In the game you play Hen House Harry who has to collect 12 (a dozen) eggs from each level, while avoiding the ducklings. The levels each occupy a single screen, and are made up of platforms, ladders and lifts (or elevators), and are thus similar to those in classic platform game Donkey Kong and some. Corn can also be collected, which stops the time limit from ticking down and also stops the bonus, collected when the level is completed, from decreasing. The ducklings also eat the corn, however.

There are only 8 distinct levels. The ninth level is a copy of level 1, the tenth is a copy of level 2, and so on. However, on the second time around the ducklings that can use the platforms and ladders are replaced by the Mother Duck, who can fly around the level going through the platforms and ladders. On the third time around, you have to face both the Mother Duck and the ducklings, and similarly on subsequent goes round, when there are more ducklings.

It is never made quite clear what Harry plans to do with the eggs once his task is complete, after a few plays a Chicken Omelette will sound very appetising indeed!

The inclusion of a giant caged duck (we’ll call him Ed) raises a few questions (not least the moral question of cross-breeding), but play through the standard levels and Ed is set free to fly around the screen with even more menace than those clucking hens. Further play throughs then see Ed and his ladies team up to defend their potential offspring and you will need to prove that you’re no chicken if Chuckie Egg is to be beaten.

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Notes

Press S to start, followed by number 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the amount of players.
Press I for instructions and controls.
Press R to redefine the controls.