hecke (Game Boy/NES/SNES)
Paul Gadbois, David Delia (Genesis)
Publisher:THQ
Sega
Capstone Software
Released:NES:
Super NES:
Game Boy:
Genesis:
DOS:
Genre:Action
Modes:Single-player
Platforms:SNES, NES, Genesis, Game Boy, DOS

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a 1992 video game based loosely on the 1992 film of the same name; it was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Genesis, Game Boy, DOS and Super NES platforms.[1] It was dedicated to Tom D. Heidt, a programmer who died shortly before it was released.[2]

Development

The game was unveiled in October 1992.[3]

The game was released in late 1992 for all three Nintendo consoles available at the time. Mechanically, the three versions are identical, with the Game Boy version being virtually identical to the NES version aside from the monochrome graphics, lowered resolution, minor gameplay and map differences. The DOS version was released in 1992. The Genesis version was released a year later in 1993.

In June 2016, video game developer Frank Cifaldi found the NES version's source code on an old hard drive and released it to the public. He has stated the game's code was based on The Simpsons-licensed titles on the NES, also by Imagineering.[4] [5]

A sequel for the Game Boy version, entitled Home Alone 2: Lost In New York: Kevin's Dream, was slated for release in 1994, as made by Unexpected Development, but it was cancelled before it came out. Unexpected Development would re-work the title to be based on the Fox Kids animated series Bobby's World, complete with Super Game Boy functionality, but a planned 1995 release by Hi Tech Entertainment also did not occur. The ROM for both versions of the game was leaked online in September 2020.[6]

Gameplay

The player controls Kevin McCallister as he makes his way alone through New York City. Locations include the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Uncle Rob McCallister's townhouse, and the streets of New York. Kevin fights enemies using a Slide, Flying Fist and Super Flying Fist moves; for weapons, he uses a Dart gun. Using a Necklace will cause walking enemies to slip off the screen (referencing a scene where Kevin uses the pearls from a necklace to trip up his pursuers). Powerups include Pizza Slices, Whole Pie, Cookies, Bells, Candy Canes and After Shave.[7]

Reception

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was awarded Worst Sequel of 1992 by Electronic Gaming Monthly. They also awarded it Worst Movie-to-Game of 1996.[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York :: DJ OldGames. www.oldgames.sk.
  2. Web site: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) NES credits. MobyGames.
  3. Web site: Shopper's The Crucial Season. Los Angeles Times. 385. December 22, 1992. September 11, 2021. Newspapers.com.
  4. https://twitter.com/frankcifaldi/status/738136827161255938 I uh, found the source code for Home Alone 2 for the NES on an old hard drive, if...anyone wants that?
  5. https://forums.nesdev.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14339 Home Alone 2 (NES) source code found/made available
  6. Web site: Unexpected Development Games - LaunchBox Games Databas. 2020-09-30 . LaunchBox Games . 2022-04-03.
  7. Web site: Fact sheet . www.thegameisafootarcade.com . 2020-06-05.
  8. 1997. Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide.