Sparkster (Europe) ROM

Did you know that Konami tried to create their own cute mascot? Sparkster was the result of the try. He's not well known today, but the game certainly isn't a bad title.

Being a possum (south america "version" of skunk, as it can smell as bad  as it's northern cousin) with a special sword and jet-propelled armor makes this game really fast-paced, probably something between its biggest simmilars, Mario and Sonic.
While the first stages seem simple platforming action in the forest, it quickly changes to a technologic scenario and with a bit of steam-punk style, given the strange machines all around.

This game gives as much challenge, if not even more, than some of the most known platform games, it's certainly worth a check - specially if you tend to be curious about the roots of the game companies you like.