Cheeky Mouse

In Cheeky Mouse, two players compete to thwart a mischievous rodent’s quest for cheese. Published by Universal in 1980, this vertically oriented game presents a simple but engaging challenge: use a hammer to impede the mouse as it emerges from holes in a wall and attempts to reach its cheesy reward on the opposite side. Players control their hammers with two-way joysticks, timing strikes carefully to redirect the scurrying creature. The gameplay is straightforward, relying on quick reflexes and coordination between players. The game’s resolution of 192 x 256 pixels utilizes a palette of 192 colors, creating a visually distinct experience for its time. A Zilog Z80 processor drives the action, while a DAC chip provides sound effects. Though simple in design, Cheeky Mouse has fostered a dedicated following; Justin Wong holds the high score record with an impressive 79,280 points.