Duck NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer

Duck

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1990
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperBit Corp.
PublisherHome Entertainment Suppliers
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Developed by Bit Corp. and published by Home Entertainment Suppliers, Duck arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 as a platformer. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Duck Maze.

It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3.

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 NES 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 Duck 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.

Duck gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

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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.

Duck FAQ

When did Duck come out on the NES?

Duck was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.

Who made Duck?

It was developed by Bit Corp. and published by Home Entertainment Suppliers.

Is Duck multiplayer?

No. Duck is a single-player game.

How long does Duck take to play?

As a platformer, Duck 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 Duck 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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