Circus Charlie is this weirdly charming little NES game from Konami where you play as a circus performer jumping through flaming hoops, riding lions, and bouncing on trampolines. It’s simple—probably meant for kids—but there’s something oddly satisfying about nailing the timing on those mid-air somersaults while dodging obstacles.

The controls are basic (just run and jump), but some of the later stages get surprisingly tricky. The lion-riding level still trips me up sometimes when the beasts decide to randomly speed up. And don’t even get me started on the tightrope section—one wrong move and you’re plummeting into the void while the crowd boos.

It’s short, colorful, and a little janky in that classic NES way. Not exactly deep, but perfect for quick bursts of nostalgia. I still fire it up when I want something mindless but weirdly addictive.