Vice: Project Doom (NES) Playthrough

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Published on July 8, 2025 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHxhn8sOb9s

Game:

Vice: Project Doom (1991)

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Playthrough of Vice: Project Doom, American Sammy's 1991 action game for the NES.

Vice: Project Doom is a hybrid action game for the NES released by American Sammy in 1991. It blends multiple gameplay styles into a single cohesive narrative, combining side-scrolling platforming, overhead driving, and first-person shooting. The story follows detective Hart, a tough special agent investigating a powerful corporation tied to a mysterious alien conspiracy. As the plot unfolds, players are taken through a series of cinematic cutscenes reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden, building a layered science fiction tale involving government cover-ups, alien substances, and sinister bio-weapons.

The game opens with fast-paced driving segments that place the player behind the wheel of a high-tech sports car, weaving through traffic and blasting enemy vehicles. These stages are short but engaging, setting the tone for the high-stakes investigation. The majority of the gameplay takes place in side-scrolling action stages, where Hart uses a laser whip, a gun, and grenades to fight enemies. The controls are tight, and the level design is varied, offering a mix of combat, platforming, and occasional surprises. Later in the game, first-person shooting stages appear, requiring players to react quickly and shoot targets as they appear on screen. Each gameplay style is distinct but well-integrated, helping the game maintain momentum and variety.

Graphically, Vice: Project Doom is sharp and detailed for a late NES title. Sprites are well-animated, and environments range from dark cityscapes to alien-infected labs, all presented with a gritty, futuristic aesthetic. The cutscenes are well-drawn and help build a sense of atmosphere, lending the game a narrative depth that was still uncommon for the era. The soundtrack is energetic and complements the game’s sci-fi noir tone, though it may not be as iconic as some of its contemporaries.

Vice: Project Doom stands out as an ambitious and polished NES title that manages to juggle multiple gameplay styles without feeling disjointed. Its blend of action and storytelling, along with its technical execution, make it a hidden gem on the system. While it may not have achieved the fame of similar titles like Ninja Gaiden or Contra, it offers a rich and well-paced experience for players looking for something unique within the NES library.