Shatterhand (NES) Playthrough

Описание: Playthrough of Shatterhand, Jaleco's 1991 side-scrolling action platformer for the NES.

Shatterhand is a side-scrolling action platformer for the NES, developed by Natsume and released in North America by Jaleco in 1991. The game casts the player as a cybernetically enhanced police officer tasked with stopping a rogue military organization known as Metal Command. The hero’s main method of attack is his powerful, bionic fists, which give the game a distinct feel compared to other NES action titles that focus more heavily on weapons or projectiles.

The gameplay emphasizes close-quarters combat, as the player punches enemies and destructible objects to earn power-ups and money, which can be used to upgrade health and obtain robotic companions. These companions, called satellite robots, are summoned by collecting combinations of alpha and beta icons scattered throughout the levels. Depending on the order in which they are collected, players can gain different robotic allies with unique attack patterns, adding an element of strategy and experimentation to the otherwise straightforward action.

Players progress through seven stages, beginning with an initial area and then allowing the next five stages to be tackled in any order, similar to the structure of the Mega Man series. Each level has its own theme and challenges, ranging from industrial zones and sewers to enemy bases filled with traps and powerful bosses. The game is known for its tight controls, balanced difficulty, and responsive combat, with each punch delivering a satisfying sense of impact.

Graphically, Shatterhand pushes the NES hardware with detailed character sprites, fluid animations, and dynamic backgrounds that reflect the cyberpunk tone of the game. The protagonist's design, complete with sunglasses and fingerless gloves, reinforces the gritty, futuristic aesthetic. The soundtrack is energetic and intense, with driving beats that match the action-packed gameplay and help build tension during boss battles.

Shatterhand didn’t gain as much mainstream recognition as other NES titles during its release window, but it has since become a cult favorite due to its unique mechanics, polished design, and high replayability. Its mix of hard-hitting melee action, customizable power-ups, and strong presentation make it one of the more memorable and underrated action games in the NES library.