Barbie (1991)

Developer: Imagineering Inc.
Publisher: Hi Tech Expressions
Platforms: DOS, Nintendo Entertainment System
Genres: Platform
Rating: 2.6 of 5, 6 player ratings

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A girl-targeted NES platformer featuring Barbie navigating levels with some noted puzzle elements despite mixed reception.

girl-orientedlightheartedpastelpuzzle-heavycasualnostalgic

About

Barbie is a video game developed by Imagineering Inc based after the famous Barbie doll, created by Mattel Inc. It was created specifically as an attempt to entice more girls to play video games, and was one of the very few Nintendo Entertainment System games with girl-oriented themes. It was not a particularly well-received game at the time, but has received some recognition for having some quality puzzles and gameplay style. Others have criticized it for being an example of "pink" software; which refers to software that was designed for male audiences that is re-skinned for female gamers, without taking into account true female gamer preferences.

Screenshots

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More by Imagineering Inc.

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.