Beethoven Game Boy box art

Game Boy · Platformer

Beethoven

SystemGame Boy
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperUnexpected Development
PublisherHi Tech Expressions
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut

Released for the Game Boy, Beethoven is a platformer developed by Unexpected Development and published by Hi Tech Expressions.

Unexpected Development also made Shaq Fu, Golf Classic and Sports Illustrated: Golf Classic for the Game Boy.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the Game Boy hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Beethoven 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.

Beethoven gameplay screenshot on Game Boy
In-game screenshot (Game Boy)

Beethoven cheats & codes

8 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Infinite Energy01049AD2
Infinite Lives010311D1

See all Beethoven cheats

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Playing Game Boy games today

Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.

Beethoven FAQ

Who made Beethoven?

It was developed by Unexpected Development and published by Hi Tech Expressions.

Is Beethoven multiplayer?

No. Beethoven is a single-player game.

How long does Beethoven take to play?

As a platformer, Beethoven typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you