Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega CD, Sega Game Gear, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Malibu Interactive
- Publishers: Playtronic, Psygnosis, Sony Imagesoft, Tec Toy
Cliffhanger (1989): A Retro Side-Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up
Released in 1989, Cliffhanger is a side-scrolling beat ’em up based on the Stallone film of the same name. The game follows Stallone’s character, Gabe Walker, as he tracks down suitcases of stolen cash dropped around the peaks of the Rockies.
Gameplay
Cliffhanger is a standard side-scrolling beat ’em up in the vein of Final Fight. Players control Gabe Walker as he fights his way through hordes of thugs, using a variety of punches, kicks, and throws. The game also features some unique environmental hazards, such as cliffs and avalanches, that players must navigate.
One of the things that sets Cliffhanger apart from other beat ’em ups is its focus on climbing and jumping. Gabe must often scale cliffs and leap over gaps in order to progress through the levels. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and helps to keep things interesting.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Cliffhanger’s graphics were quite impressive. The characters and backgrounds are all well-detailed and the animation is fluid. The game also features some impressive cutscenes that help to move the story along.
The sound in Cliffhanger is also top-notch. The music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic. The game’s voice acting is also quite good, with Stallone himself providing the voice of Gabe Walker.
Story
The story in Cliffhanger is identical to the film, with levels based off of, or inspired by, scenes in the movie. The game does a good job of capturing the excitement of the film and translating it into a video game format.
Overall
Cliffhanger is a fun and challenging side-scrolling beat ’em up that captures the excitement of the movie it’s based on. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch and the story is engaging. If you’re a fan of beat ’em ups or the Cliffhanger film, then you’ll definitely want to check this game out.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- The game was developed by Ocean Software and published by Psygnosis.
- It was released on the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, Sega CD, and ZX Spectrum.
- The Sega CD version of the game features full-motion video cutscenes from the film.
- The game received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its graphics and gameplay and others criticizing its repetitive nature.
Despite its mixed reviews, Cliffhanger remains a popular cult classic among fans of beat ’em ups and the Cliffhanger film.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/ac/ahthighal.webp)
Screenshots
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/ac/ieshaerah.webp)
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/ac/faigighea-scaled-1.webp)
![](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.gamesreviews2010.com/app/uploads/ac/vecohngii.webp)