Three Stooges

The Three Stooges brings Moe, Larry, and Curly’s trademark slapstick to the NES in a collection of fast, comic mini-games. Released in 1989 by Beam Software and published by Activision, it is loosely built around the trio’s efforts to raise enough money to save an orphanage. Rather than following a conventional platforming or adventure format, the game moves through a sequence of short challenges based on familiar Three Stooges routines and situations.

Each event tests a different kind of timing and control. You may find yourself dodging trouble, striking targets, competing in sports-style activities, or trying to keep the Stooges from turning an ordinary task into complete chaos. The action is framed by a larger money-raising objective, giving the individual mini-games a little more purpose than simple score attacks. Success depends on learning the rules of each event, reacting quickly, and making the most of repeated attempts.

The humor comes largely from the physical comedy and recognizable personalities of the characters. Moe’s impatience, Larry’s bewilderment, and Curly’s wild antics are represented through exaggerated animations and deliberately silly situations, making the game more appealing to fans of the original comedy shorts than to players looking for a deep narrative.

As a one-player NES title, The Three Stooges works best as a light, pick-up-and-play experience. Its variety keeps the action moving, while the uneven difficulty and arcade-like structure give it an old-school challenge. It is an unusual licensed game that captures the chaotic spirit of its source material, even when its simple controls and brief mini-games show their age. For a nostalgic look at the Stooges’ brand of slapstick, you can play online on your browser through RetroCloud.