The Nintendo NES Double Strike - Aerial Attack Force is a unique and intriguing game that has garnered attention among retro gaming enthusiasts and developers alike. Released in the United States as a "bootleg" or "unlicensed" title, this game was originally developed for the NES console and later ported to Windows. In this article, we'll delve into the history of Double Strike, explore its gameplay mechanics, and discuss how you can play it on Windows for free before deciding whether to purchase the original game.

History of Double Strike

Double Strike is an aerial combat game that was first released in 1988 for the NES console. The game was developed by a company called New Zealand-based, VDS (also known as VDS International), and published by Jaleco, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The game's story takes place during World War II, where players control a squadron of planes engaged in dogfights with enemy aircraft.

The gameplay involves navigating through various levels, each set on different locations around the world, such as Paris and Tokyo. Players must shoot down enemy planes while avoiding obstacles like cannons and ground fire. The game features simple yet addictive graphics, making it appealing to players who enjoy fast-paced action games.

Porting to Windows

In 2005, a fan-made port of Double Strike was created for Windows using the NES-emulating engine, FCEUX. This port allowed players to experience the game on modern operating systems without needing the original hardware. The port was created by an anonymous developer who went by the pseudonym "sai" and released it as part of the open-source RetroArch project.

Gameplay Mechanics

Double Strike is a 2D side-scrolling shooter with a unique twist: players can switch between two planes mid-air, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The first plane has faster movement but lower firepower, while the second plane has slower movement but higher firepower.

Players must master the timing of switching between planes to take advantage of their respective abilities. This mechanic requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking, making Double Strike a challenging game that rewards skillful play.

How to Play Double Strike on Windows for Free

Thanks to the fan-made port created by sai, you can now play Double Strike on Windows without needing the original NES hardware. Here's how:

1. Download RetroArch from the official website (https://github.com/libretro/RetroArch).
2. Install FCEUX as a plugin within RetroArch.
3. Download the fan-made port of Double Strike for Windows from various online archives (e.g., https://www.arcade-remakes.com/Game/Double%20Strike/).
4. Extract the downloaded archive to a folder on your computer.
5. Launch RetroArch and configure it to use FCEUX as the NES emulator.
6. Load up the Double Strike ROM file from the extracted folder.

Buying the Original Game

If you decide that you want to play Double Strike on its original NES hardware or experience the game in its intended form, there are a few options available:

1. Purchase the game: You can buy Double Strike for the NES console through various online retailers like eBay, Amazon, or specialized retro gaming stores.
2. Buy a retro console: Consider purchasing an NES console and playing the game directly on the hardware.
3. Support the developer: If you're interested in supporting the original developers of Double Strike, look for Jaleco's official releases or other fan-made projects.

In conclusion, Double Strike - Aerial Attack Force is a unique and enjoyable retro gaming experience that can be played on Windows for free using the fan-made port created by sai. While it may not have been officially released for the NES console, this game has captured the hearts of many retro gamers and developers alike. If you're interested in playing Double Strike on its original hardware or want to support its creators, there are various options available.

Recommendation

Double Strike - Aerial Attack Force is a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts who enjoy aerial combat games and 2D side-scrollers. Its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty make it an enjoyable experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're interested in trying out this game, I highly recommend giving it a shot using the fan-made port or purchasing the original NES console for the authentic experience.

System Requirements

To play Double Strike on Windows, you'll need:

• A 64-bit operating system (Windows 7 or later)
• At least 2 GB of RAM
• An Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor
• A compatible graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or AMD Radeon HD 5770)

Conclusion

Double Strike - Aerial Attack Force is a classic retro game that has captured the hearts of many gamers and developers. Its unique gameplay mechanics, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature make it an enjoyable experience that can be enjoyed on modern operating systems using the fan-made port created by sai. If you're interested in playing Double Strike, I highly recommend giving it a try using the free Windows version or purchasing the original NES console for the authentic experience.