Ren & Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$! is a side-scrolling platform game based on the American animated series *The Ren & Stimpy Show*, developed by Imagineering and published by THQ. It launched for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in November 1993, followed by a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) release in April 1995.
The story centers on Stimpy, who invents a machine called the "Gametron 5000 Moneymaker" in his lab. The device rewards players with cash based on how many games they complete. Stimpy shows his invention to Ren, and the pair decide to team up and play through the games to earn big money.
The game features three main levels, each themed after classic episodes of the cartoon:
1. **Space Madness**: Players take on the role of Space Cadet Stimpy, tasked with getting Commander Ren—who is suffering from "space madness"—to the infirmary and feeding him chicken soup to cure him. Players must guide Ren through a space diner, lab, button room, and zero-gravity bathroom to reach the infirmary. Some sections also let players pilot a spaceship in side-scrolling shooter segments.
2. **Out West**: Players control "Three-Fingered Hoek" and his partner "Cowboy Stimpy," who plot to steal a horse in a dangerous frontier town.
3. **Robin Hoek**: Players step into the shoes of Robin Hoek, whose mission is to rob from the rich and give to the poor, plus rescue the beautiful "Miss Stupid" from the top of a castle.
Gameplay is primarily side-scrolling and vertical-scrolling platform action, with players controlling Ren and Stimpy as they navigate various levels and complete objectives. The level design and story stay true to the original cartoon’s style, aiming to deliver a familiar, fun experience for players.
Upon release, however, the game received mixed reviews. *Nintendo Power* did not review the NES version but gave the SNES version a 2.85 out of 5 score. *Game Players* rated the SNES version 75/100, while *Electronic Gaming Monthly* gave the NES version a 6.5/10.
Overall, *Ren & Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$!* is a game built to recreate classic moments from the cartoon, making it a great pick for fans of *The Ren & Stimpy Show*.