The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and its variants, such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), are iconic gaming consoles that have left a lasting impact on the industry. One of the lesser-known titles available for the SNES is Big Sky Trooper, an action-adventure game developed by Beam Software and published by Konami. Released in Europe, Big Sky Trooper has garnered a loyal following among retro gamers, but its age rating remains somewhat ambiguous.

Big Sky Trooper was initially released on the NES in 1992 as part of a series of sci-fi themed games, including Contra III: The Alien Wars and Battle Garegga. However, it was later ported to the SNES, with some minor changes and improvements, and released in Europe as a standalone title.

The game's story follows Trooper, an astronaut who crash-lands on a distant planet called Xeridia. As he tries to repair his ship, he soon discovers that the planet is under attack by various alien species. The player must control Trooper as he navigates through a series of challenging levels, fighting off enemies and collecting power-ups to upgrade his equipment.

Big Sky Trooper features a unique blend of action and exploration elements, with players able to move freely in 3D environments and engage in intense combat sequences. The game's graphics are relatively impressive for its time, with detailed character models and atmospheric backgrounds that bring the alien world to life.

One of the most notable aspects of Big Sky Trooper is its difficulty level. The game is notoriously challenging, requiring players to master a range of skills and strategies to progress through the levels. This has led to a loyal following among retro gamers who appreciate the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming the game's tough enemies and bosses.

Despite its challenging gameplay, Big Sky Trooper has been criticized for its short length. The game consists of only 10 levels, each with a relatively short playtime, which may make it feel less substantial than other SNES titles. However, fans of the game argue that this brevity is part of its charm, as players are forced to focus their skills and strategy in order to progress.

In terms of age rating, Big Sky Trooper has been given a rating of PEGI 7+ by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) body, which indicates that it is suitable for players aged 7 and above. However, this rating may not be universally applicable, as some countries have their own age rating guidelines.

In the United Kingdom, for example, Big Sky Trooper has been given a rating of U by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which means that it is suitable for all ages. Similarly, in Australia, the game has been rated M by the Australian Classification Review Board, which indicates that it is suitable for players aged 15 and above.

In conclusion, Big Sky Trooper is a challenging and engaging action-adventure game that has left a lasting impact on retro gamers. While its short length may be a drawback for some players, fans of the game appreciate the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming its tough enemies and bosses. The game's age rating varies across different countries, but it remains generally suitable for players aged 7 and above.

If you're interested in playing Big Sky Trooper, you can find it on various retro gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Virtual Console and emulation software. However, be aware that some versions of the game may have minor glitches or bugs due to its age.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in classic games like Big Sky Trooper, thanks in part to the growth of retro gaming communities and social media platforms. Fans of the game can share their experiences, tips, and strategies with others online, which has helped to preserve the legacy of this iconic title.

Overall, Big Sky Trooper is a hidden gem of the SNES library that is worth exploring for fans of action-adventure games. Its challenging gameplay, atmospheric graphics, and nostalgic charm make it an excellent addition to any retro gaming collection.

Rating Breakdown:

• Age Rating: PEGI 7+ (Europe), U (UK), M (Australia)
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Length: Short (10 levels, each with a relatively short playtime)
• Graphics: Impressive for its time
• Soundtrack: Atmospheric and catchy

Recommendation:

If you're a fan of action-adventure games or retro gaming in general, Big Sky Trooper is definitely worth checking out. However, be aware that the game's difficulty level may not be suitable for younger players.