The Cliffhanger Edward Randy - Arcade - Platformer 2D (4K 60fps)
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🎩 💥 Indiana Jones meets anime explosions! 💥 🎩
Today, we’re taking a deep cut into one of the most over-the-top, underappreciated arcade games of the ‘90s: The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy, released in 1990 by Data East. This cinematic action-platformer is a nonstop rollercoaster ride of stunts, explosions, and edge-of-your-seat spectacle. Think Indiana Jones crossed with Metal Slug—on a ton of espresso. But is it all style with no substance? Let’s find out!
Game Overview:
In The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy, you play as the titular Edward Randy, a whip-swinging, coat-flaring action hero on a mission to stop a fascist regime from unlocking an ancient power. The game is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up/platformer hybrid, but what really makes it stand out is its relentless pace, dynamic set pieces, and jaw-dropping visuals for its time.
You’re not just running left to right—you’re clinging to moving biplanes, leaping across collapsing bridges, and fighting on top of tanks in motion. Every level feels like a boss battle, and every moment pushes the arcade hardware to the limit.
Pros:
✅ Nonstop Action Set Pieces: This game is basically a Hollywood blockbuster in pixel form. Every level has a cinematic flair, whether you’re outrunning explosions or hanging off zeppelins.
✅ Unique Gameplay Blend: It mixes beat-’em-up mechanics, whip-based combat, and platforming, giving it a distinct rhythm unlike anything else in arcades at the time.
✅ Gorgeous 2D Art: The game features incredibly detailed sprite work, massive destructible environments, and smooth parallax scrolling that still looks great today.
✅ Whip It Good: Edward’s whip can attack in multiple directions, latch onto objects, and is even used for swinging—making it both a weapon and a traversal tool.
✅ Memorable Boss Fights: From war machines to mutant villains, the boss fights are as explosive and over-the-top as the levels that lead up to them.
✅ Excellent Soundtrack: The music blends military marches, adventure themes, and orchestral flair, perfectly matching the game’s high-energy tone.
Cons:
❌ Never Got a Home Release (Back in the Day): Despite its quality, the game was arcade-exclusive for years, with no official console port until fan emulation made it more accessible.
❌ Super Short: Like many arcade games, it can be completed in under 30 minutes, though you’ll die a lot before you get there.
❌ Flash Over Depth: While the game is a visual spectacle, it lacks the deep mechanics or combat variety of other beat-’em-ups like Final Fight or Cadillacs and Dinosaurs.
❌ Quarter Muncher Mentality: It’s tough—expect cheap hits, tight timers, and sudden difficulty spikes designed to drain your wallet fast.
❌ Hard to Find: Outside of emulation or arcade collections, it’s still pretty obscure and hard to play on original hardware or official re-releases.
Verdict:
The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy is one of the most cinematic and energetic arcade games ever made. It’s a visual and audio thrill ride that never lets up, filled with set-piece moments that rival modern action games—all crammed into a 1990 arcade cabinet.
While it may not have the deepest combat system, and its short runtime might deter some, it absolutely nails its goal: to make you feel like a globe-trotting action hero in your own animated blockbuster. If you’re into Indiana Jones, anime-style spectacle, or just love hidden arcade gems, this one’s a must-play.
Final Score: 8.5/10 – A criminally overlooked arcade classic that deserves a second life.
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