Inspector Gadget ROM

The player controls Inspector Gadget as he travels around the world to rescue his niece Penny, who has been kidnapped by the terrorist organization M.A.D. and its leader Dr. Claw. Each level is preceded by a short intro at Gadget’s house, reprising the running gag of the series in which Gadget blows up Chief Quimby via self-destructing messages. When hit by an enemy, Gadget’s clothing falls off, leaving him wearing only boxer shorts.

The next hit causes Gadget to lose a life. Additional coats are hidden in breakable bricks and can be acquired to restore his second hit point. Gadget’s primary weapons are his extendable limbs, which can be used to punch and kick enemies. A power-up allows Gadget to extend the maximum reach of his limbs. Various gadgets can also be collected and used, including a helicopter rotor, plungers and arrows. Gadgets can be powered up as well, which has various effects depending on the gadget, such as making the arrows deal more damage.

Most gadgets are powered by hats, with each gadget requiring a certain number of hats to operate. Additional hats can be collected in levels by breaking certain bricks. Common enemies in the levels include M.A.D. agents and each level has a fixed time limit. Running out of time costs Gadget a life. When there are seventeen seconds left in the timer, a frantic melody plays, warning the player to hurry up and finish the level.