History VideoGame / JoeAndMac

A series of {{Platform Game}}s developed and published by Creator/DataEast. The series began with the 1991 UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame ''Caveman Ninja'', known as ''Joe & Mac: Tatakae Genshijin'' ("Fighting Cavemen") in Japan. Set in {{Prehistoria}}, the objective of the game is to [[DamselInDistress rescue the titular duo's harem of cave girls]] from a rival band of Neanderthals and their dinosaur pet bosses. ''Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja'' saw quite a few home ports (with or without the subtitle), namely the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem, UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis, UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem, UsefulNotes/GameBoy, Amiga, DOS, and Zeebo.

%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, this example was removed. Please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
* GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere: The first game has two final bosses, depending on which version you play. Most versions feature [[spoiler: some sort of caveman-dinosaur hybrid that attacks by leaping at you in rapid somersaults, and spitting up larvae-like creatures. The NES game's manual identifies him as 'The Fabled Sagileocorn', whatever that means.]] The SNES version instead has [[spoiler: a BigRedDevil, complete with pitchfork and demonic cackle, who turns into a more challenging blue form when you beat him.]] Both of them count; even moreso since they are both fought inside of a snake-necked ''Tyrannosaurus rex'', for some reason.

A series of {{Platform Game}}s by Creator/DataEast. The series began with the 1991 UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame ''Caveman Ninja'', known as ''Joe & Mac: Tatakae Genshijin'' ("Fighting Cavemen") in Japan. Set in {{Prehistoria}}, the object of the game is to [[DamselInDistress rescue the titular duo's harem of]] [[NubileSavage cave girls]] from a rival band of Neanderthals and their dinosaur pet bosses. ''Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja'' saw quite a few home ports (with or without the subtitle), namely the UsefulNotes/SuperNES, UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis, UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem, UsefulNotes/GameBoy, Amiga, DOS, and Zeebo.

On November 6th 2009, French developer Golgoth Studio (which earlier remade ''VideoGame/{{Toki}}'') announced that they were working on a [[http://golgothstudio.com/devblog/category/joe-mac/ remake of the first game]]. Lack of updates since then placed this ''Joe & Mac'' remake squarely in DevelopmentHell until the company's demise. On October 14, 2021, Creator/{{Microids}} picked up this remake and announced for a November 2022 release on consoles and PC.

!! This game provides examples of:

* BambooTechnology: Mook neanderthals riding foot-powered wooden helicopters. They throw bombs at you, for some odd reason.
** The SNES version although it removed the helicopters, features ''motorcycles'' (whose sprite is based on the aforementioned helicopters).
** In the village in Joe and Mac 2, a primitive telescope and pulley are present.
** The final boss of ''Joe and Mac Returns'' is a wooden GiantMecha. When you destroy it, the rider continues fighting you in one of the wood helicopters.

* ChivalrousPervert: In ''Joe & Mac Returns'', when the two heroes aren't out rescuing cavegirls, Joe and Mac try to peep at them while they're bathing, blow their bikinis tops off, or just outright steal their bikinis.
* ColorCodedMultiplayer

* DoppelgangerAttack: Only in the arcade version, it's the duo's only "ninja" attack.

* ForTheEvulz: The first level in ''Joe & Mac 2'' would have ended without a boss fight, if it weren't for some random neanderthal whacking a sleeping ''Stegosaurus'' on the head ForTheLULZ.

* GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere: The first game has two final bosses, depending on which version you play. Most versions feature [[spoiler: some sort of caveman-dinosaur hybrid that attacks by leaping at you in rapid somersaults, and spitting up larvae-like creatures. The NES game's manual identifies him as 'The Fabled Sagileocorn', whatever that means.]] The SNES version instead has [[spoiler: a BigRedDevil, complete with pitchfork and demonic cackle, who turns into a more challenging blue form when you beat him.]] Both of them count; even moreso since they are both fought inside of a snake-necked ''T.rex'', for some reason.

* HeadSwap: Joe and Mac themselves, plus the redheaded and brunette cavegirls. The two ''Tyrannosaurus'' bosses from the first game count as well. One is a normal ''T.rex'' while the other is a red variant with a long, snakelike neck.

* KillItWithFire: One of the stronger weapons in the game.

* MammothsMeanIceAge: In the both the first game and ''Joe and Mac Returns'' a Woolly Mammoth acts as a boss in the [[SlippySlideyIceWorld ice-themed level]].
* ManEatingPlant: The second boss which bears an [[LawyerFriendlyCameo incredible resemblance]] to [[Theatre/LittleShopOfHorrors Audrey the second]]. It can [[TentacleRope grab]] and eat you, which is an instant kill.
** In the original arcade version and NES port, the plant will actually spit out your bones. This was removed from the Genesis port, Game Boy port, and SNES arrangement.
* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: In ''Congo's Caper'', an almost literal example of this trope are the four caveman bosses you must fight after the intro stages. 2 of them are actually a ninja and pirate, respectively. One is technically a vampire, but is nonetheless undead like a zombie, and the last guy isn't a robot, but he is a MadScientist who builds a dinosaur robot out of ''[[BambooTechnology wood and stone]]''.
* [[ThePiratesWhoDontDoAnything The Ninjas Who Don't Do Anything]]: Despite the title Joe and Mac don't have any ninja powers except for the DoppelgangerAttack.

* PaletteSwap: The cavegirls and some of the enemies.

* ShoutOut: Upon defeating one of the bosses, your player will [[VideoGame/BadDudes pump a fist in the air]].

* SlippySlideyIceWorld: Both the first game and ''Joe and Mac Returns'' have an ice-age themed level. ''Lost in the Tropics'' also has one based on the GrimUpNorth.

On November 6th 2009, French developer Golgoth Studio (which earlier remade ''VideoGame/{{Toki}}'') announced that they were working on a [[http://golgothstudio.com/devblog/category/joe-mac/ remake of the first game]]. Lack of updates since then placed this ''Joe & Mac'' remake squarely in DevelopmentHell until the company's demise. On October 14, 2021, Microids picked up this remake and announced for a November 2022 release on consoles and PC.

* ChargedAttack: Only in the arcade version. If you take too long to fire, it will tire your caveman out, and you'll take damage.

* AndYourRewardIsInteriorDecorating: In ''Lost in the Tropics'' players can spend money o decorate their hut.

* TemperCeratops: A ''Triceratops'' acts as the boss of the snow level in ''Lost in the Tropics''.

** The final boss of Joe and Mac Returns is a wooden GiantMecha. When you destroy it, the rider continues fighting you in one of the wood helicopters.

* InventingTheWheel: One of many weapons in the game.