The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that brought joy and excitement to millions of gamers worldwide during its heyday in the 1980s and early 1990s. One of the most iconic games associated with the NES is "Kyuukyoku Tiger" (, literally meaning "Super Fast Tiger"), which was released exclusively in Japan. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Kyuukyoku Tiger, exploring its gameplay, features, and age rating.

Background

Released in 1987, Kyuukyoku Tiger is a unique and innovative platformer that takes place in ancient Egypt. The game's storyline revolves around an Egyptian pharaoh who has been cursed by a wicked sorcerer, forcing him to become a tiger and embark on a perilous quest to defeat the sorcerer and break the curse.

Gameplay

Kyuukyoku Tiger is a side-scrolling platformer that challenges players to navigate through various environments, including ancient temples, tombs, and forests. The game features an array of challenging levels, each with its own set of obstacles and enemies. Players must control the pharaoh-tiger protagonist as he jumps, kicks, and pounces his way through the levels, collecting power-ups and avoiding hazards.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Kyuukyoku Tiger is its unique control scheme. The game features a directional pad (D-pad) on top of the controller, which is used to control the pharaoh-tiger's movements. Players must use this D-pad to navigate through tight spaces, avoid enemies, and reach hidden areas.

Graphics and Soundtrack

Kyuukyoku Tiger boasts impressive graphics for its time, with detailed character designs, colorful backgrounds, and intricate level layouts. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy and memorable tunes that perfectly complement the game's atmosphere.

Age Rating

Kyuukyoku Tiger carries a rating of "E" (Everyone) by the Japanese authorities, which corresponds to a T (Teen) rating in some Western countries. This rating indicates that the game is suitable for players of all ages, although it may not be recommended for younger players due to its challenging gameplay and occasional violence.

In terms of mature themes, Kyuukyoku Tiger does contain some minor elements that may not be suitable for younger players, including:

• Mild violence: The game features some cartoonish violence, with the pharaoh-tiger protagonist fighting against enemies and avoiding hazards.
• Mild cartoon gore: Some levels feature cartoonish blood and gore effects, which may be disturbing to younger players.

However, these themes are relatively minor compared to modern games, and Kyuukyoku Tiger is generally considered a harmless and family-friendly title.

Cultural Significance

Kyuukyoku Tiger holds a special place in Japanese gaming culture, as it was one of the first NES games to be released exclusively in Japan. The game's success helped establish the NES as a major player in the Japanese market, and its innovative gameplay mechanics influenced the development of future platformers.

In recent years, Kyuukyoku Tiger has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, who appreciate its unique charm and nostalgic value. The game is considered a rare and elusive title, with many collectors seeking out original cartridges and rare variants.

Availability

Kyuukyoku Tiger was released exclusively in Japan on the NES console, and it remains one of the most sought-after titles among collectors. In recent years, some retro game stores and online marketplaces have made Kyuukyoku Tiger available for purchase, although at a premium price due to its rarity.

In conclusion, Kyuukyoku Tiger is a unique and innovative platformer that offers a thrilling gaming experience for players of all ages. With its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack, this game is a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast. While it may not be suitable for younger players due to its occasional violence and cartoon gore, Kyuukyoku Tiger remains an iconic and beloved title in Japanese gaming culture.

Rarity

Due to its rarity and limited release, Kyuukyoku Tiger has become highly sought after among collectors. Original cartridges can fetch high prices on online marketplaces and retro game stores, with some rare variants selling for thousands of dollars.

In addition to the original cartridge, other versions of Kyuukyoku Tiger have been released over the years, including:

• A re-released version with a new label in 1991
• A special edition release with exclusive packaging in 2010
• A limited edition release on the NES Classic Edition in 2016

These variations are highly prized among collectors and can command high prices due to their rarity.

Conclusion

Kyuukyoku Tiger is an unforgettable gaming experience that showcases the unique charm of the NES era. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack, this game is a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast. While it may not be suitable for younger players due to its occasional violence and cartoon gore, Kyuukyoku Tiger remains an iconic title in Japanese gaming culture.

As collectors and enthusiasts continue to hunt down original cartridges and rare variants, Kyuukyoku Tiger's legend will only grow, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and memorable NES titles of all time.