Circus Charlie (Japan)

What is Circus Charlie (Japan)?

Circus Charlie (Japan) is a charming circus-themed mini-game collection developed by Konami and published by Soft Pro International. Designed with young children in mind, this NES title features colorful, whimsical acts where players control Charlie the clown through a series of entertaining circus performances. Originally released for arcades before being ported to home systems, it offers lighthearted, skill-based challenges across six distinct stages, each simulating a classic circus act with vibrant pixel art and catchy music.

Game Features

• Six Unique Circus Acts: Tackle varied challenges like lion taming, tightrope walking, trampoline bouncing, horseback jumping, barrel leaping, and high-wire cycling
• Progressive Difficulty: Acts become increasingly challenging with faster obstacles and trickier timing
• Lives System: Start with 3 lives; earn extra lives by collecting balloons hidden in certain acts
• Bonus Stages: Unlock special scoring opportunities between acts for extra points
• Family-Friendly Design: Simple mechanics and bright visuals perfect for casual play
• Score Attack Focus: Compete for high scores by performing tricks and completing acts quickly

How to Play Circus Charlie (Japan)?

As an NES game, use these keyboard controls:

• Arrow Keys: Move Charlie left/right and crouch (down)
• Z Key: Jump or perform primary actions (A Button)
• X Key: Secondary action like vaulting or speed boost (B Button)

Objective: Complete all six circus acts without losing all lives. Each act has unique mechanics:

1. Lion Jump: Time jumps (Z key) over flaming hoops while riding a lion. Hold Z longer for higher jumps.
2. Tightrope Walk: Balance with left/right arrows. Press Z to jump over monkeys; tap X to vault past birds.
3. Trampoline Leap: Bounce on trampolines (press Z at peak) to catch trapezes. Use arrow keys to swing.
4. Horseback Hurdles: Jump (Z) over hurdles and crouch (down arrow) under low obstacles while galloping.
5. Barrel Leapfrog: Sprint with X, then press Z to leap over rolling barrels. Time jumps to avoid gaps.
6. Bicycle High-Wire: Pedal with rapid X presses. Steer with arrows and jump (Z) over gaps.

General Tips:

• Collect floating balloons for extra points and lives
• Avoid falling, collisions, or missing obstacles to preserve lives
• Complete acts quickly for time bonuses

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lives do I start with?
You begin with 3 lives. Earn extra lives by collecting 10 balloons (1UP) hidden in acts like the Tightrope Walk or Trampoline Leap stages.

Can I continue if I lose all lives?
No, Circus Charlie doesn't feature a continue system. If you lose all lives, you must restart the entire game from Act 1.

Are there any hidden secrets or power-ups?
Yes! Besides bonus balloons, hitting specific targets (like the bell in the Trampoline act) awards 5,000 points. Also, bouncing perfectly on trampolines without missing trapezes triggers a special fireworks bonus.