Publisher: Clover

Vigilante (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Vigilante (1988): A Classic Beat ‘Em Up That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1988, Vigilante is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game developed and published by Irem. The game follows the story of a vigilante who sets out to rescue his girlfriend from a ruthless gang known as the Rogues.

Gameplay

Vigilante is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up in the same vein as Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. The player controls the vigilante, who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to reach his girlfriend. The vigilante has a variety of attacks at his disposal, including punches, kicks, and throws. He can also pick up weapons such as knives, pipes, and baseball bats.

One of the unique features of Vigilante is its “rescue” system. Throughout the game, the player will come across hostages being held by the Rogues. If the player can defeat all of the enemies in the area and reach the hostage before they are killed, they will be rescued. Rescuing hostages earns the player extra points and health.

Characters

The player character in Vigilante is simply known as the Vigilante. He is a muscular man with a red bandana and black gi. The Vigilante is a skilled fighter and is determined to rescue his girlfriend no matter what.

The Rogues are a ruthless gang who have taken over the city. They are led by a man named Mr. X, who is a powerful fighter and master of martial arts. The Rogues are well-armed and will stop at nothing to prevent the Vigilante from rescuing his girlfriend.

Setting

Vigilante is set in a dark and gritty city that is overrun by crime. The streets are filled with thugs and gangs, and the police are powerless to stop them. The Vigilante is the only hope for the city, and he must use all of his skills to defeat the Rogues and restore order.

Development

Vigilante was developed by Irem, a Japanese video game developer known for its arcade games. The game was designed by Kazunori Kumagai, who also worked on the classic beat ’em up Double Dragon. Vigilante was released in arcades in 1988 and was later ported to home computers and consoles.

Reception

Vigilante was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense action, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack. Vigilante is considered to be one of the best beat ’em up games of all time, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

Vigilante has had a lasting impact on the beat ’em up genre. The game’s unique “rescue” system has been copied by many other games, and its characters and setting have been referenced in other works of popular culture. Vigilante is a true classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games.

Tips for Playing Vigilante

  • Use your environment to your advantage. The game is filled with objects that you can use to attack your enemies, such as barrels, crates, and even the scenery itself.
  • Don’t be afraid to use weapons. Weapons can give you a significant advantage in battle, so don’t hesitate to pick them up whenever you can.
  • Rescue as many hostages as possible. Rescuing hostages earns you extra points and health, so it’s always worth taking the time to do so.
  • Be careful of Mr. X. Mr. X is the final boss of the game, and he is a powerful fighter. Be sure to use all of your skills to defeat him.

Conclusion

Vigilante is a classic beat ’em up that still packs a punch today. With its intense action, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. So grab your joystick and get ready to clean up the streets!

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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