Jaws (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of LJN's 1987 action game for the NES, Jaws.
Jaws for the NES, released in 1987 by LJN, is a side-scrolling action game loosely based on the film series of the same name. Rather than following the plot of any particular movie, the game takes a more abstract approach, tasking players with piloting a boat across a top-down map and periodically diving underwater to fight sea creatures, collect shells, and eventually face off against the titular shark. The premise is simple but engaging, and the game creates a unique rhythm as players shift between navigating the ocean and engaging in underwater combat.
The gameplay consists of two main modes. On the overhead map, the player's boat moves between ports, which serve as checkpoints and upgrade stations. These sequences are calm and straightforward, but at any moment, the boat can randomly hit something in the water, triggering a transition to a side-scrolling underwater level. Here, the diver must fend off jellyfish, stingrays, and small sharks using a spear gun, collecting shells from defeated enemies as currency for upgrades. The player gradually builds power over time, increasing their chances in the final confrontation with Jaws.
One of the most unusual mechanics in the game is how it handles the final battle. Once enough upgrades have been purchased and the player's power level is high enough, Jaws appears as a constant threat rather than a random encounter. The final showdown takes place in a unique first-person-like perspective, where the player drops depth charges to weaken Jaws before using a strobe light to bring him to the surface. The player must then time a well-placed strike with the boat's bow to defeat the shark in a single, dramatic hit. This sequence is unlike anything else in the game and provides a surprisingly tense finale.
Visually, Jaws is modest even by NES standards, with simple sprites and backgrounds, though it maintains a consistent and clean look. The music is minimal, with a looping, slightly ominous theme that plays throughout the game. While it doesn’t feature the iconic John Williams score, the audio design adds to the feeling of isolation and danger. Controls are generally responsive, though the underwater sections can feel stiff, especially when trying to dodge faster enemies or aim quickly.
Jaws for the NES may not be a direct adaptation of the films, but it offers an oddly compelling mix of action, exploration, and progression. Despite its repetitive elements and some design quirks, it carves out a unique identity among licensed games of the era. Its blend of overhead navigation and underwater combat, coupled with the memorable and cinematic final battle, has earned it a small but lasting place in NES history.