ChuChu Basics

   The gameplay is simple. The object is to get the ChuChus (aka. mice) into their rocket, sensibly named the ChuChu Rocket. When the stage starts, the mice will begin to run from pre-set points on the screen. Much like lemmings, the mice follow each other. Upon hitting a wall, they will turn right (unless there is a wall directly to their right, in which case they will turn left). KapuKapu (aka. cats) stalk the screen, moving exactly like the mice, but twice as slow. The cats will eat the mice if they hit each other, and will damage the ChuChu Rocket if they hit it.

   In the battle modes of the game, you will find three variations of ChuChus. The first is the normal blue and white ChuChu, which is by far the most common variety. Next is the pink and red ? ChuChu, which, upon reaching a rocket, will randomly select a different game-play option. Finally, the rare gold 50 ChuChus are worth, as their name implies, 50 regular ChuChus.

   The board set-up is pretty simple as well. First off, in the top left corner, is a timer. Beneath that is another timer, but one that is measured in rockets instead of seconds. At the bottom of the screen is either a row of counters (battle modes), a list of available arrows (puzzle mode), or nothing (stage challenge mode). The rest of the screen is filled with a 12x9 checkered grid that serves as the main playfield.

   Of course, every good game needs catchy names for its characters, and ChuChu Rocket is no exception to the rule: