Sachen's Challenge of the Dragon [Unlicensed] (NES) Playthrough
4Playthrough of Challenge of the Dragon, Sachen's unlicensed 1990 beat 'em up for the NES.
Sachen’s Challenge of the Dragon is an unlicensed beat ’em up released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. It shares its title with a different game published by Color Dreams the same year, though the two are entirely unrelated. Sachen’s version takes inspiration from Double Dragon and similar side-scrolling brawlers, delivering straightforward martial arts action across multiple stages.
Players assume the role of Master Lee, a fighter who must pass the traditional test of the Sou Lin temple before setting out to begin his own career. The test spans five stages, each filled with enemies and concluding with a battle against the recurring boss Vadjin. Along the way, Master Lee can collect sacred boxes and other special items that increase his power, adding a light layer of progression to the otherwise linear gameplay.
Combat is simple but varied enough to keep encounters interesting. Master Lee can punch and kick at different heights, perform jump kicks, and execute low strikes. He can also shout as a special move, and use magic either to damage opponents or to heal himself. This range of abilities makes the game feel more dynamic than some of the most basic brawlers of its era.
Visually, the game is colorful and clear. Sprites are large and well-defined, backgrounds change from stage to stage, and the overall presentation is stronger than might be expected from an unlicensed release. The animation is limited but serviceable. The music, while simple, includes a few catchy themes and generally complements the action without becoming grating.
The difficulty strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge. Enemies are aggressive enough to require attention, but the game avoids the frustrating difficulty spikes seen in some licensed titles. Controls are responsive and make it possible to execute moves consistently, which is critical in a beat ’em up.
Within Sachen’s catalog, Challenge of the Dragon is a standout. Many unlicensed NES games are remembered for poor design or clumsy execution, but this title manages to be playable and entertaining. It does not innovate within the genre, but it achieves a level of competence that places it ahead of some officially licensed games on the system.
In conclusion, Challenge of the Dragon is a notable entry among unlicensed NES titles. While clearly modeled after more successful franchises, it delivers functional gameplay, decent presentation, and a balanced challenge. For fans of retro beat ’em ups, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable experience from a publisher better known for uneven output.