Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Platform, Racing, Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Ocean
- Publishers: Acclaim, Ocean
Total Recall (1990)
Total Recall is a 1990 action-adventure game developed and published by Ocean Software for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is based on the 1990 film of the same name, which in turn is based on the 1966 short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick.
The game follows Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who begins to experience strange dreams and hallucinations. He visits Rekall, a company that implants false memories, in order to experience a vacation on Mars. However, during the procedure, something goes wrong and Quaid’s mind is flooded with memories of being a secret agent on Mars.
Quaid is then hunted by agents from the Martian government, and he must fight his way through level after level of enemies in order to reach Mars and find out the truth about his past.
Gameplay
Total Recall is an action-adventure game that combines elements of platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving. The player controls Douglas Quaid as he fights his way through hordes of enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles.
The game is divided into 10 levels, each of which takes place in a different location, such as a construction site, a factory, and a Martian landscape. Each level has its own unique set of challenges, and Quaid must use his wits and skills to overcome them.
In addition to the main levels, there are also several bonus levels that can be unlocked by collecting hidden items. These bonus levels offer players the chance to earn extra lives and power-ups.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Total Recall are colorful and detailed for an NES game. The character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are varied and interesting. The game’s soundtrack is also impressive, with catchy tunes that add to the atmosphere.
Difficulty
Total Recall is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player is given plenty of opportunities to learn the game’s mechanics and to find their way through the levels. However, the game does require patience and perseverance, and players should be prepared to die a few times before they finally reach the end.
Overall
Total Recall is a solid action-adventure game that is based on a classic film. It has challenging but rewarding gameplay, colorful graphics, and a catchy soundtrack. Fans of the movie will definitely enjoy this game, and even those who are not familiar with the film will find it to be a fun and engaging experience.
Tips
- Be patient and don’t give up if you die a few times. The game is challenging, but it is possible to beat it with practice.
- Take your time to explore each level and find all of the hidden items. These items can give you extra lives and power-ups that will help you on your journey.
- Don’t be afraid to use the pause button to catch your breath and plan your next move.
- If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to look up a walkthrough online. There are many resources available to help you beat the game.
Trivia
- The game was originally going to be released as a tie-in to the 1987 film RoboCop, but the license fell through.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Whittaker, who also composed the soundtracks for many other classic NES games, such as Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- The game was released in Japan under the title Mars no Kioku o Motomete (In Search of Martian Memories).
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
