🎮 Play Houma ga Toki (Japan) Online (NES)

Released in 1988 for the Famicom, Houma ga Toki (also known as Jekyll Hakase no Houma ga Toki) is the infamous action platformer by Toho that was later localized as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This original Japanese release is notable for featuring completely different level designs—including unique City and Alley stages—and an even steeper difficulty curve than its international counterpart.

How to Play

The game constantly shifts between two parallel worlds. As Dr. Jekyll, your goal is to peacefully walk to the church without dying from the constant barrage of townspeople, bombs, and animals. Taking damage increases your stress meter; when it fills, you transform into Mr. Hyde and are sent to a demonic version of the same street, forced to scroll in the opposite direction. As Hyde, you must defeat enemies to lower the stress meter and return to Jekyll. If Hyde manages to reach the same location Jekyll was at, the game ends instantly.

Controls: Use the D-pad (arrow keys) to move, A (Z) to jump, and B (X) to attack. Dr. Jekyll uses a cane, while Mr. Hyde fires a Psycho Wave attack.

Tips

• As Dr. Jekyll, avoiding damage is essential; focus entirely on dodging rather than fighting the townspeople, as his cane attack is largely ineffective.
• If you transform into Mr. Hyde, try to defeat enemies as quickly as possible to empty the stress meter and turn back before you reach Jekyll’s position on the map.