Captain Novolin

Captain Novolin is a video game developed by Sculptured Software and published by Raya Systems for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Released in 1992, the game was designed to educate children about diabetes and the importance of managing the condition.

Gameplay

In Captain Novolin, players control the titular character, Captain Novolin, a superhero with diabetes. The game is a side-scrolling platformer where the player must navigate through various levels while maintaining Captain Novolin's blood sugar levels. This involves eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks, which can cause his blood sugar to spike or drop dangerously.

The game includes educational segments where players learn about diabetes management, such as the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels, taking insulin, and maintaining a balanced diet. Throughout the game, players encounter various enemies, including junk food items like donuts and soda cans, which must be avoided to keep Captain Novolin healthy.

Plot

The story of Captain Novolin revolves around the superhero's mission to save the mayor of Pineville, who has been kidnapped by the evil alien Blubberman. Blubberman has also released his minions, who are disguised as junk food, to wreak havoc on the town. Captain Novolin must navigate through different environments, such as the city, the forest, and the mountains, to rescue the mayor and defeat Blubberman.

Development

Captain Novolin was developed by Sculptured Software, a company known for creating various licensed video games during the 1990s. The game was part of a series of educational games published by Raya Systems, which aimed to teach children about health-related topics. Other games in the series include Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus, Rex Ronan: Experimental Surgeon, and Packy and Marlon.

Reception

Captain Novolin received mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised the game for its educational content and unique approach to teaching children about diabetes, others criticized its gameplay mechanics and perceived it as overly simplistic. Despite this, the game has gained a cult following over the years and is often remembered for its distinctive premise and educational value.

Legacy

Captain Novolin remains a notable example of edutainment in video game history. It is frequently cited in discussions about health education through interactive media and has been referenced in various retrospectives on video games from the 1990s.

See also

• Diabetes management
• Edutainment
• List of Super Nintendo Entertainment System games