The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming consoles of all time. Released in 1985, it brought a wealth of classic games to players around the world, including the popular action-comedy film franchise Lethal Weapon. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the NES games featuring Lethal Weapon, their reviews, and what you need to know about age ratings.

Introduction

Lethal Weapon was a highly successful film trilogy that debuted in 1987, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as two detectives who team up to solve crimes. The films were known for their over-the-top action sequences, witty dialogue, and memorable characters. When it came time to bring the franchise to the NES, Nintendo partnered with Paramount Pictures to create a series of games that would translate the film's energy and excitement into the world of gaming.

Lethal Weapon Games

There are two main Lethal Weapon games released for the NES: Lethal Weapon (1988) and Lethal Weapon II (1990). Both games were developed by Sunsoft, a Japanese game development company that had previously worked with Nintendo on several titles.

The first Lethal Weapon game follows the story of Martin Riggs (Gibson), a troubled cop who teams up with Roger Murtaugh (Glover) to solve a series of crimes. The gameplay is action-packed and fast-paced, with players controlling both characters as they navigate through levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and challenging puzzles.

Lethal Weapon II picks up where the first game left off, with Riggs and Murtaugh facing off against a new villain who's threatening the city. The gameplay remains similar to the first game, but with some new additions and improvements. For example, players can now control both characters at the same time, allowing for more complex combos and strategies.

Reviews

Both Lethal Weapon games received positive reviews from critics and fans alike upon their release. The games were praised for their fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and faithful adaptation of the film's tone and style.

In issue 22 of GamePro magazine (September 1989), reviewer Brian Eddy gave both games a score of 4/5 stars, stating that "Sunsoft has done an excellent job in capturing the spirit of the Lethal Weapon movies."

On the other hand, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) review of Lethal Weapon II (January 1991) praised the game's improved graphics and gameplay, but criticized its short length and lack of replay value.

Age Rating

The age rating for Lethal Weapon games on the NES varies depending on the region and country. In the United States, both games were rated E by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means they are suitable for all ages.

In Europe, the games were rated PEGI 3+, which means they contain mild violence but are generally suitable for children aged 7 and above.

Legacy

While Lethal Weapon games may not be as well-known today as some other NES titles, they remain a beloved part of gaming history. They helped establish Sunsoft as a major player in the NES market and showcased the potential of licensing popular films to create engaging and entertaining games.

In recent years, both games have seen re-releases on various digital platforms, including Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online. This has introduced Lethal Weapon to a new generation of gamers who may not be familiar with the original NES versions.

Conclusion

The Lethal Weapon games for the NES are an excellent example of how film franchises can be adapted into engaging and entertaining video games. With their fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and faithful adaptation of the film's tone and style, they remain a beloved part of gaming history.

If you're looking to experience these classic games for yourself, be sure to check out their re-releases on digital platforms. And if you're new to the franchise, be prepared for an over-the-top action-packed adventure that's full of excitement and energy.

Technical Specifications

• Release Date: 1988 (Lethal Weapon), 1990 (Lethal Weapon II)
• Developer: Sunsoft
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platform: NES
• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Player Count: Single-player, two-player co-op
• Rating: E (US), PEGI 3+ (Europe)

Additional Information

If you're interested in learning more about the Lethal Weapon franchise or its video game adaptations, here are some additional resources to check out:

• The official Lethal Weapon website, which features news, cast and crew information, and a selection of film trailers.
• The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) page for the Lethal Weapon trilogy, which provides detailed information on each film's plot, characters, and production.
• A retrospective look at the NES Lethal Weapon games on Nintendo Life, which explores their development, release, and impact on gaming history.

Gaming Comparison

If you're looking to compare the Lethal Weapon games to other action-adventure titles from the same era, here are a few suggestions:

• Contra (1987) - a classic run-and-gun action game developed by Namco.
• Mega Man 2 (1989) - a platformer developed by Capcom that helped establish the character as a gaming icon.
• Ghosts 'n Goblins (1985) - an arcade-style platformer developed by Capcom that was ported to various consoles, including the NES.

These games share similarities with Lethal Weapon in terms of their action-packed gameplay and challenging level design. However, each game has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth trying out multiple options to find the one that suits your taste.