My Played Video Games Review: RoboCop for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

RoboCop is a side-srolling fighting and shooting arcade game produced by Data East of Japan in 1988 based on the 1987 hit sci-fi action film of the same name. It was sub-licensed to Data East by Ocean Software, who got the rights from Orion Pictures during the script stage of making the movie. It was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989.

Robocop the movie was very popular during the late 1980s. You would have greatly expected the video game based on it to be popular too.

The Story

A brutal crime wave is troubling the city of Detroit in the near future. A private tech corporation, O.C.P., has gained control of the city police. Its research team creates a law enforcement cyborg - named RoboCop. As Robocop, you must stop every sicko criminal you encounter. But beware, criminals and corrupt bastards within O.C.P. - wished to see RoboCop eliminated.

The Graphics and Sound

The game has somewhat mediocre graphics. The pixels in the game might mean the developers have sucked the NES dry enough of what it can visually do. Robocop looks fine. He looks metallic enough and he's got that automatic pistol in his leg.

The environment setting and ambiances are OK like that in the movie; it is urban, dark, and dreary.

The game has got RoboCop's great theme song! There are music tracks in the game which change during certain situations such as different music during boss fights and another soundtrack when walking around fighting regular enemies.

The sound effects of guns, the death of enemies, and explosions are okay for me.

The Gameplay

AS RoboCop, you control him in a 2-D side-scrolling action game. Like in the movie, he can't run. Robocop walks like his balls are big and heavy. You can bring out his automatic pistol and shoot at the bad guys. You can aim up, straight ahead or at a 45 degree angle to shoot them down.

Your enemies are a varied lot and they are trying to kill you. This is where your pistol is your great friend. You can also block your enemy's attack by pressing the select button to shield yourself with your arms for protection.

My Verdict

Robocop for the NES is not a good game, but it is not really that bad either. Just be prepared to have many continues if this is your first time. Some good practice is the key to survive all the stages without dying too much.

Fans of the Robocop movie may want to check this out if they have a NES in their collection, but for those of you looking for a good retro-action video game, look for other games and stay away.

Do try it on the NES or on emulators to see for yourself.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!