Noah's Ark (video game)
NES platformer based on the biblical story of Noah.
A platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, *Noah's Ark* was developed by British studio Source R&D and released by Konami in 1992. It saw release only in Europe. Unlike many other biblical video games from that period, it received official approval from Nintendo. The game adapts the biblical story of Noah. In 2021, it was re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online service as part of the NES library.
Players control Noah as he travels the world to rescue animals. Power-ups assist him: ducks grant different weapons, while other items can make Noah invulnerable or freeze enemies. Throughout each stage, water rises gradually, making movement more difficult. The game spans seven worlds, each based on a continent and a historical period—Europe (ancient Rome), North America (Wild West), South America (Inca Empire), Africa (ancient Egypt), Antarctica (Ice Age), Oceania (prehistoric Australia), and Asia (China or Heian period). Each world contains three stages, for a total of 21. At the end of two-thirds of the stages, Noah fights a drainplug monster. Every third stage concludes with a large boss fight.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Noah's Ark
- Developer
- Source Research & Development
- Publisher
- Konami of Europe
- Designer
- Jason Benham / Ross Harris / John Cassells
- Programmer
- Jason Benham / Link Tomlin (audio)
- Artist
- Ross Harris / John Cassells
- Composer
- Chris Gill
- Platforms
- NES, Steam
- Released
- NES / EU · 1992 / Steam / WW · March 30, 2021
- Genre
- Platform
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game places the player in control of Noah, who must rescue different animals across the world. Noah is aided by powerups: ducks give different weapons, and some items turn Noah invulnerable or freeze enemies. During each stage, water slowly rises, making Noah harder to maneuver. The game takes place on seven worlds based on continents and time periods: Europe (ancient Rome), North America (Wild West), South America (Inca Empire), Africa (ancient Egypt), Antarctica (Ice age), Oceania (Prehistoric Australia), and Asia (China or Heian period). Each world contains three stages, totaling 21 stages. At the end of two-thirds of the stages, Noah fights a drainplug monster; every third stage ends with a large boss fight.
Reader's Guide
Noah's Ark is notable as a rare officially licensed Nintendo Entertainment System game based on biblical content, released only in Europe in 1992 by Konami. Its approval by Nintendo distinguished it from unlicensed biblical games of the era, such as Bible Adventures. The game's structure—seven worlds representing different continents and historical periods, each with three stages—offers a varied setting. The rising water mechanic adds a unique pressure element to platforming. The 2021 Steam re-release introduced the game to a new audience, preserving its status as a curiosity in video game history. Its significance lies in its official licensing, European exclusivity, and adaptation of a religious narrative into a platform game format.
Did You Know?
- Noah's Ark was produced by British studio Source R&D and published by Konami in 1992.
- The game was only released in Europe and was officially approved by Nintendo.
- It features seven worlds based on continents and time periods, including ancient Rome and the Wild West.
- Noah's Ark was re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online service in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noah's Ark (video game)?
It is a side-scrolling NES platformer in which players guide Noah across the world to gather pairs of animals before the flood. The title was produced by British studio Source R&D and shipped by Konami in 1992.
What power-ups and weapons appear in Noah's Ark (video game)?
Collecting ducks unlocks a range of weapons for Noah to use against hostiles, while other pickups can grant brief invulnerability or freeze enemies in place.
Was Noah's Ark (video game) released outside Europe?
The original 1992 launch was restricted to European markets only. In 2021 the game gained a much wider audience when it was added to the NES library on Nintendo Switch Online.
Why is Noah's Ark (video game) considered notable among Christian-themed titles?
It received official approval from Nintendo, which was unusual for a game built around a biblical narrative in the early 1990s. That endorsement helped it reach a mainstream console audience rather than staying in a niche faith-based market.
Who developed and published Noah's Ark (video game)?
British studio Source R&D handled the development, while Konami took on the publishing role. The finished product was released exclusively for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992.
More in Christian video games 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced