Popeye ColecoVision box art

ColecoVision · Platformer / Action

Popeye

Certified classic

SystemColecoVision
GenrePlatformer, Action
DeveloperNintendo
PublisherParker Brothers
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesPopeye
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 12

Developed by Nintendo and published by Parker Brothers, Popeye arrived on the ColecoVision as a platformer. It blends platformer and action elements.

Among the 18 ColecoVision platformers in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.

It is part of the Popeye series. The series also appears on other systems with Popeye (2600) and Popeye (5200). Nintendo also made Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. for the ColecoVision.

Popeye supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the ColecoVision's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Popeye is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Popeye gameplay screenshot on ColecoVision
In-game screenshot (ColecoVision)

Popeye walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Popeye.

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Playing ColecoVision games today

The ColecoVision's library is small but rich in faithful coin-op conversions, and homebrew developers still release new cartridges for it today.

Popeye FAQ

Who made Popeye?

It was developed by Nintendo and published by Parker Brothers.

Is Popeye multiplayer?

Yes. Popeye supports up to 2 players.

How long does Popeye take to play?

As a platformer, Popeye typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Popeye on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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