Joe & Mac is a classic arcade platformer developed by Data East and released in 1991, later ported to SNES, Mega Drive, NES, Game Boy, Amiga and other platforms. The game follows green-haired Joe and blue-haired Mac, two cavemen from a peaceful tribe. When their tribe’s women are kidnapped by hostile Neanderthals, the pair set off on an adventure to rescue them.
Players control Joe or Mac through multiple prehistoric-themed levels, fighting enemies like dinosaurs and man-eating plants. A variety of weapons are available, including boomerangs, bones, fire, flint, electricity and stone wheels. The game supports single-player and two-player co-op, letting friends team up to tackle levels together.
With varied gameplay and challenging level design, each level end lets players choose different paths leading to unique levels and endings, boosting replay value. There’s also a time limit per level — players lose a life if they fail to finish in time.
Loved by players for its humorous tone, vibrant graphics and smooth controls, Joe & Mac spawned several sequels such as Congo's Caper and Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics.
In 2022, Microids released a remake, New Joe & Mac - Caveman Ninja, featuring fully upgraded visuals and audio plus new modes like Arcade and Extended, with two-player co-op support for a fresh experience.
Overall, Joe & Mac is a beloved classic action platformer, cherished by many for its unique prehistoric setting, rich gameplay and humorous style.