Who remembers Hugo?
TV Pioneer, Video Game Hero, and Casino Icon
Hugo, the mischievous yet lovable cartoon troll, first appeared in 1990. Created by the Danish company Interactive Television Entertainment (ITE), Hugo became the star of an innovative interactive TV show, later branching out into video games, merchandise, and even casino slots on platforms such as Big Bass Bonanza. Hugo’s charm, humor, and adventurous spirit captivated audiences worldwide.
Hugo’s origins lie in Denmark, where ITE developed the character for an interactive TV format. The concept was groundbreaking: viewers could call into the show and control Hugo’s actions in real time using phone buttons. The character’s appeal quickly transcended Danish borders, and Hugo became a global phenomenon during the 1990s.
Hugo on TV
The History
Debut: Hugo first aired in Denmark in 1990.
Global Reach: The show was adapted for over 40 countries, including Germany, Spain, Brazil, and Poland. Each version was localized, featuring unique hosts and adaptations to suit regional audiences.
Decline: The TV format waned by the early 2000s as gaming platforms evolved, but Hugo remained a recognizable character in other media.
Watch now! St1ka presents Hugo, Skærmtrolden Hugo or just Troll Hugo retro game show on youtube here.
What was Interactive TV?
Interactive TV (iTV) allowed viewers to actively participate in live broadcasts. In Hugo’s case, viewers used actual buttons on their phones to guide him through challenges, such as navigating mine carts, avoiding traps, and collecting treasures.
Viewers called a special number and connected to the game being broadcast. Using the buttons on their phones (DTMF signals), they controlled Hugo’s movements, such as jumping, avoiding obstacles, or choosing paths in the game. The show's hosts interacted with the participants live, creating an immersive experience.
The technology was groundbreaking in the early 1990s, combining television broadcasting with telecommunication systems to create a real-time interactive experience. And remember, this was before cell phones!
Hugo as a Video Game
The History
Hugo transitioned to video games in the early 1990s, retaining the interactive charm of the TV show while offering players greater control over his adventures. Starting on the Amiga Hugo eventually landed on the Nintendo platforms - who remembers playing Hugo on their Gameboy Color?
Chronological List of Hugo Games
Hugo (1991)
Platforms: Amiga, DOS, and other systems.
Overview: This was one of the first video games starring Hugo. It maintained the core elements of the TV show, allowing players to guide Hugo through various challenges, such as navigating mine carts and dodging traps.
Hugo’s House of Horrors (1992)
Platforms: PC.
Plot: Hugo must rescue Hugolina, who is kidnapped by the evil witch Scylla and held in a gold mine. Players explore spooky environments and solve puzzles.
Hugo 4 / Hugo ist nicht zu Bremsen! (1996)
Platforms: PC.
Plot: Based on new TV scenarios, Hugo embarks on thrilling new adventures.
Hugo Classic 2 (1996, re-released 2000)
Platforms: PC.
Details: This game was re-released multiple times and included in the Trollbox 2 compilation along with Wild River and Thomas & Tim.
Hugo: The Evil Mirror (2002)
Platforms: PlayStation, Game Boy Color, PC.
Plot: Scylla traps Hugo in a magic mirror, and it’s up to his children to free him. Players complete levels to break the spell and defeat the witch.
Hugo: Cannon Cruise (2003)
Platforms: PlayStation 2 and PC.
Overview: A naval combat game where Hugo faces Scylla’s forces on the high seas. This title introduced new gameplay mechanics, adding variety to Hugo's adventures.
Hugo Retro Mania (2011)
Platforms: Mobile. I’ve tried to find this on today’s iOS and Android app platforms but it’s no longer available. Would hav been fun tho -
Overview: A tribute to the original TV format and early games, featuring classic challenges like mine cart rides and log jumping.
Hugo Troll Race (2012)
Platforms: Mobile (iOS and Android).
Overview: An endless runner game where players guide Hugo through various tracks, collecting coins and avoiding obstacles. The game was widely successful, introducing Hugo to younger audiences. The games’ mechanics have evolved over time, from platforming to endless runners, ensuring Hugo’s appeal to new generations.
By the late 1990s, Hugo’s games had sold over 1 million copies across various platforms.
Mobile versions like Hugo Troll Race brought the character to a younger audience, with millions of downloads worldwide.
Hugo in 2024
Today you can play Hugo on many different platforms, even VR! My personal favourite is the Nintendo Switch and I plan to go purchase this game asap :)
Hugo Retro Mania
Platforms: iOS, Android
Description: A mobile game that pays homage to the original TV format, featuring classic challenges like mine cart rides and log jumping.
Hugo Troll Race 2
Platforms: iOS, Android
Description: An endless runner game where players guide Hugo through various tracks, collecting coins and avoiding obstacles.
Hugo's Adventure
Platforms: Online Slot Machines
Description: A casino slot game developed by Play'n GO, featuring Hugo in an adventurous setting with various bonus features.
Hugo Goal
Platforms: Online Slot Machines
Description: A football-themed slot game starring Hugo, offering engaging gameplay and bonus rounds.
Hugo 2
Platforms: Online Slot Machines
Description: A sequel to the original Hugo slot game, providing enhanced graphics and new bonus features.
Hugo Carts
Platforms: Online Slot Machines
Description: A mining-themed slot game where Hugo navigates through mines, offering various bonuses and free spins.
Hugo's Adventure VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
Description: A virtual reality game where players embark on adventures with Hugo in immersive environments.
Hugo: The Evil Mirror Remastered
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Description: A remastered version of the classic game, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
Hugo: Cannon Cruise HD
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Description: An HD remaster of the naval combat game where Hugo faces Scylla’s forces on the high seas.
Hugo: Jungle Quest
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Description: An adventure game where Hugo embarks on a quest through the jungle, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.
Hugo the Casino Game
The History
Hugo made his debut in the casino gaming world through Play’n GO, a leading developer of online slot machines.
First Release: The Hugo slot machine launched in 2016, featuring 5 reels and 10 paylines.
Platforms: Available online in Flash and HTML5 formats, ensuring compatibility with desktops and mobile devices.
Theme: Set in a lush forest, Hugo takes on the role of a miner searching for treasure while rescuing Hugolina from Scylla.
Overview of Hugo Slots
Symbols:
The reels feature mining tools, treasure chests, gold nuggets, and characters like Hugolina and Scylla. Card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A) complete the set.Wild Symbol:
Hugo acts as the wild, substituting for all symbols except scatters and bonuses.Scatter Symbol:
Scylla is the scatter. Landing three or more scatters triggers free spins.Bonus Game:
Players navigate a gold mine, choosing doors to uncover treasure while avoiding Don Croco, a villainous crocodile.Free Spins:
Players can select from three options:5 spins with a 3x multiplier.
10 spins with a 2x multiplier.
15 spins with a 1x multiplier.
How to Play Hugo Slots
Players select their bet amount, ranging from $0.10 to $100 per spin.
Wins are calculated based on combinations formed from left to right across active paylines.
Bonus features, including the Treasure Bonus and Free Spins, offer opportunities for larger payouts.
Hugo’s journey from an interactive TV pioneer to a beloved video game hero and casino icon showcases his enduring appeal. His adaptability across media formats and decades ensures that Hugo remains a cherished part of the evolution of gaming. Whether you’re playing his classic video games or spinning the reels of his slot machine, Hugo continues to entertain and inspire.