Summary

Release Year: 1991
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
Platforms: Amiga, Amiga CD32, Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Game Gear
Developers: Rare
Publishers: Masaya, Mindscape, Playtronic, Sega, Tradewest Inc

Battletoads (1991): The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Beat ‘Em Up

Released in 1991, Battletoads is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game developed by Rare and published by Tradewest for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game follows the adventures of three anthropomorphic toads named Rash, Zitz, and Pimple as they battle against the evil Dark Queen and her army of mutants.

Battletoads is known for its challenging difficulty, its innovative gameplay, and its memorable characters. The game has been praised for its fluid animation, detailed graphics, and catchy music. It has also been criticized for its high difficulty level, which can be frustrating for some players.

Gameplay

Battletoads is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game in which the player controls one of the three Battletoads. The player must fight their way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of punches, kicks, and special attacks. The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges.

One of the most innovative aspects of Battletoads is its use of vehicle-based levels. In these levels, the player must ride a variety of vehicles, such as motorcycles, jet skis, and even a giant hamster ball. These levels add a sense of variety to the game and help to keep the player engaged.

Characters

The Battletoads are a trio of anthropomorphic toads with unique personalities and abilities. Rash is the leader of the group and is known for his hotheadedness and impulsiveness. Zitz is the middle child and is known for his strength and toughness. Pimple is the youngest and smallest of the Battletoads and is known for his intelligence and agility.

In addition to the Battletoads, the game also features a variety of other characters, including the Dark Queen, the Battletoads’ arch-nemesis; Professor T. Bird, a scientist who helps the Battletoads on their quest; and the Space Bikers, a group of alien bikers who race against the Battletoads in one of the game’s levels.

Development

Battletoads was developed by Rare, a British video game developer that would later go on to create such classics as Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, and Perfect Dark. The game was originally conceived as a sequel to Rare’s earlier NES game, Battletoads & Double Dragon, but was eventually developed into a standalone title.

Battletoads was developed by a small team of just six people, including programmer David Wise, who would later go on to compose the music for many of Rare’s most famous games. The game was developed over a period of two years, and was finally released in 1991.

Release and Reception

Battletoads was released in North America in May 1991 and in Europe in September 1991. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and catchy music.

However, the game was also criticized for its high difficulty level. Many players found the game to be too challenging, and some even gave up on it in frustration. Despite its difficulty, Battletoads remains a popular game among retro gamers and is considered to be one of the classic beat ’em up games of all time.

Legacy

Battletoads has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and memorable characters have influenced many other games, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game and the Streets of Rage series. Battletoads has also been ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Game Boy, and the Xbox 360.

In 2020, Rare released a new Battletoads game for the Xbox One and Windows 10. The game is a reboot of the original trilogy and features updated graphics, gameplay, and characters. The new Battletoads game has been praised for its faithfulness to the original game while also adding new and innovative elements.

Conclusion

Battletoads is a classic beat ’em up game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. While the game’s high difficulty level can be frustrating for some players, it is also part of what makes the game so memorable. Battletoads is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming or beat ’em up games.