River City Ransom (1990)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

River City Ransom: A Classic Beat ‘Em Up That Still Holds Up Today

Released in 1990 for the NES, River City Ransom is a side-scrolling beat ’em up that quickly became a classic. The game follows the story of Alex and Ryan, two high school students who must fight their way through the mean streets of River City to rescue Ryan’s girlfriend, Cyndi, from the clutches of a nefarious gang leader named Slick.

River City Ransom is known for its innovative gameplay, which allows players to explore the city freely and interact with its many inhabitants. Players can enter shops to buy new items and power-ups, or they can simply brawl their way through the streets, taking on anyone who gets in their way. The game also features a unique “river” system, which allows players to travel between different areas of the city quickly and easily.

One of the things that makes River City Ransom so special is its combat system. The game features a wide variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, throws, and special moves. Players can also pick up weapons and items to use against their enemies. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, and it gives players a lot of freedom to experiment with different strategies.

Another great thing about River City Ransom is its characters. Alex and Ryan are both likeable and relatable protagonists, and the supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed. The game’s villains are also memorable, especially Slick, who is one of the most iconic video game antagonists of all time.

River City Ransom has been praised for its graphics, which are some of the best on the NES. The game’s world is full of detail and color, and the character sprites are large and expressive. The game’s music is also excellent, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.

Overall, River City Ransom is a classic beat ’em up that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming characters, and excellent graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

River City Ransom is a side-scrolling beat ’em up in which players control Alex and Ryan as they fight their way through the streets of River City. The game is played using a standard NES controller, and players can use a variety of punches, kicks, throws, and special moves to defeat their enemies.

Players can also pick up weapons and items to use against their enemies. These items include baseball bats, knives, and even bicycles. Players can also find food items that can be used to restore their health.

The game’s world is divided into several different areas, including a school, a park, and a shopping mall. Players can travel between these areas using the game’s “river” system. The river is a fast-flowing body of water that can be used to quickly travel between different parts of the city.

Characters

  • Alex: Alex is one of the two playable characters in River City Ransom. He is a skilled fighter and is known for his powerful punches and kicks.
  • Ryan: Ryan is the other playable character in River City Ransom. He is not as strong as Alex, but he is more agile and can use a variety of special moves.
  • Cyndi: Cyndi is Ryan’s girlfriend. She is kidnapped by Slick at the beginning of the game, and Alex and Ryan must fight their way through River City to rescue her.
  • Slick: Slick is the main antagonist of River City Ransom. He is the leader of the River City Gang, and he is responsible for kidnapping Cyndi. Slick is a powerful fighter, and he is not afraid to use dirty tactics to win.

Legacy

River City Ransom has been praised by critics and gamers alike for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and excellent graphics. The game has been ported to several different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

River City Ransom has also been the inspiration for several other games, including the River City Girls series. The River City Girls games are a modern take on the classic beat ’em up formula, and they feature updated graphics and gameplay.

Conclusion

River City Ransom is a classic beat ’em up that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming characters, and excellent graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of River City Ransom or you’re just discovering it for the first time, you’re sure to enjoy this timeless classic.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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