Rolling Thunder [Unlicensed] (NES) Playthrough

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Longplay Center

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Published on June 13, 2025 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCu9MGPRcWk

Game:

Rolling Thunder (1986)

Duration: 0:00

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Playthrough of Rolling Thunder, Tengen’s unlicensed NES port of Namco’s classic arcade run-and-gun shooter from 1989.

Rolling Thunder for the NES is a side-scrolling run-and-gun action game developed by Namco and released by Tengen in 1989 as an unlicensed title. It is a home adaptation of Namco’s 1986 arcade game, and although the visuals and sound were scaled down for the NES hardware, the core gameplay mechanics remain intact. The game features a sleek, spy-thriller aesthetic, with the player taking on the role of a secret agent from the World Crime Police Organization, tasked with rescuing a kidnapped female agent and dismantling a global terrorist group known as Geldra.

The gameplay emphasizes a deliberate pace and careful movement rather than the chaotic bullet-dodging typical of other shooters from the era. Players can jump between platforms, duck behind cover, and enter doors to find power-ups or take shelter. The standard pistol can be upgraded to a machine gun, but ammo must be conserved, adding a light tactical element. Enemies, which resemble robed henchmen and strange mutants, often swarm in from both sides, requiring precise timing and positioning to survive.

The NES version maintains the layered level design of the arcade original, with multiple floors and tight corridors to explore. The graphics are simplified but effective, using bold colors and clean sprite work to capture the mood of the original. The sound design is minimal but functional, with a few catchy tunes and sharp sound effects that reinforce the game's tension and rhythm. Despite hardware limitations, the game retains a sense of style, with fluid animation and a polished presentation compared to other unlicensed NES releases.

Rolling Thunder on the NES stands out for its focus on pattern memorization and methodical gameplay, making it feel distinct from the faster-paced shooters on the platform. While its difficulty can be punishing, particularly due to limited lives and a lack of continues, it offers a satisfying experience for players who appreciate strategic action and retro spy game aesthetics. As an unlicensed Tengen title, it also holds a place in NES history as part of the era when some publishers bypassed Nintendo’s strict licensing system.