Green Jean

Green Jean is a platforming game released in 1993 for the SEGA Genesis. It was the first game ever developed by Braintree Software.

The game was initially envisioned as a game based on the Incredible Hulk comic series, where they were contracted to produce a game based on it, but they lost out to U.S. Gold and Probe who would make their own Hulk game. After negotiations with Marvel, Braintree would still be able to make their own title just as long as it can be considered different enough from the Hulk property.

An enhanced version of the game was produced for the SEGA CD in 1994, along with a sequel in 1997 and a remake in 2002.

Premise
The game centers on the eponymous Jean, a misunderstood, somewhat nerdy street punk who gets mutated by a mad scientist and becomes a mindless hulk-like monster whenever she gets too hungry. After realizing that eating a certain amount of vegetables could at least keep her mind intact, Jean uses her newfound power to get revenge on the scientist and reverse the mutation.

Gameplay
The game acts as a typical side-scroller, where you fight various types of enemies and collect vegetables to keep your power active. If you go too long without vegetables or if you eat too much junk, you'll revert to normal. You eat modified veggie to power up and keep your mutant form active, which you use to break through obstacles, fight enemies or get to higher ground easier and you eat regular food to return to normal, which you have to be to interact with certain people, get down narrow areas and whatever else. You could collect pills that up your hunger and change you faster and you could eat energy bars to keep your morale up, but it takes seconds off your power meter.

The game's manual not only featured the control layout and full backstory, but also a few four-panel comics and a bio on the character, with her school grades, health facts and favorite foods and hobbies.

Reception
The game received average reviews, with critics complementing the educational nature of the game, along with its addictive gameplay.

Soundtrack
The songs were provided by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, they were recomposed as digitized instrumentals to maintain data capacity.