Play Bubba'n'stix (europe) (beta) Online

I came across the beta version of Bubba'n'Stix for the Sega Genesis, a game that never got a full release. It was developed by Core Design, the same team that later worked on Tomb Raider. This was during a time when the Genesis was full of platformers trying to do something a little different, and this one certainly had a unique idea.

You control Bubba, a caveman, but the real twist is his sentient walking stick, Stix. You move through levels screen by screen, using Stix not just as a weapon to whack enemies, but as a tool you can throw to interact with the environment. You might need to hit a distant switch or use him to create a platform to reach a higher ledge. The main goal is to navigate these prehistoric and sometimes alien landscapes, solving environmental puzzles to progress. The pacing is deliberate, more about figuring out how to use Stix than fast action, and some of the platforming can be quite tricky. It feels like a thoughtful puzzle game disguised as a side-scrolling adventure.