Balloon Fight (1985)

by Christopher January 15, 2023

written by Christopher January 15, 2023 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1985
Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Platform
Platforms: Arcade, Family Computer, Legacy Mobile Device, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U
Developers: Nintendo R&D1
Publishers: Nintendo, Sharp

Balloon Fight: A Famicom Classic That Still Soars High

Released in 1985, Balloon Fight is a charming and addictive platformer that was one of the early hits on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and its colorful graphics and catchy music have made it a favorite among gamers for decades.

Gameplay

The goal of Balloon Fight is to pop all of the balloons of your opponents while avoiding getting hit by their darts. You control a character who floats in the air with the help of two balloons. You can move your character left and right, and you can also jump and shoot darts.

There are a total of 32 stages in Balloon Fight, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The stages become increasingly difficult as you progress, and you’ll need to use all of your skills to reach the end.

Co-op Mode

One of the things that makes Balloon Fight so special is its co-op mode. You can team up with a friend to take on the game’s challenges together. In co-op mode, you’ll need to work together to pop all of the balloons of your opponents while avoiding getting hit by their darts.

Co-op mode is a great way to experience Balloon Fight, and it’s a lot of fun to play with a friend. It’s also a great way to learn the game, as you can help each other out and learn from each other’s mistakes.

Power-Ups

There are a number of power-ups that can help you in Balloon Fight. These power-ups include:

Speed Up: Makes your character move faster.
Jump Up: Makes your character jump higher.
Dart Up: Gives you more darts.
Bomb: Drops a bomb that explodes and pops all of the balloons in its vicinity.
Starman: Makes you invincible for a short period of time.

Power-ups can be found in balloons that are scattered throughout the stages. Be sure to collect as many power-ups as you can, as they can give you a significant advantage in battle.

Legacy

Balloon Fight was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the NES as a major force in the video game industry. The game has been ported to numerous other systems, and it has more recently been released on the Nintendo Wii U.

Balloon Fight has also been featured in a number of other Nintendo games, including Super Smash Bros. and WarioWare. The game’s iconic characters and gameplay have made it a beloved classic among gamers of all ages.

Conclusion

Balloon Fight is a timeless classic that still offers a fun and challenging experience today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music have made it a favorite among gamers for decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan or you’re just discovering the game for the first time, Balloon Fight is sure to bring you hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.