Circus Caper

Barnum & Bailey Say: And where were the bleeding heart protesters when this came out?
Pennywise Says: Want a balloon?
The Bent Kangaroo Says: You're not real!

So What Kind Of Game Is This?

A platformer by Toho. That's all that needs to be said.

You Have To Tell Me Something

No, I don't.

I'm Not Leaving Until You Give Me A Reason

On the first level, there are water pits with alligators. Like Pitfall (see: decent game), you have to jump on their heads to cross the murky depths. Unlike Pitfall, they often don't appear until you jump. And if their mouths are open, they eat you. Well, close. Alligator mastication being too difficult to program, Timmy (the brave boy who must save his sister from the evil clowns) sinks in front of the alligator sprite.

I'll Trust You On This One

Hey, you don't have to take my word for it.

Links

Clown Hating Review by Six-Something.org
Game Genie