Toxic Crusaders (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Toxic Crusaders: The Video Game

Released in 1992 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Toxic Crusaders is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game based on the animated series of the same name. Players control one of five Toxic Crusaders and must fight their way through six levels of enemies to defeat Dr. Killemoff and his Radiation Rangers.

The game was developed by Acclaim Entertainment and published by LJN. It was released in North America and Europe, but not in Japan. Toxic Crusaders received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Toxic Crusaders is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game in which players control one of five Toxic Crusaders: Toxie, Major Disaster, Nozone, Headbanger, or Junkyard. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Players must fight their way through six levels of enemies, each with its own unique boss. The levels are filled with a variety of enemies, including Dr. Killemoff’s Radiation Rangers, as well as other mutants and monsters.

Players can use a variety of attacks to defeat their enemies, including punches, kicks, and special attacks. They can also pick up weapons and items to help them in their fight.

Characters

The five playable characters in Toxic Crusaders are:

  • Toxie: The leader of the Toxic Crusaders, Toxie is a hideously deformed creature with super-human strength and size.
  • Major Disaster: A former military officer, Major Disaster is now a cyborg with a variety of weapons and abilities.
  • Nozone: A former ozone layer, Nozone is now a floating head with the ability to control the weather.
  • Headbanger: A former heavy metal musician, Headbanger is now a living skull with the ability to shoot lasers from his eyes.
  • Junkyard: A former junkyard owner, Junkyard is now a walking pile of scrap metal with the ability to shoot rockets from his body.

Levels

The six levels in Toxic Crusaders are:

  • Tromaville: The first level of the game, Tromaville is a small town that has been overrun by Dr. Killemoff’s Radiation Rangers.
  • The Chemical Plant: The second level of the game, the Chemical Plant is where Dr. Killemoff is creating his army of mutants.
  • The Sewers: The third level of the game, the Sewers are a labyrinthine maze filled with toxic waste and giant rats.
  • The Junkyard: The fourth level of the game, the Junkyard is a scrapyard filled with all sorts of dangerous machinery.
  • The Power Plant: The fifth level of the game, the Power Plant is where Dr. Killemoff is generating the power for his evil plans.
  • The Radiation Zone: The sixth and final level of the game, the Radiation Zone is a barren wasteland that is home to Dr. Killemoff’s most powerful mutants.

Bosses

The bosses in Toxic Crusaders are:

  • Level 1: The Blob
  • Level 2: Dr. Killemoff’s Assistant
  • Level 3: The Rat King
  • Level 4: The Junkyard Dog
  • Level 5: The Power Plant Boss
  • Level 6: Dr. Killemoff

Reception

Toxic Crusaders received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics and gameplay, while others criticized its difficulty and repetitive nature. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Toxic Crusaders is considered to be a classic NES game. It has been praised for its graphics, gameplay, and humor. The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the Game Boy Advance.

In 2019, a new Toxic Crusaders game was released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game was developed by WayForward Technologies and published by THQ Nordic. The new game is a faithful remake of the original NES game, with updated graphics and gameplay.

Conclusion

Toxic Crusaders is a classic NES game that is still enjoyed by many today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and humor make it a must-play for fans of beat ’em up games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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