The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and influential home video game consoles of all time. Released in 1985 in North America, it was a massive success and went on to sell over 62 million units worldwide during its lifespan. The NES library includes some of the most beloved games ever made, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.
In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the lesser-known but still fantastic games for the NES: Millipede (Japan). Released in 1988 in Japan, Millipede is a classic arcade shooter that was ported to the NES. In this review, we'll delve into its gameplay, graphics, and sound effects, as well as its age rating.
Gameplay
Millipede is a side-scrolling shooter where you play as a centipede-like creature tasked with destroying a millipede that's crawling across the screen. The game takes place on various levels, each with its own unique theme and obstacles. Your goal is to destroy all of the millipede's segments before they reach the end of the level.
Gameplay-wise, Millipede is similar to other classic arcade shooters of the time, such as Pac-Man or Galaga. You'll need to use your ship to fire bullets at the millipede and its segments, which are divided into three sections: head, body, and tail. Each section has a different speed and difficulty level.
The game's controls are simple yet responsive, allowing you to move left and right, jump, and shoot bullets with ease. The graphics and sound effects are also top-notch for an 8-bit console, with detailed sprites and catchy music that really adds to the overall experience.
Graphics
The graphics in Millipede are one of its standout features on the NES. The game's characters, including you and the millipede, are well-detailed and animated, with a high level of detail for an 8-bit console. The backgrounds are also colorful and varied, with different levels featuring unique themes such as a city street or a desert landscape.
The graphics are handled by Intelligent Systems, a renowned developer known for their work on the Famicom (the Japanese equivalent of the NES). Their attention to detail and commitment to quality really shine through in Millipede's presentation.
Sound Effects
The sound effects in Millipede are another highlight of the game. The music is catchy and upbeat, with a memorable melody that's hard to get out of your head. The sound effects, including the millipede's movements and the bullets you fire, are also well-designed and add to the overall tension and excitement of the gameplay.
Age Rating
Millipede was released in Japan on September 29, 1988, for the Famicom Disk System (FDS), a peripheral that allowed for the use of 32-bit games. When it was later ported to the NES, it received an age rating of "R" by the Japanese rating board, CERO.
In the West, Millipede received an age rating of "Teen" or "Mature" by various rating boards, depending on the country and region. In the United States, the game was rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it contains "blood and gore, strong language, suggestive content, and intense violence".
Conclusion
In conclusion, Millipede is a fantastic addition to the NES library, offering a fun and challenging gameplay experience that's sure to appeal to fans of classic arcade shooters. With its well-designed graphics and sound effects, as well as its age rating, it's definitely worth checking out for anyone looking to play some of the best games on the console.
Overall, Millipede is an excellent example of the NES's ability to produce top-notch games that have stood the test of time. Its nostalgic value lies not only in its challenging gameplay but also in its representation of the era in which it was released.