Obscure Video Games: Tryrush Deppy

It’s like that movie Cars, but good

Back in the ’90s, they had a mascot platformer for everything —  a glove, a bandicoot, a star, the red dot from the 7UP logo — you name it. So why not an anthropomorphic taxi cab named Deppy that walks on its hind wheels? That’s what you get with Tryrush Deppy, a Japan-only game for the Sega Saturn released in 1996 by developer System Supply N-Tech.

The game takes place during a race across the United States. However, there is no actual racing in the game. In each city, Deppy jumps through two levels of platforms and then fights his way through a boss level. The platforming isn’t very difficult, and it’s a bit reminiscent of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The only thing that might give you trouble is the gas meter. It’s constantly running down, and you have to keep searching for the somewhat rare gas cans to keep it full. Bosses are pretty tough, but they all play out in the same way: charge up your engine and hit the weak spot about eight times without running out of gas.

Despite all that, its actually kind of fun. I would recommend checking it out. The problem is that it’s also one of the most rare and expensive games on the Saturn. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a used copy, and up to $700 for a new one. I honestly can’t say it’s worth those prices for what amounts to a slightly above average 2D platformer. Your mileage may vary.