Kazaam

Released as part of Tiger’s mid-1990s licensed handheld line, Kazaam carries official branding from the film starring Shaquille O’Neal. The game follows the adventures of the wisecracking genie from the 1996 film of the same name. Summoned from his boombox by a young boy named Max, Kazaam uses his magical powers to battle street thugs and protect his new friend from danger. The handheld adaptation condenses the film’s premise into a simple action game where Kazaam must use his genie abilities to defeat enemies and collect items of power.

The player controls Kazaam across a single-screen stage displayed on the handheld’s LCD panel. Using the left and right directional buttons, the player moves Kazaam to dodge attacks or position him for counterstrikes. Pressing the action button unleashes a burst of genie magic—represented by animated lightning bolts or stars—that can eliminate oncoming enemies. Points are earned for each defeated foe, and bonus items occasionally appear that grant temporary invincibility or extra score.