The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary console that brought gaming to the masses in the 1980s and 1990s. It was known for its iconic games, including "Hot Review" which is often overlooked but still holds nostalgic value for many retro gamers. In this article, we'll delve into the world of "Hot Review about Nintendo NES Toxic Crusaders (USA) Games," exploring its history, gameplay, age rating, and more.

Introduction

Released in 1988, "Toxic Crusaders" is a side-scrolling beat-em-up game developed by Natsume. The game was originally released as an arcade title, but it eventually made its way to the NES, where it became one of the console's most popular games. In this article, we'll examine the gameplay, graphics, and overall impact of "Toxic Crusaders" on the NES.

Gameplay

In "Toxic Crusaders," players control a group of teenagers who are fighting against an evil corporation that is polluting their town with toxic waste. The game takes place in two stages: a vertical scrolling stage where the player must navigate through the streets, avoiding obstacles and enemies, and a horizontal scrolling stage where the player must fight against the corporation's henchmen.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive, with players able to switch between three characters, each with their own unique abilities. The game features a variety of power-ups, including health boosts, weapons, and special moves that can be used to defeat enemies.

One of the standout features of "Toxic Crusaders" is its difficulty level. The game is notoriously hard, requiring players to have lightning-quick reflexes and strategy to progress through the levels. This makes it a challenging game for even the most seasoned retro gamers.

Graphics

The graphics in "Toxic Crusaders" are colorful and cartoonish, with detailed backgrounds and characters that were impressive for an 8-bit console at the time. The game features a range of enemies, from basic thugs to more complex bosses, each with their own unique designs.

However, the graphics are not without their flaws. Some of the background sprites can be quite small, making it difficult to distinguish them from one another. Additionally, some of the character animations can be a bit stiff, which detracts from the overall experience.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack in "Toxic Crusaders" is catchy and upbeat, with a mix of rock and pop music that complements the game's cartoonish tone. The sound effects are also well-done, with distinct noises for each character and enemy.

Impact

"Toxic Crusaders" was a commercial success, selling over 400,000 copies in its first year alone. It is widely regarded as one of the best games on the NES, and it has been included in several "best-of" lists for retro gaming consoles.

The game's impact can be seen in its influence on later beat-em-ups, such as "Double Dragon" and "Road Avenger." Its use of side-scrolling gameplay and character switching mechanics helped to establish the beat-em-up genre as a staple of 8-bit gaming.

Age Rating

"Toxic Crusaders" was originally rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means that it contains violence, mild language, and suggestive content. However, the game's age rating has been reduced over time due to changes in societal norms and standards.

In 2020, the ESRB re-rated "Toxic Crusaders" as M for Mature, indicating that it contains more mature themes and content than previously thought. This change in rating reflects the game's more complex storyline and its depiction of violent confrontations between the player characters and enemies.

Conclusion

"Toxic Crusaders" is a classic NES game that deserves more attention from retro gamers and enthusiasts. Its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.

While the game's difficulty level may be off-putting to some, its challenge and sense of accomplishment are major draws for those who enjoy beat-em-ups and side-scrolling action games. As a piece of gaming history, "Toxic Crusaders" is worth playing and experiencing for its unique blend of gameplay and style.

Additional Information

• Platform: NES
• Developer: Natsume
• Publisher: Natsume
• Release Date: 1988
• Genre: Beat-em-up, Side-scrolling action game
• Age Rating: M for Mature (ESRB), T for Teen (Original)
• Reviews:
• IGN: 7.5/10
• GameSpot: 6.5/10
• Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM): A-

Games Like Toxic Crusaders

If you're looking for more games like "Toxic Crusaders," here are a few recommendations:

1. Double Dragon (NES)
2. Road Avenger (NES)
3. River City Ransom (NES)
4. Bionic Commando (NES)
5. Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis)

These games all share similarities with "Toxic Crusaders" in terms of gameplay, graphics, and style.

Retro Gaming Tips

If you're looking to play "Toxic Crusaders" on your NES or emulator, here are a few tips:

1. Use the right controller: The original NES controller is the best way to experience "Toxic Crusaders." The D-pad and A/B buttons are perfect for navigating the game's side-scrolling stages.
2. Adjust the difficulty level: Be prepared to die a lot on your first playthrough! Adjusting the difficulty level will help you progress through the levels more smoothly.
3. Use power-ups wisely: Power-ups can be a great way to gain an advantage in battle, but use them sparingly to avoid losing too much health.

By following these tips and playing "Toxic Crusaders" with care, you'll be able to experience one of the best NES games of all time!