Box Blurb

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Reviews

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Screenshots

Carts/Box Images

Gameplay Video

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Metroid is an action-adventure game that introduces a famous Nintendo heroine. (If you read the instruction booklet however, it mentions “he” and not “she”! I think Nintendo decided their character had an operation in time for Super MetroidJ) That character is none other than Samus Aran, bounty hunter and primary protagonist of the Metroid series. Samus wears her spacesuit, which is armed with some meaty weapons and the potential for added power-ups. Her true identity can be revealed if you use a certain password!

The planet Zebes has been attacked by a group of space pirates lead by the mechanical life vein known as “Mother Brain”. With her cronies “Kraid” and “Ridley” they have taken over the planet. Their intention is to use the organisms known as Metroids to help them conquer the galaxy. Metroids can quickly multiply and mutate when exposed to beta rays and they suck the very life out of anything they touch – very dangerous creatures! Samus’ job is to rid Zebes of these nasty no-gooders! However, doing this is not easy at all.

Metroid is one of the first games of its type – the action adventure. Samus can blast anything that moves; thus giving it the action element. She also has to search for essential power-ups and secret items; thus completing the adventure part. In my opinion this game is rather challenging due to the fact there is no map at all! Before the wondrous creation of the Internet even existed, in the late 1980’s, gamers had to find their own way of getting through challenges such as Metroid. There was no “I’m stuck so I’ll just go on IGN and look for a guide!” Unless maps were published by magazines at the time; the player had to rely on making their own maps. Furthermore the game was made more difficult by using a password system which was ridiculously long and could easily be incorrectly copied down!

Samus will need to search every last inch of Zebes in order to find extremely well concealed items to complete her quest. Be sure to make sure she has the Ice Beam before entering the Tourian Base and the final showdown with Mother Brain. There is also a surprise at the end just as you think all is done!

Controlling Samus is nice and easy so there are no issues here. One thing that is annoying though, is on occasions you can discover areas that look like secrets but aren’t – and they are really hard to get back from! Zebes is a planet that also introduces free movement for one of the first times in video game history. You can go more or less where you like providing you have certain items that may be needed in order to progress. For example there might be a jump that is too high unless you have the High Jump Boots. Levels don’t need to done in a strict order in order to progress and the bosses can be killed in any order too – except Mother Brain that is. The only place you cannot possibly reach until the end is Tourian. In order to access this final area both Ridley and Kraid must be destroyed first. The developers of Metroid intended the player to explore the numerous worlds and then revisit areas that were previously inaccessible once special items are gained. Weapons that are introduced in this game such as the Bomb, Varia Suit and Screw Attack, feature in nearly every other Metroid game that has since been released. Once gained, the weapons cannot be lost although Samus may only have one type of beam at once in the game – annoyingly you cannot mix the Wave and Ice Beams together.

Overall, despite the difficulty level, this game is thoroughly engrossing and introduces many of the key features that have made the franchise the success that it is. Revolutionary at the time, it was Nintendo’s attempt to cross the bridge between platform style games such as Mario with adventure RPG games such as Zelda. The result is a great series which contains, in my opinion, one of the finest video games ever released – Super Metroid on the SNES. The game itself sold fairly well (approximately 3 million copies) but it is one of the more difficult NES games to attain these days. Cartridges appear fairly regularly but aren’t that cheap – £10+ on EBay. But of you are a purist like me and want the complete in box copy; then these are much harder (and more expensive) to hunt down. You won’t very often find multiple boxed copies of this game for sale which is why they can set you back £30 – £60+ depending on the condition!

Anyway, to summarise the review in a couple of sentences…… Great little action adventure game that is very challenging (but not impossible). First game of its type and the atmosphere really creates a sense of loneliness. Samus is all on her own and faces her greatest challenge yet – to rid the galaxy of Mother Brain and her group of Space Pirates before they use Metroids to destroy all who oppose them!

The game sees you taking on the role of our Kung Fu hero Thomas in a side scrolling head smashing quest to rescue your girlfriend Sylvia from Mr X . We don’t know much about Mr X but he does have an awesome bad guy laugh of which we are treated too when you die.

The NES version is much less frustrating and easier to play than the arcade original and its a fantastic version, The characters all have great likeness and animation, The sound effects and music are all present and correct and the controls are fast and responsive, Its these tight controls that make this game great as the bad guys come thick and fast.

There are five levels or floors to the game and you are climbing an assumed temple from alternately right to left/left to right, At the end of each floor there is a boss you must defeat to continue, The levels have some slight design deviation with objects dropping from over-head and the introduction of new foes as you advance to keep things interesting, All the enemies have slightly different timing and attack patterns.
You have two attacks at your disposal a punch and a kick both with a similar range, You will probably develop the use of just one as Kung Fu players are either kickers or punchers.

The game is challenging but balanced in just the right way, You will want to keep trying until you make that level instead of slamming down your control pad and reaching for another cartridge.

If some how you have never played this game, or you looked at the block like cover design and passed it up then you really must give this a another go. Its a classic that pulls you in and rewards, the initial assumed basic gameplay is deceptive, you’ll discover depth and reward in the timing of attacks and clean level sweeps……wait is that Sylvia calling you.

Special thanks to Pac-Yan.

Not so when it came to Double Dragon 2, I can still remember the first time I played it at a friend’s house I remember thinking this is so cool, The graphics, The sound it all just blew me away as close to an arcade in your home as you could find on the NES. The reason the graphics were so impressive I later came to learn was due to an extra processor chip implemented within the cartridge to allow such gorgeous sprites and set design.

The NES version does differ quite a bit from the arcade but it works easily as well if not better, The opening air hanger level is pretty much the same and then we are treated to some variations and some completely new for this version, Ha we were spoilt, An amazing conversion and they even gave us our own levels totalling 9 against the arcades 4 and they are all neatly knitted together with sequences in-between. The plotline is the same as the first and just about every other game of this ilk, Rescue the girlfriend and bust heads along the way, what else is required?

The simple facts are this, This game is amazing, awesome a must buy, If for some crazy reason you have never played this game ( gasp ) then you must right now and those of you with a collecting sense will know this game commands reasonable money today and good ones are becoming scarce.

The two player mode is flawless with very minor slowdown so little that you won’t notice for all the fun you’ll be having, Its one of the best games you and a friend can enjoy, The graphics do suffer the usual minor flicker detection but for this quality it is at a minimum and again is definitely not a deal breaker, There are various different level settings within the game and the ability to damage your partner in crime or not, The higher difficulty level settings also determine the amount of levels you will play, The sound effects are bone crushingly satisfying and the music is well written, catchy and fitting.

Avoid the first Double Dragon grab a friend and get bashing on Double Dragon 2: The Revenge. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to Pac-Yan

Just to the right, as soon as you walked through the door, was this TV and gaming machine that you could test video games on. I had never witnessed video games before in my life, so to see something as revolutionary as this was quite special! A young boy was playing a game called none other than “Super Mario Bros” – I was instantly addicted and there was no looking back! Countless visits were to follow after school (some to the point of my parent nearly phoning the police because school finished at ½ past three and I walked in at Six O’clock!)

The machine in the above walk down memory lane is known as the M82 Game Selectable Working Product Display. It was used to promote the sale of the NES in shops throughout the UK. It comprised of a unit that could hold up to 12 NES cartridges which you could see through the front of the unit. You then pressed a red button at the front of the unit to select the game number you wished to try. Two NES controllers were used and a zapper was at the side if needed. The machine has a switch at the back which lets you select the amount of play time before the machine resets itself which range from 30 seconds to 128 minutes. When they set it to 30 seconds I tried a speed run of world 1-1 on Super Mario Bros.  and just to the last jump to the flag.

The games are interchangeable and thus you can select any 12 games to model but for me this was my first ever introduction to the world of Nintendo and Video Gaming in general – must have had a lasting effect as here we are over 20 years later.

Due to the fact that these units were only ever available to commercial outlets and were either sold or destroyed once they were deemed surplus to requirements there are not many of these around today. To this end they are very collectable and some consider them to be the “Holy Grail” of UK NES collecting – They are certainly one of the most expensive items to collect for a UK NES Collector frequently costing to £600+ mark these days on eBay. Those of you who read my post in the forum will know that they do not appear very often, 4-5 times a year if you are lucky thus sparking mass interest when they do show up. Like the rest of you, I too, never have enough spare change when one of these things pops up. Rumour has it that they sometimes appeared in a cabinet unit that is rarer still although I have never seen one.

Anyway, to summarise all of that, I hope you now have a little better understanding of what these machine are, what they did and how it started my very own journey into the world of NES and Nintendo!

M82 up close

Back of the M82

Thanks to N-G-M and k1ngarth3r (for his images).

Box Blurb

Side:

LaserScope doesn’t have to be heard to be believed.

Why?

Because when you plug the LaserScope into the Control Deck and turn off the TV sound, all external speakers are shut off and only the earphones are activated.
And the foam padded LaserScope earphones eliminate noise escaping into the room.
So while the LaserScope surrounds the player with sounds of exciting game play action – non-players can listen to music, read a book, talk on the phone or have a conversation in the same room.

Other Side:

It’s a Snap To Install

Nothing is easier to install than the LaserScope headset.

Just plug the main connector of the 8’ cord into the Nintendo Entertainment Syste’s Port 2 and the audio jack into the audio outlet.

And now you’re ready for the most astounding gaming experience you’ve ever had.
Stereo headset works with your Game Boy. ™ Walkman™ or stereo.

LaserScope’s built-in sound system gives you an extra bonus. Just detach the scope module, and the headset quickly converts the superb stereo earphones for use with your Game Boy, Walkman or other stereo equipment.

Back:

Now Your Voice Is the Power
Now, you have the power to track and destroy targets – without using your hands.
The LaserScope voice command stereo headset works with all NES Zapper games, giving you the ability to target and respond to action with the power of voice command.
It’s the same system used in sophisticated combat aircraft.
Line-up a target in the cross hairs of your LaserScope display. Then speak into the microphone to fire.
It’s a level of control superior to anything you’ve ever experienced. And the headset can be used with all NES games to eliminate room noise while enhancing the sound of action.
Adjustable, Foam Padded Headset – Adjusts to fit all head sizes.
Optical Tracking Lens – Cross hairs appear for accurate tracking and firing.
Targeting Display – The heart of the targeting system. It aims where you move your head and lets you lock on to any target you can see.
Voice Command Fire Control – Activates at your voice command. Works in single shot or turbo mode.
Adjustable Microphone Module – Swings out of the way when not needed.
Stereo Compatibility Earphones – Work with all NES games to surround player with game action sound. And offer superb stereo sound when used with a stereo system.
Detachable Scope Module – Quickly detaches to convert LaserScope into a high-tech stereo headset.
Turbo Switch – Turns your system from single shot to rapid fire.
Stereo Switch – Converts you from NES sound to stereo.

Look for New LaserScope Games.

Coming to Your Konami Dealer Soon.

Reviews

To be added

Box Blurb

The ENTERACTIVE ROLL & ROCKER is the radical action controller for all of your Nintendo Games. It is the ultimate way to “feel the Power of Nintendo.” By simply plugging into your NES deck and getting on, you’re ready for some fast and wild action.

This “Full Body” controller electronically transforms your normal reflex movements into high speed, on-screen video action. Not only does the Roll & Rocker introduce a level of excitement never before experienced by “seat-of-your-pants” power players, but it also brings new life to all of your favorite old titles. It changes the play value of any game so radically that some of those tired, unused cartridges collecting dust in your room just might re-emerge as new favorites.

The Roll & Rocker…State-of-the-Art Nintendo like you’ve never experienced before.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Carefully insert the Roll & Rocker’s connector into Controller Socket #1 of the NES Control Deck. (It will not work in Controller Socket #2)

Carefully insert the connector for a Hand Controller into the Socket in the front of the Roll & Rocker. If you want to use a Nintendo Zapper or another Roll & Rocker, plug it into Controller Socket #2 of the NES Control Deck.
Make sure your Roll & Rocker is on a non-skid surface. Rock it over to one side with your foot and when you feel balanced, step on.

Now step on with your other foot and you’re ready for the most Nintendo fun you’ve ever had standing up.

Reviews

To be added

Box Blurb

For simultaneous one to four player excitement

Call your friends! The NES Four Score gives your and up to three other
players the ability to play simultaneously. Any combination of 1-4
players can play on specially designed games. Just plug the NES Four
Score into your Control Deck and your set to enjoy 4-player action.

Any combination of 1 to 4 players can play on specially designed games
which feature the four player seal.

The selection of 4-player games is constantly expanding to provide
maximum fun and teamwork. Or flip the 2 player switch and play your
favorite game with a partner. NES Four Score also features the
enhanced excitement of A & B turbo buttons to give any controller
turbo power.

Reviews

To be added

In my eyes the original Gradius was somewhat annoying. Slow down on the screen when too many projectiles were coming towards you and you had to start from certain checkpoints if your ship gets destroyed. Life Force fixes these annoyances for me by creating a game that is slick and flows very nicely.

Life Force is a space shoot em up, and a very good one at that. The original Gradius was only side scrolling but this sequel has vertically scrolling levels too. The idea of the game is simple – destroy everything that moves in your path!

Zelos is a rather nasty planet eating alien and needs stopping in his tracks – this is your job in the trusty spaceship known as the Vic Viper. There are six stages to the game, each with a tough boss at the end. The final stage is where you will have to destroy Zelos’ Heart and Soul and then quickly get out! The stages get gradually tougher and alternate between side and vertical scrolling action. As you start out, the Vic Viper is equipped only with a single ray.

Luckily you can increase its potency by collecting power ups that are left behind when you destroy enemies – however, you must destroy the set of enemies for this to happen. There are six types of power up in all and you have the choice of which ones to equip. The power ups go in this order: speed, missile, ripple, laser, option and force. You can have more than one of some of them but some are incompatible with each other e.g.; you can’t equip ripple and laser. Personally, my favourite consists of double missiles, double laser with two options and a force field! Getting this isn’t particularly easy though because if you die you will have to start from scratch. Keeping hold of these power ups is the key to beating the game without giving you too much grief – lose them and it gets very tough! (There is a cheat to help at the start which will give you 30 lives but I won’t spoil it).

To summarise, this is easily the best shoot em up on the NES in my opinion. Great graphics and sound coupled with a nicely pitched difficulty gives this game a good longevity. The two player mode is a great help for finishing it, not to mention the spectacular sight of your TV screen being illuminated by lasers and missiles galore. Although tracking down a copy can sometimes be hard work it won’t damage your wallet too much. Rough prices currently on EBay are around the £5 mark for a cart and double that for a boxed copy. Recommended as one of “n-g-m’s” must purchase games.

Jean-Marc Demoly showing off the latest Volumes

Could you tell us a bit about Pix ‘n Love Publishing?

Pix ‘n Love Publishing was founded in 2007 by three young Frenchmen, each very passionate about the history of video games. Our goal is to offer gamers, as well as anybody curious about the subject, a selection of reliable books about their passion: video gaming and its history. During our four years on the market, we’ve published over 40 books in French. For the first time, Pix ‘n Love Publishing enters the UK market and is proud to bring you some of our most successful releases, fully translated and adapted into English.

Having a vast selection of retro gaming books, does the company plan to translate any further series? La Bible Nintendo for example seems to receive many comments from Nintendo fans. Are there plans for a future release?

At this stage, we plan to release the complete history of Nintendo in 6 or 7 volumes. Volume 2 should be released in English by the time you are reading this interview. Volume 3 (The NES History), which is already available in French contains a chapter on the development of Nintendo France, which is in my opinion not suitable for the English market. So, we have to gather information, research and interviews to adapt this part to the British audience. In regard to the Bible, I really do not know. It has been successful in France, but, Pix ’n Love is almost unknown in the UK and the Bible is for a niche market and costs a lot to produce. We are a small company, motivated to produce the best books and today, for us, it could be too much risk.

The History series must have been a huge undertaking, how many people were involved in compiling all of the information?

In fact two, Florent Gorges and Isao Yamazaki. Florent Gorges have spent over six years collecting and compiling all the information. He spent hours in libraries looking for articles, interviewing people within Nintendo in Japan and all over the world. To be as accurate as possible, he tried to gain confidence from people inside Nintendo. A real work of investigation has been necessary to release these books.

In dealing with Nintendo directly did you come across any difficulty, were they helpful and supportive of the project?

We did not get any help from Nintendo and this series of books is not endorsed by them, which is why there is so much information in it. Once more these series of books is a work of investigative journalism.

Nintendo has quite a chequered history ranging from playing cards, love hotels, bowling alleys, toys etc. Was there anything that really surprised whilst researching the History series?

Florent knew Nintendo quite well before starting its research, so he was not surprised by what he found. Nintendo is just huge and at the beginning tried to explore every field of entertainment.

Where did the various high quality images inside the books come from?

All the pictures, images come from personal collection from all over the world. Some others come from Japanese libraries.

With Volume 1 covering the early days of Nintendo did you have many problems tracking down some of the more interesting stories such as workers thoughts from the early 1900’s?

We recently acquired the best ever time machine in the world: called libraries! The workers thoughts are taken from the dozens or dozens of articles written at the time. It was not so difficult to find this information, the hardest part was to compile them and transcribe the right feeling of these people.

Were you pleased with the response to Volume 1?

At this point, we are very pleased with the response to Volume 1 in the UK. Gamers seem to be very receptive to our work, and of course, we are thrilled. At the Replay Expo held in Blackpool at the beginning of November, we were for the first time in front of our readers. And this experience was a real pleasure for us. Dealing, sharing experience with people who are as passionate as us was delightful and a terrific new experience for all the Pix’n Love Team.

Volume 1 of The History of Nintendo has been available for sometime via the Pix’ n Love website and I’m sure the English fans would like to know when or even if they can expect Volume 2 to be released?

Volume 2 should be available when your readers will read these words!

Any hints for future releases from Pix’ n Love Publishing?

A big blue surprise is scheduled for the end of December or beginning of January. We also plan to release “Gunpei Yokoi : Life and philosophy of a Gaming God” in January and “The history of Mario” in February. An incredible Zelda book is also scheduled in April. We are thinking about some other opportunities, but at this stage it is too early to say more.

NES-Bit would like to offer its thanks to Jean-Marc for taking the time to talk to us. Both Volumes of The History of Nintendo can be found at the Pix ‘n Love site, as well as news for their upcoming releases.