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Console: Nintendo Entertainment System Developer: Natsume Publisher: Jaleco Release Date: October 1991 Number of Players: 1 |
      
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| 1991 proved to be a year for
remarkable games. Double Dragon 3: the Sacred Stones, CastleVania
3: Dracula's Curse, Ninja Gaiden 3: the Ancient Ship of Doom, and
more. The final sequels to popular series were being developed,
and most received quite favorable reviews. Shatterhand came out in
October, a month after the release of the Super Nintendo. Why
Jaleco decided to sell the game on the NES instead of making it an SNES
launch title, or selling it on both like Battletoads & Double Dragon
is unknown. But, one thing is for certain, the NES does not limit
this game in any way.
Shatterhand involves similar game play to Ninja Gaiden or CastleVania, more like the former. Players take control of Shatterhand, who has two basic moves: punch and jump. Shatterhand has two types of punches: jabs and hooks. Jabs are used when jumping, hanging on a fence, or as the first 3 punches in a consecutive series of punches. When on the ground, Shatterhand will use hooks after the first three punches, which prove to be quite damaging. His fists can be used for more than pummeling enemies. He can punch bullets, missiles, and knock down barriers. Shatterhand is also very agile. Jumps are high, and he can change directions in mid air. Players start on level one, and after completing it, have the option of playing the next 5 levels in any order, a la Mega Man. However, defeating the boss doesn't give the player any special items, it just allows the player to select the levels, but they all must be defeated to access General Grover's level. Alpha - Beta boxes are carried over from one level to the next, a nice feature. Satellite Robots aren't, but it doesn't hinder your progress. The levels have a perfect mixture of enemies, platforms, obstacles, and all around features. To be blunt, the levels are awesome. There are 7 total, but all are unique. Backgrounds are highly detailed. There's rushing water, falling rocks, falling missiles, flames, water, fences - the list goes on and on. Natsume wanted to create a difficult action game, and they succeeded. Some notable features are the ice in the filtration level plant, which causes Shatterhand to slide into enemies. Water also plays a role in the game. Shatterhand's cybernetic implants cause him to sink, but his jumping ability is doubled. Fences also provide a unique way of scrolling vertically, and it's a good thing you can punch while clinging to one. Each level has a special boss, who is, believe me, no pushover. You'll have to use timed punches and certain Robots to defeat each one, but if your Satellite Robot dies, you're in trouble. The music in the game is incredible, pushing the NES to its true limits. Every level is fast paced, which set well the game's overall theme. Explosions sound real, and there are no "kiddie" sounds you've heard in Mario games. No problems here. My only gripe is the lack of a password feature. This game needs one badly. Natsume made it very difficult, so much so that you might hurl your game and/or controller across the room - not good. So, players must go all the way through the game, beginning to the end. But, I won't complain too much because I always feel rewarded in the end. The final showdown with General Grover makes it all worth while, and I think you'll appreciate it more if you find out for your self instead of looking up the spoiler on vgmuseum.com. Do yourself a favor and don't pass this one up. |
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