Game Boy · Platformer
Joe & Mac
Deep cut
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1993 (originally 1991) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Data East |
| Publisher | Data East |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Joe & Mac |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
Developed by Data East, Joe & Mac arrived on the Game Boy in 1993 as a platformer. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja. This Game Boy release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1991.
It landed about 4 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1993 include The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Darkwing Duck and Kirby's Pinball Land.
It is part of the Joe & Mac series. The series also appears on other systems with Joe & Mac (SNES) and Joe & Mac (Genesis). Data East also made Captain America and The Avengers, Side Pocket and Nail 'n' Scale 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 Joe & Mac 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.
Joe & Mac walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Joe & Mac.
If you like Joe & Mac, the Matrix also picks…
Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics Deep cut
Super Mario Land Classic
Kirby's Dream Land Classic
Kirby's Dream Land 2 Classic
DuckTales Classic
DuckTales 2 Classic
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.
Joe & Mac FAQ
When did Joe & Mac come out on the Game Boy?
Joe & Mac was released for the Game Boy in 1993; the original game dates back to 1991.
Who made Joe & Mac?
It was developed by Data East.
Is Joe & Mac multiplayer?
No. Joe & Mac is a single-player game.
How long does Joe & Mac take to play?
As a platformer, Joe & Mac 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.
Read more about Joe & Mac 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.