M.C. Kids is a quirky platform game that was released on the NES in 1992. It is also available for the PC, Commodore 64, and Game Boy as McDonaldland. The game is by publisher and developer Virgin Games.
M.C. Kids received both mixed and positive reviews from critics and players. It has been praised for its colorful graphics and innovative game physics. The game has even garnered comparisons to iconic games like Super Mario Bros. 3 and StarTropics. It was even re-themed and released as Spot: The Cool Adventure.
M.C. Kids Premise
This ’90s platformer is officially licensed by McDonald’s and is full of the fast food chain’s quirky characters. M.C. Kids follows two best friends as they travel through McDonaldland. The kids were sent on a quest to retrieve Ronald McDonald’s magical bag from the mischievous Hamburglar.
Players must travel through seven different magical worlds. In each one, players will encounter the unique inhabitants of McDonaldland like Grimace, Birdie the Early Bird, CosMc, and more. To progress, you must not only defeat the boss of that world but also collect all of the unique puzzle cards for that area. The more iconic golden arches you collect, the more bonus levels you can access to earn lives.
One of the game’s most impressive feats for its time is its original mechanics. The collectible puzzle cards, the Spinner blocks, and the Zipper entrances all make it more than just another game for a popular franchise. Spinners reverse the force of gravity and let you walk upside down and Zippers act as magical doors.
M.C. Kids Main Characters
Players can choose between two different playable kids, Mick and Mack. The only difference between them is their appearance. Both wear the same blue shirt and black shorts but Mack has a flattop haircut while Mick wears a backwards baseball cap. They both have the same basic run, jump, throw, and duck abilities.
In the sequel Global Gladiators, Mick and Mack appear much older on the cover and are no longer wearing their matching outfits.
M.C. Kids Series
M.C. Kids is the first game in the series. It is followed by Global Gladiators, which follows an older Mick and Mack as they take on environmental dangers. If you’re looking for more retro and unique platforms, check out these other titles by Virgin Games, including some licensed by Disney.
- Falcon Patrol (1983)
- Falcon Patrol II (1984)
- Sorcery (1984)
- Strangeloop (1985)
- Shogun (1986)
- Risk: The World Conquest Game (1989)
- Spot: The Video Game (1990)
- Wonderland (1990)
- Chuck Rock (1991)
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) (1991)
- Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker (1991)
- Dune (1992)
- Dune II (1992)
- Global Gladiators (1992)
- M.C. Kids (1992)
- Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos (1993)
- Cool Spot (1993)
- Disney’s Aladdin (1993)
- Earthworm Jim (Europe only) (1994)
- Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book (1994)
- The Lion King (1994)
- Creature Shock (1995)
- Earthworm Jim 2 (Europe only) (1995)
- Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996)
- Disney’s Pinocchio (1996)
- Toonstruck (1996)
M.C. Kids Cheat Codes
M.C. Kids has multiple cheats for players who have the NES version and a Game Genie. They can change how many lives you have, give you infinite energy, and more.
NES Codes
| Effect | Code |
|---|---|
| Pause | On Controller 2, hold the Select button and the game will remain paused while this is held |
| Lose a Life / Start the Area Over | Press Start, then Select |
And for players who own a Game Genie device for the NES, here are some codes you can use.
NES Game Genie Codes
| Effect | Code |
|---|---|
| Start with 2 Lives | PAKILYLA |
| Start with 7 Lives | TAKILYLA |
| Start with 10 Lives | PAKILYLE |
| Infinite Lives | GXKSUOSE |
| Infinite Hearts | EGETYTIA |
| Don’t lose Golden Arches when hit | EKNVYIIA |
| Find All Cards in All Levels | OZVNPVSX PAVNZVPP XTVNLTGE AAVNIVGA |
| Select Any Level | AEXALGPA |
| Super Jump | AOVEGTGE + AEVEPTLA |
| 1 heart per life | AAKSAYZA + AEKSNPZA |
| 8 hearts per life | YAKSAYZA + YEKSNPZA |
Commodore 64 Codes
| Effect | Password |
|---|---|
| Unlimited energy | POKE 34849,173 |
| Unlimited lives | POKE 41674,173 |
M.C. Kids Cheat Code FAQ
Does M.C. Kids have cheat codes?
Yes! For the NES and Commodore 64 versions, it has several helpful cheat codes that give players a variety of advantages like extra lives, super jump, and more.
What is a Game Genie?
A Game Genie is another cheat device, similar to the Action Replay. They are available for retro platforms like the NES, SNES, original Game Boy, Genesis, and more.