Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Color Dreams
- Publishers: Color Dreams
Menace Beach: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Menace Beach is a 1990 platformer game developed and published by Color Dreams for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was not officially licensed by Nintendo, and was released as part of Color Dreams’ budget-priced “Fun Four” series.
Menace Beach is notable for its bizarre premise and gameplay. The player controls a skateboarding hero who must rescue his girlfriend, Bunny, from the evil Demon Dan. To do this, the player must travel through a series of levels, using his skateboard and various objects to defeat enemies and obstacles.
One of the most unusual aspects of Menace Beach is its “stripping” mechanic. Between levels, Bunny’s clothes will gradually rot away, until she is eventually left in nothing but her bra and panties. This mechanic was likely included to add a sense of urgency to the game, but it has also been criticized for being sexist and gratuitous.
Despite its flaws, Menace Beach has gained a cult following among retro gamers. The game’s unique premise and bizarre gameplay have made it a favorite of those who enjoy off-beat and challenging games.
The Good
- Unique premise and gameplay. Menace Beach is unlike any other game on the NES. The game’s skateboarding hero and stripping mechanic make it a truly unique experience.
- Challenging difficulty. Menace Beach is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The game’s levels are well-designed and the difficulty curve is gradual.
- Sense of humor. Menace Beach is a funny game. The game’s dialogue and graphics are full of humor, and the game’s overall tone is lighthearted and fun.
The Bad
- Repetitive gameplay. Menace Beach’s gameplay can become repetitive after a while. The game’s levels are all very similar, and the player’s actions are limited to skateboarding and using objects.
- Short length. Menace Beach is a short game. The game can be completed in under an hour, and there is no replay value.
- Stripping mechanic. The game’s stripping mechanic is controversial. Some players find it to be sexist and gratuitous, while others find it to be humorous and harmless.
The Ugly
- Graphics. Menace Beach’s graphics are not very good. The game’s sprites are small and pixelated, and the backgrounds are bland and uninspired.
- Sound. Menace Beach’s sound is also not very good. The game’s music is repetitive and annoying, and the sound effects are bland and uninspired.
- Overall. Menace Beach is a flawed game, but it is also a unique and enjoyable experience. The game’s bizarre premise and gameplay make it a must-play for fans of off-beat and challenging games.
Conclusion
Menace Beach is a game that is both good and bad. The game’s unique premise and gameplay are its strong points, but the game’s repetitive gameplay, short length, and stripping mechanic are its weak points. Overall, Menace Beach is a flawed game, but it is also a unique and enjoyable experience.
Review Score
4/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
