The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary console that brought gaming to the masses during the 1980s and 1990s. One of the most iconic and influential games of all time is "Street Gangs," which was originally released in Europe as part of the NES library. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Street Gangs, exploring its features, gameplay, and age rating.

Introduction

Released in 1990 for the European market, Street Gangs was a side-scrolling beat-em-up that followed the story of a group of heroes known as "The Street Gang" as they battled against various villains. The game was developed by Toho Co., Ltd., a Japanese video game developer and publisher, who had previously worked on several notable games for Nintendo.

Gameplay

Street Gangs featured 8-bit graphics, with colorful characters and environments that were typical of the time. Players controlled one of five heroes, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The gameplay was simple yet addictive: players would navigate through levels, fighting hordes of enemies and collecting power-ups to enhance their characters' skills.

The game had several modes, including a single-player campaign where players could explore different areas of the city, fight against various gangs, and collect items to upgrade their characters. There was also an versus mode, where two players could compete in local multiplayer battles.

Storyline

Street Gangs took place in a dystopian future where the city was plagued by crime and violence. Players controlled one of five heroes who were part of an elite group known as "The Street Gang." Their mission was to protect the innocent citizens and take down the villains responsible for the chaos.

Throughout the game, players encountered various gangs, each with their own leaders and minions. The gang members would often taunt and mock the player's character, adding a layer of humor and personality to the game. As players progressed through the levels, they discovered more about the backstory of the Street Gang and the motivations behind the villainous gangs.

Age Rating

The age rating for Street Gangs on various platforms is as follows:

• Nintendo NES: The game was rated "M" (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it contained violence, strong language, and suggestive content.
• Sega Genesis: The game was rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB, indicating that it contained mild language, cartoon violence, and fantasy violence.

European Release

Street Gangs was released in Europe as part of the NES library, specifically for the Famicom console. The game's European release date was 1990, making it one of the first games to be released on the NES in Europe.

Legacy

Despite its relatively short lifespan, Street Gangs remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique blend of beat-em-up gameplay and humor set it apart from other side-scrolling games of the time. The game's memorable characters, catchy soundtrack, and addictive gameplay made it a staple of many NES owners' collections.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Street Gangs, with several retro gaming websites and communities showcasing the game as one of the most underrated NES titles.

Conclusion

Street Gangs is an iconic game that has left a lasting impact on the world of video games. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful characters, and humorous storyline make it a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast. While its age rating may have been somewhat tame by modern standards, Street Gangs remains a classic that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for generations to come.

Additional Information

For those interested in playing Street Gangs, the game is available on several platforms, including:

• NES: The original NES version can be purchased through various retro gaming stores and online marketplaces.
• Sega Genesis: A port of the game was released for the Sega Genesis, which is still playable today through emulation or purchase from various online retailers.
• Wii Virtual Console: Street Gangs was included in the Wii Virtual Console service, allowing users to play the game on their TVs using the Wii console.

Recommendation

Street Gangs is a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast who enjoys beat-em-up games and classic NES titles. While its age rating may have been somewhat tame by modern standards, the game's innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful characters, and humorous storyline make it an enjoyable experience that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for generations to come.

If you're new to Street Gangs, we recommend starting with the original NES version, which is still available through various retro gaming stores and online marketplaces. Alternatively, you can play the game on the Wii Virtual Console or through emulation on other platforms.

Rating

Overall, Street Gangs is an enjoyable and addictive game that is well worth playing for any retro gaming enthusiast. Its unique blend of beat-em-up gameplay and humor set it apart from other side-scrolling games of the time, making it a classic that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for generations to come.

Rating Breakdown

• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics: 7/10
• Soundtrack: 8/10
• Storyline: 7/10
• Age Rating: T (Teen)
• Recommendation: Yes

I hope you have enjoyed this article about Street Gangs, a classic NES title that has left a lasting impact on the world of video games.