Home Alone 2: Lost in New York attempted to capture the comedic slapstick spirit of the movie in a video game form. Developed by Imagineering and published by THQ, the game puts the player in control of Kevin as he runs through various stages inspired by the film: the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Uncle’s townhouse, and more.
Gameplay follows the standard 2D platforming formula of the early 1990s. Kevin can jump, avoid enemies, and use improvised weapons such as slingshots or household items. The Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, repeatedly chase Kevin, serving as recurring enemies across levels. The objective is to survive traps, avoid hazards, and reach the end of each stage.
Graphically, the game is colorful but somewhat simplistic compared to other platformers released at the same time (like Super Mario World or Sonic). The controls were often criticized for being clunky and unresponsive, which made the game notoriously difficult for younger players.
Despite its flaws, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York holds nostalgic value for fans of the film and 90s licensed games. It reflects the trend of movie-to-game adaptations that were popular during the era, though it didn’t reach the quality of the best platformers of its time.
Verdict:
A fun curiosity for fans of the movie, but as a platformer it’s mediocre at best. Its charm is mostly tied to nostalgia rather than refined gameplay.