9 Lives (video game)
| Company type | Software division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Products | 9 Lives |
| Parent | Atari Corporation |
9 Lives is a platform game launched in 1990 for the Amiga and Atari ST, created by ARC, an Atari Corporation software branch. The player takes on the role of Bob Cat, whose mission is to save Claudette from the clutches of a deranged scientist.
Plot
The storyline follows Bob Cat as he embarks on a quest to free his girlfriend Claudette Cat, who has been abducted by a mad scientist.
Gameplay
In 9 Lives, players navigate platform levels requiring accurate jumps, with jump strength and distance controlled by the duration the joystick is pressed. Hostile mutant creatures appear throughout stages, reducing Bob’s energy upon contact. Bob can momentarily incapacitate foes using a ball of wool. Energy and jump power are visually represented by tail icons on the screen. The player starts with nine lives, losing one when energy runs out or if Bob falls into traps or from significant heights.
Each stage contains six locked cages holding cats that must be released by collecting keys dispersed around the level. Freeing all caged cats unlocks access to the subsequent stage. Keys also grant entry to hidden chambers offering powerups or extra lives. The game features four large levels—including the final area set in the mad scientist’s warehouse—each comprising over one hundred rooms. Temporary powerups provide abilities such as flying, invisibility, and immunity to damage, while certain potions crafted by the mad scientist have harmful effects. Consumable food items restore energy, and collecting jewels increases the player’s score.
Development
Developed by Atari’s ARC division and released in November 1990 for Amiga and Atari ST platforms, 9 Lives was designed by Graham 'Kenny' Everett. His goal was to blend humorous cartoon-style characters with fast-paced gameplay, addressing a gap in engaging mechanics found in similar cartoon-themed titles. The main character, Bob Cat, was named after ARC team member Bob Katz.
In 1991, the Atari ST edition was included in the Discovery Xtra compilation.
Reception
Critics praised 9 Lives for its cartoon-inspired visuals and comedic elements, while noting its challenging difficulty level. Amiga Format highlighted the innovative jump mechanic but remarked on its difficulty to master. Datormagazin found the challenge overly frustrating and exhausting. In contrast, Power Play criticized the title as outdated with amateurish design.
Raze lauded the “impressive” graphics, and ST Action emphasized the game’s originality, creativity, and enjoyable gameplay, drawing attention to its diverse animations. The One commended both visuals and gameplay, describing it as an engaging platformer. While Amiga Format appreciated its "Tom and Jerry"-style humor and bold art style, it found the gameplay lacking depth.
The game's comedic tone received widespread acclaim; ST Format compared it to Looney Tunes, and Atari ST User called it charming. Reviews from Amiga Action were mixed—Steve Merret praised animation quality and humor, whereas Doug Simmons criticized the awkward gameplay.
Amiga Joker acknowledged strong graphics but faulted imprecise controls and choppy scrolling. Similarly, Aktueller Software Markt expressed concerns over control responsiveness and considered the price high. Both publications also criticized the soundtrack.
Zero deemed the game unoriginal despite competent execution. Pelit noted that the Amiga version suffered from a limited color range.