With the 2016 Academy Awards just around the corner, movie buffs want to know one thing: will 41-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio finally receive his first ever Oscar? The five-time Academy Award nominee (What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, 1994; The Aviator, 2004; Blood Diamond, 2006; The Wolf of Wall Street, 2013; The Revenant 2015) came close but no cigar many times, resulting to countless memes and even in-depth pieces that recount his despairing losses. However, there was never a video game that gave props to Leonardi DiCaprio's Oscar hustle, until now — introducing Leos' Red Carpet Rampage.
The free browser game is a relatively straightforward 2D side-scrolling platformer. Playing as Leonardo himself, a player must rapidly alternate button-smashing 'G' and 'H' to chase after a flashing Oscar at the opposite side of the screen. Instead of Goombas and Koopa Troopas, Leo must jump on or jump over paparazzi that constantly get in his way. Meanwhile, Leonardi can also jump to collect his share of Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Awards along the way.
"Boss" levels bring in other 2016 Oscar contenders as well, including challenges that require Leo to outrun Michael Fassbender's Steve Jobs or Eddie Redmayne's The Danish Girl. If you're really unlucky, then Lady Gaga, who shared an awkward moment with Leo during the Golden Globes last month, will get in between Leo and his Oscar as well.
Leo is also often haunted by his past defeats: Icebergs randomly materialize on the red carpet to slow down the actor unless your quick reflexes help him jump over it. The game also features Bonus Games such as "Quaaludes Overdose," which again requires you to hit 'G' and 'H' repeatedly to get Leo's character Jordan Belfort to his white Lamborghini Countach.
The arcade-style game is quite entertaining, especially if you recognize the cheeky references in the game elements. That said, it becomes clear after a few minutes of gameplay that the game is designed to never let Leo get close enough to nab his Oscar. Leos' Red Carpet Rampage is a cruel joke, but it's certainly effective in getting its point across.
You can play Leos' Red Carpet Rampage here. Did you like the game? Let us know what you thought about it in the comment section below!
