Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics screenshot

Release year: 1994

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics

Category: ActionPlatformerPuzzle

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics (Genesis/Mega Drive, 1994) brings the world's most famous cat and mouse to life in a fast and funny platform adventure. Inspired by the 1992 animated film Tom and Jerry: The Movie, the game follows Jerry and his young friend Robyn Starling as they try to escape from Aunt Figg's mansion - with Tom never far behind.

Each stage in Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics offers a different perspective on their endless chase. When playing as Jerry, you'll need agility and timing to dodge traps, leap across moving platforms, and stay one step ahead. As Tom, the gameplay shifts to pursuit - smashing obstacles and navigating tricky environments to close the distance. This variety keeps the action lively and captures the playful chaos that defines their rivalry.

Every level feels like a new cartoon episode, full of clever traps and playful chaos. Whether you're chasing or being chased, timing and quick reactions are key. The music and animations add a lot of charm, making Frantic Antics one of the more distinctive platformers on the Genesis/Mega Drive. You can now play Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics online right in your browser. Relive the wild chase, switch between characters, and enjoy one of SEGA's most energetic cartoon adventures from the early '90s.

Start
Start / Pause in game
Joystick
Movement
A
Run
B
Jump
C
Throw
Save / Restart / Load

Animated Screenshots

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics title screen on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive
Level 3 gameplay from Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive
Level 5 gameplay from Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive
Level 6 gameplay from Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive

🔓 Cheat Codes

Even in a lighthearted cartoon chase like Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics, there are secret codes that can give you an edge - or just add a bit of fun. Whether you want to stop the timer, become invincible, or jump straight to the ending, these cheats are all entered from the title screen.

Level Select screen in Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive

How to Enter Cheats

At the Title Screen, enter the button sequence for the desired effect. If done correctly, a car horn sound will confirm successful entry.

  • Level Select: LLSpace
  • Invincible: SpaceSpaceL
  • Freezes Timer: LSpaceL
  • View Ending: LLSpace

📚 Interesting Facts

🎮 Developer Origins

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics was developed by Beam Software, an Australian studio based in Melbourne. Known for their work across many genres, Beam brought an impressive level of polish and charm to this SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive adaptation. Their experience helped turn the famous cartoon rivalry into a lively, fast-paced platform game.

🕹 Licensed Publisher & Release Info

The game was published in North America by Hi Tech Expressions, a company well-known for producing family-friendly licensed titles. Frantic Antics was released for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive in 1994, with regional launches varying between North America, Europe, and Japan. This staggered rollout reflects how SEGA often managed different release schedules across territories during the 16-bit era.

🧩 Distinct Versions - Genesis vs Game Boy

Although both versions share the same title, the Genesis/Mega Drive and Game Boy editions were developed separately. They differ in level design, gameplay mechanics, and even visual presentation. The handheld version features shorter levels and simpler controls, offering a completely different take on the same story.

😺 Role Changes During Gameplay

Players don't choose between Tom and Jerry manually - instead, the game alternates control automatically as the story unfolds. Some stages put you in Jerry's tiny shoes, escaping danger, while others let you play as Tom, determined to catch him. This back-and-forth approach perfectly reflects the classic cat-and-mouse dynamic.

🎨 Cartoon-Style Visuals

The developers did their best to capture the humor and expressiveness of the original series through bright colors, exaggerated traps, and slapstick motion. While the animation can feel a bit rigid at times, the visuals still manage to recreate the feeling of watching an episode of Tom and Jerry come to life on SEGA hardware.

🌍 Multiplayer Mode

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics supports a two-player cooperative mode where one player controls Tom and the other plays as Jerry. This feature makes the game stand out among early '90s licensed platformers, allowing fans to share the chaos of the chase together.

💾 Hidden Character in Game Data

The game's internal files contain data for a scrapped or unused character named "Lighting", who never appears in normal gameplay. Details about this leftover asset remain unclear, but it offers a small peek into the development process and what might have been planned for the final version.

Even decades later, Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics remains a charming piece of SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive history. It captures the essence of the classic cartoon - fast chases, clever tricks, and endless chaos - all packed into colorful 16-bit gameplay.

Today, this timeless platformer is still alive and well. You can play Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics online right in your browser, reliving the playful rivalry between cat and mouse just like in the early '90s - no console required, only pure retro fun.