Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Arcade, Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Imagitec Design
- Publishers: Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
Butcher Hill (1989): A Retro Run-and-Gun Classic
Butcher Hill is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter game developed and published by Namco for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. The game is set in a fictionalized version of the Vietnam War, and follows the story of a one-man army on a mission to rescue POWs from enemy territory.
Butcher Hill is known for its challenging gameplay, intense action, and memorable graphics. The game has been praised for its smooth scrolling, detailed sprites, and catchy soundtrack. It is considered one of the best NES games of its era, and is still enjoyed by retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Butcher Hill is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter game. The player controls a one-man army, and must fight their way through enemy territory to rescue POWs. The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique challenges.
The player character is armed with a variety of weapons, including a machine gun, shotgun, and rocket launcher. The player can also collect power-ups to increase their firepower and speed.
The enemies in Butcher Hill are varied and challenging. The player will face off against foot soldiers, tanks, helicopters, and even bosses. The player must use their skills and weapons to defeat the enemy and rescue the POWs.
Graphics
Butcher Hill is known for its impressive graphics. The game’s sprites are detailed and well-animated, and the backgrounds are lush and colorful. The game’s use of parallax scrolling creates a sense of depth and immersion.
The game’s graphics are particularly impressive for an NES game. Butcher Hill was one of the first NES games to use the MMC1 mapper chip, which allowed for more advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
Sound
Butcher Hill’s soundtrack is composed by Namco sound team member Miki Higashino. The soundtrack is known for its catchy melodies and driving rhythms. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Reception
Butcher Hill was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, intense action, and memorable graphics. It was also one of the first NES games to use the MMC1 mapper chip, which allowed for more advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
Butcher Hill has been ranked as one of the best NES games of all time by various publications. In 2009, IGN ranked Butcher Hill as the 86th best NES game of all time. In 2012, GamesRadar ranked Butcher Hill as the 25th best NES game of all time.
Legacy
Butcher Hill is considered one of the best NES games of its era, and is still enjoyed by retro gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, intense action, and memorable graphics have made it a classic.
Butcher Hill has also been cited as an influence on later run-and-gun shooter games, such as Contra and Metal Slug. The game’s fast-paced action and over-the-top violence have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Conclusion
Butcher Hill is a classic run-and-gun shooter game that is still enjoyed by retro gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, intense action, and memorable graphics have made it a classic. If you are a fan of run-and-gun shooter games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Butcher Hill.
Review Score
8/10
