The Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a legendary console that brought gaming to the masses in the early 1990s. Released in 1991, the SNES went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with a vast library of games that still hold up today. One of the most iconic and beloved games for the SNES is BreakThru!, a side-scrolling action game that has been praised by gamers and critics alike for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at BreakThru!, including its gameplay mechanics, level design, and overall impact on the gaming world. We'll also discuss the game's age rating and how it compares to modern standards.

Gameplay Mechanics

BreakThru! is an action platformer that follows the story of a character named Bob who must navigate through a series of increasingly difficult levels to reach the final boss. The gameplay revolves around Bob's movement, jumping, and shooting abilities, as he must avoid obstacles, collect power-ups, and defeat enemies to progress through the game.

One of the standout features of BreakThru! is its use of "Break" moves, which allow Bob to break certain blocks and activate secret areas or change the layout of levels. These moves can be performed by performing specific combos with Bob's attacks, adding a layer of strategy and complexity to the gameplay.

Level Design

The level design in BreakThru! is widely regarded as one of the best aspects of the game. Each level is carefully crafted to challenge the player, with obstacles such as pits, spiky walls, and moving platforms that require precise timing and positioning to navigate. The levels are also filled with secrets and hidden areas, which can be discovered by using Bob's Break moves or exploring the environment.

The use of color and visual effects in BreakThru! is also noteworthy. The game features bright, vibrant colors and a variety of visual effects, such as explosions, sparks, and special powers, which add to the overall sense of excitement and energy.

Impact on the Gaming World

BreakThru! was released in 1991, during the height of the SNES's popularity. At the time, it received widespread critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was praised by reviewers such as Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) and GamePro, who noted its addictive gameplay and high level of replay value.

In addition to its critical success, BreakThru! also helped establish the side-scrolling action genre as a staple of the SNES library. Its influence can be seen in many other games that followed, including Super Mario World and Mega Man X.

Age Rating

The age rating for BreakThru! is rated "M" (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating indicates that the game contains content that may not be suitable for all ages, such as violence, mild language, and suggestive themes. However, it's worth noting that the violence in BreakThru! is generally cartoonish and non-graphic, and the game's overall tone is more lighthearted than darker.

In comparison to modern standards, the ESRB rating for BreakThru! may seem relatively low. However, it's worth noting that the ESRB was not as strict in its guidelines during the 1990s as it is today. Many games released during this period would likely receive higher ratings by modern standards.

Conclusion

BreakThru! is a classic SNES game that continues to delight gamers and critics alike with its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Its impact on the gaming world cannot be overstated, as it helped establish the side-scrolling action genre as a staple of the SNES library.

While its age rating may seem relatively low by modern standards, BreakThru! remains a game that is suitable for players of all ages who enjoy action platformers and challenging gameplay. If you're a fan of classic gaming or just looking to experience one of the best games on the SNES, BreakThru! is definitely worth checking out.

Recommendation

If you're interested in playing BreakThru!, we recommend starting with the original SNES release. The game's graphics and sound effects hold up remarkably well even today, and its challenging gameplay will keep you engaged for hours.

In addition to the original release, BreakThru! has also been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online. These releases often include additional features such as remastered graphics, soundtrack enhancements, and online multiplayer modes.

Overall, BreakThru! is a game that will continue to be remembered and celebrated for its innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. If you're a fan of classic gaming or just looking to experience one of the best games on the SNES, BreakThru! is definitely worth checking out.

Rating

BreakThru! has received widespread critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game's age rating is "M" (Mature) by the ESRB, indicating that it may not be suitable for all ages due to violence and suggestive themes.

Overall, we rate BreakThru! 9 out of 10 based on its innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. While its age rating may seem relatively low by modern standards, the game remains a classic that is suitable for players of all ages who enjoy action platformers and challenging gameplay.

Recommendation Score

• Gameplay: 9/10
• Graphics: 8.5/10
• Soundtrack: 9/10
• Overall Experience: 9/10

Age Rating Comparison

The ESRB rating for BreakThru! is "M" (Mature), which indicates that the game contains content that may not be suitable for all ages, such as violence and suggestive themes. In comparison to modern standards, this rating may seem relatively low.

Modern Games with Comparable Ratings:

• Super Mario World: T (Teen)
• Mega Man X: T (Teen)
• Donkey Kong Country 2: T (Teen)

Conclusion

BreakThru! is a classic SNES game that continues to delight gamers and critics alike with its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Its impact on the gaming world cannot be overstated, as it helped establish the side-scrolling action genre as a staple of the SNES library.

While its age rating may seem relatively low by modern standards, BreakThru! remains a game that is suitable for players of all ages who enjoy action platformers and challenging gameplay. If you're a fan of classic gaming or just looking to experience one of the best games on the SNES, BreakThru! is definitely worth checking out.

Rating Score

• Overall Experience: 9/10
• Gameplay Mechanics: 8.5/10
• Graphics and Soundtrack: 8.5/10
• Age Rating: 7/10 (Compared to modern standards)

Recommendation

If you're interested in playing BreakThru!, we recommend starting with the original SNES release. The game's graphics and sound effects hold up remarkably well even today, and its challenging gameplay will keep you engaged for hours.

In addition to the original release, BreakThru! has also been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online. These releases often include additional features such as remastered graphics, soundtrack enhancements, and online multiplayer modes.

Overall, BreakThru! is a game that will continue to be remembered and celebrated for its innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. If you're a fan of classic gaming or just looking to experience one of the best games on the SNES, BreakThru! is definitely worth checking out.