Ikari III: The Rescue (NES) Playthrough
7Playthrough of SNK's 1991 action game for the NES, Ikari III: The Rescue.
"Ikari III: The Rescue" is an action game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1991, developed by SNK. It is the third installment in the "Ikari Warriors" series, following the success of "Ikari Warriors" and "Victory Road." Unlike its predecessors, which were top-down run-and-gun shooters, "Ikari III" shifts to a side-scrolling beat-'em-up format, focusing on hand-to-hand combat and platforming. The game follows the protagonists Ralf and Clark, two commandos on a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist from a terrorist organization. The story is straightforward, serving as a backdrop for the action-packed gameplay.
The gameplay in "Ikari III" revolves around navigating through various levels, defeating enemies using punches, kicks, and special moves. Players can also pick up weapons like knives and grenades to aid in combat, though the emphasis remains on melee fighting. The controls are simple, with buttons for attacking and jumping, but the mechanics can feel stiff and unresponsive at times, which has been a point of criticism. The game features a two-player cooperative mode, allowing friends to team up and tackle the missions together, adding a layer of fun and replayability.
Visually, "Ikari III" is a mixed bag. The character sprites are large and detailed, but the animation is somewhat choppy, and the environments lack variety, often feeling repetitive. The game's soundtrack, however, is energetic and fitting for the action, with upbeat tunes that keep the pace engaging. Despite its flaws, the game has a certain charm, particularly for fans of the beat-'em-up genre or those nostalgic for the NES era.
"Ikari III: The Rescue" received mixed reviews upon release. While some appreciated its attempt to innovate within the series by shifting genres, others criticized its clunky controls and repetitive gameplay. It is often considered the weakest entry in the "Ikari Warriors" trilogy, failing to capture the same level of excitement as its predecessors. Nonetheless, it remains a curious and somewhat underappreciated title in the NES library, offering a unique take on the beat-'em-up formula for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.