The Nintendo NES Venus Senki - Back the City (Japan) [En by J2e v2.0] (~Venus Wars, The) is a classic side-scrolling action game that was released in Japan for the Famicom in 1990. The game was later ported to several other platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and has since become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Venus Senki - Back the City, exploring its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound design. We'll also discuss its age rating availability and why it's worth checking out for fans of 8-bit action games.

Gameplay Mechanics

Venus Senki - Back the City is a side-scrolling action game that follows the story of a young pilot named Maya who becomes involved in an intergalactic war between humans and alien species. The game takes place on several planets, each with its unique terrain, enemies, and challenges.

Players control Maya as she navigates through levels, fighting off enemy ships and bosses to progress through the game. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring players to time their jumps, dodges, and attacks perfectly to overcome obstacles.

One of the standout features of Venus Senki - Back the City is its use of "bullet hell" elements, where waves of enemy fire come at the player from multiple angles, making it difficult to navigate through levels. The game requires quick reflexes and precise timing to survive these intense sections.

Graphics and Sound Design

The graphics in Venus Senki - Back the City are typical of 8-bit games from the era. The character sprites are colorful and detailed, with Maya's design being particularly striking. The background scenery is also well-designed, with each planet offering a unique visual identity.

However, the game's graphics are not without their flaws. Some areas suffer from chunking, where tiles are missing or have incorrect geometry, making navigation around certain sections difficult. Additionally, some characters' animations can appear jerky and unnatural at times.

The sound design in Venus Senki - Back the City is equally impressive. The music is catchy and memorable, with a haunting melody that has become iconic among retro gaming fans. The sound effects are also well-done, with distinct noises for each type of enemy and power-up.

Age Rating Availability

Venus Senki - Back the Code was originally released in Japan for the Famicom in 1990, but it wasn't until much later that it saw a Western release. The game was ported to the NES by J2e, a company known for their high-quality translations and re-releases.

The original Japanese version of Venus Senki - Back the City has been rated for adults only (18+) in Japan due to its depiction of violence and suggestive content. However, the Western release, which includes the translation by J2e, carries no age rating in most regions.

Why It's Worth Checking Out

Venus Senki - Back the City is a hidden gem among retro gaming enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of action and adventure that sets it apart from other side-scrolling games. While its graphics may not be as polished as modern titles, its charm lies in its nostalgic value and challenging gameplay.

Fans of 8-bit action games will particularly enjoy Venus Senki - Back the City's fast-paced gameplay and bullet hell sections. The game also has a strong following among retro gaming enthusiasts, who appreciate its unique art style and catchy music.

Conclusion

Venus Senki - Back the City is a classic side-scrolling action game that offers a unique blend of challenge and adventure. While its graphics may not be as polished as modern titles, its nostalgic value and challenging gameplay make it worth checking out for fans of 8-bit action games.

The game's age rating availability has been a subject of controversy, with some arguing that it should carry an age restriction due to its depiction of violence and suggestive content. However, the Western release carries no such rating in most regions.

If you're looking for a challenging retro gaming experience that will put your skills to the test, Venus Senki - Back the City is definitely worth checking out. With its fast-paced gameplay, memorable music, and unique art style, it's sure to appeal to fans of 8-bit action games.

Recommendation

Venus Senki - Back the City is a must-play for fans of retro gaming, particularly those who enjoy side-scrolling action games. If you're looking for a challenge that will put your skills to the test, look no further than this classic title.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Platforms: NES, Famicom, PC (via emulation)

Genre: Side-scrolling action game

Publisher: J2e (translation), Hudson Soft (original release)

Release Date: Japan - 1990; Western release - 2013 (via J2e's translation)

Age Rating Availability: None in most regions.

Note: This article is based on the information available at the time of knowledge cutoff date (01 March 2023).