Big Nose the Caveman NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Adventure

Big Nose the Caveman

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1991
GenrePlatformer, Adventure
DeveloperCodemasters
PublisherCamerica
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 7

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, Big Nose the Caveman is a platformer developed by Codemasters and published by Camerica. It blends platformer and adventure elements.

It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi.

Codemasters also made Fantastic Dizzy, Linus Spacehead's Cosmic Crusade and The Ultimate Stuntman for the NES.

Big Nose the Caveman 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 an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you have a friend to play against

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Big Nose the Caveman 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.

Big Nose the Caveman gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Big Nose the Caveman cheats & codes

12 codes on file (Game Genie). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

6 LivesTEUAITLA
9 LivesPEUYITLE
Infinite LivesSXOTPAVG
Slower TimerANENAKLL
Faster TimerAXENAKLL
Never Lose Bones When BuyingAEEYYZPA

See all Big Nose the Caveman cheats

Big Nose the Caveman walkthroughs & guides

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

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Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Big Nose the Caveman FAQ

When did Big Nose the Caveman come out on the NES?

Big Nose the Caveman was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991.

Who made Big Nose the Caveman?

It was developed by Codemasters and published by Camerica.

Is Big Nose the Caveman multiplayer?

Yes. Big Nose the Caveman supports up to 2 players.

How long does Big Nose the Caveman take to play?

As a platformer, Big Nose the Caveman 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 Big Nose the Caveman 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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