The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and influential video game consoles of all time. Released in 1985, it revolutionized the gaming industry with its innovative design, engaging games, and iconic characters. One of the lesser-known yet highly entertaining games on the NES is Wild Gunman, which was released in Japan and later in North America under a different title. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Wild Gunman, exploring its gameplay, history, and availability, as well as discuss its age rating.

Introduction

Wild Gunman is a side-scrolling shooter game developed by T&E Soft and published by Nintendo for the NES in Japan. Released in 1988, it was later released in North America under the title "Gunsmoke" in 1990. The game follows the story of a group of cowboys who must defend their town from an evil outlaw named Jack McCoy.

Gameplay

In Wild Gunman, players take on the role of one of six cowboys, each with unique abilities and strengths. The objective is to navigate through levels, shooting enemies and collecting items while avoiding obstacles and hazards. The game features a variety of enemy types, including outlaws, bandits, and wild animals.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Wild Gunman is its emphasis on teamwork and strategy. Players can switch between cowboys mid-level, using their unique abilities to overcome challenges and defeat enemies. For example, one cowboy can shoot projectiles while another uses his lasso to entangle enemies, creating an opportunity for the first cowboy to attack from behind.

History

Wild Gunman was released in Japan in 1988 as part of a series of NES games developed by T&E Soft. The game received positive reviews at the time of its release, with praise for its challenging gameplay and colorful graphics.

In North America, Wild Gunman was released under the title "Gunsmoke" in 1990. However, the game's marketing campaign was not as successful, and it failed to gain significant traction in the market.

Availability

Wild Gunman is available on various retro gaming platforms, including:

• NES: The original release of the game on the NES is a highly sought-after collector's item among retro gamers.
• Virtual Console: Wild Gunman was re-released on Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii and Wii U in 2011.
• NES Classic Edition: The game is included as part of the NES Classic Edition, a miniature retro gaming console released by Nintendo in 2016.

Age Rating

Wild Gunman has been rated M (Mature) for Blood and Violence by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating is applicable to both the original Japanese release and the North American version "Gunsmoke".

The game's M rating reflects its violent content, including bloodshed, dismemberment, and gore. However, it's worth noting that the game's violence is not excessively gory or gratuitous, and the overall tone of the game is more cartoonish and comedic than realistic.

Conclusion

Wild Gunman is a unique and entertaining shooter game that showcases the creative potential of the NES library. With its emphasis on teamwork and strategy, colorful graphics, and challenging gameplay, it's a must-play for retro gamers and fans of side-scrolling shooters.

While Wild Gunman may not be as well-known as some other NES games, it remains an important part of gaming history and a testament to the innovative spirit of T&E Soft and Nintendo. If you're looking for a new challenge or just want to experience a piece of gaming history, Wild Gunman is definitely worth checking out.

Additional Information

• Platforms: NES, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U), NES Classic Edition
• Release Date: Japan (1988), North America (1990)
• Developer: T&E Soft
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Side-scrolling shooter
• Rating: M (Mature) for Blood and Violence by ESRB

Trivia

• Wild Gunman was originally developed as a vertical shooter game, but was later converted to a side-scroller.
• The game's characters were inspired by classic Western films and TV shows.
• T&E Soft, the developer of Wild Gunman, is known for its innovative and experimental approach to game design.