Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade
Thunder Jaws (1990)
Thunder Jaws is a classic arcade run-and-gun game released in 1990 by Capcom. The game follows the adventures of a cyborg soldier named Jake “Thunder” Logan as he fights his way through hordes of enemies to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend, Anya.
Thunder Jaws is a side-scrolling shooter in the same vein as Commando and Ikari Warriors. The player controls Jake as he runs and guns his way through a variety of levels, including a jungle, a factory, and a military base. Jake can shoot in eight directions, and he can also use grenades to take out large groups of enemies.
One of the things that sets Thunder Jaws apart from other run-and-gun games is its focus on melee combat. Jake can punch and kick enemies, and he can also use his Thunder Jaws, a pair of powerful cybernetic jaws, to bite enemies in half. This makes for a more varied and exciting gameplay experience than in other games of the genre.
Another thing that makes Thunder Jaws unique is its emphasis on exploration. The game’s levels are large and labyrinthine, and there are often multiple paths to take. This encourages the player to explore every nook and cranny in search of hidden items and power-ups.
Thunder Jaws was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy music. The game was also a hit with arcade-goers, and it quickly became one of the most popular games of its era.
Thunder Jaws has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation 2. The game has also been released on a number of digital platforms, such as the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.
Gameplay
Thunder Jaws is a side-scrolling shooter in which the player controls Jake Logan as he fights his way through hordes of enemies. The game is played using a joystick and two buttons: one to shoot and one to jump.
Jake can shoot in eight directions, and he can also use grenades to take out large groups of enemies. Grenades are limited in quantity, but they can be replenished by finding power-ups.
Jake can also punch and kick enemies, and he can use his Thunder Jaws to bite enemies in half. The Thunder Jaws are a powerful weapon, but they can only be used for a limited time.
The game’s levels are large and labyrinthine, and there are often multiple paths to take. This encourages the player to explore every nook and cranny in search of hidden items and power-ups.
Power-ups
There are a variety of power-ups that can be found in Thunder Jaws, including:
- Speed Up: Increases Jake’s speed.
- Power Up: Increases Jake’s attack power.
- Defense Up: Increases Jake’s defense.
- Grenade Up: Replenishes Jake’s grenade supply.
- Thunder Jaws Up: Increases the duration that Jake can use his Thunder Jaws.
Enemies
Thunder Jaws features a wide variety of enemies, including:
- Soldiers: The most common enemy in the game. They are armed with rifles and grenades.
- Tanks: Heavily armored enemies that can fire powerful shots.
- Helicopters: Flying enemies that can fire rockets and drop bombs.
- Bosses: Large and powerful enemies that appear at the end of each level.
Bosses
There are a total of five bosses in Thunder Jaws. Each boss is unique, and they require different strategies to defeat.
The first boss is a giant snake. It attacks by spitting venom and by charging at Jake. To defeat the snake, Jake must shoot it in the head.
The second boss is a giant spider. It attacks by shooting webs and by dropping rocks from the ceiling. To defeat the spider, Jake must shoot it in the eyes.
The third boss is a giant scorpion. It attacks by shooting lasers and by stinging Jake with its tail. To defeat the scorpion, Jake must shoot it in the head.
The fourth boss is a giant robot. It attacks by firing rockets and by dropping bombs. To defeat the robot, Jake must shoot it in the head.
The fifth and final boss is a giant alien. It attacks by firing lasers and by summoning smaller aliens to help it. To defeat the alien, Jake must shoot it in the head.
Legacy
Thunder Jaws is a classic arcade run-and-gun game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy music, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
The game has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, and it has also been released on a number of digital platforms. This means that it’s easy for gamers of all ages to experience this classic title.
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging run-and-gun game to play, then Thunder Jaws is definitely worth checking out. It’s a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Review Score
8.5/10
