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.
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.
Joe & Mac is pretty good. Man, there really were ton of caveman games back then!
I remember when GEICO ads starred a caveman.
So do I, those were funny!
I throw rocks and bounce on my belly. I feel this game was made for me.
LOL are you also in a rock band?
I was, but not with my girlfriend.
