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Classic Games

Snake Rattle 'n' Roll

Isometric snake action

Snake Rattle 'n' Roll challenged players to guide hungry snakes through isometric worlds, eating pellets to grow long enough to reach the exit scale.

NESsega-mega-drive actionplatformerrare 1990

Overview

Eat to escape. Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll sent cartoon snakes through isometric obstacle courses, consuming “Nibbley Pibbleys” to increase body length. Reach sufficient weight to tip the exit scale and advance. Rare’s isometric expertise combined with creative design produced a distinctive and challenging experience.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Rare.
  • Perspective: Isometric.
  • Goal: Eat pellets, reach weight, exit.
  • Players: One or two cooperative.

Core mechanics

ActionFunction
Eat NibbleysGrow longer/heavier
Tongue attackCatch pellets
JumpPlatform navigation
Exit scaleWeight-based progress

Snake growth

LengthEffect
ShortLight, cannot exit
MediumApproaching goal
LongHeavy enough to exit
DamageLose segments

Level hazards

ObstacleThreat
EnemiesAttack snake
WaterDangerous falls
SpikesInstant damage
IceSlippery surfaces

Nibbley Pibbleys

TypeBehaviour
YellowStandard pellet
BouncingHard to catch
FlyingRequires timing

Isometric challenges

DifficultyCause
Depth perceptionHard to judge distances
Platform jumpingIsometric angles
CombatAiming in 3D space

Two-player mode

AspectDynamic
CooperativeWork together
CompetitiveRace for Nibbleys
Friendly fireCan hurt each other

Rare’s isometric games

TitleYear
R.C. Pro-Am1987
Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll1990
Cobra Triangle1989

See also