The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a gaming console that revolutionized the industry with its innovative hardware and software. Released in 1985, the NES went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with over 62 million units sold worldwide. However, it was not the only console released by Nintendo during this period. The company also released several other consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), which became one of the most iconic and beloved gaming systems of all time.

Released in 1991, the SNES was a major improvement over its predecessor, the NES, with faster processors, better graphics, and more memory. The console went on to become a huge success, with over 49 million units sold worldwide. One of the standout features of the SNES was its library of games, which included some of the most iconic titles in gaming history.

One such title is Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen, also known as Desert Strike: Return to the Front in North America and Europe. Released in 1992 for the SNES, this side-scrolling action game was developed by Toho and published by Konami. In this article, we will take a closer look at Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen, including its gameplay mechanics, level design, and overall impact on the gaming industry.

Gameplay Mechanics

Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is set in the fictional country of Giza, where you play as Major Tom Cannon, an American military officer tasked with defeating the enemy's nuclear missile. The game takes place across several different levels, each representing a different part of Giza, from sandy dunes to city streets.

Gameplay revolves around controlling Major Tom Cannon as he navigates through the desert landscape, dodging enemy fire and missiles while trying to destroy key targets to disable the enemy's nuclear missile. The game features fast-paced action, with players needing to time their jumps and movements carefully to avoid taking damage from incoming fire.

The gameplay mechanics of Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen are similar to those found in other side-scrolling shooters of the time, such as Metal Slug and Gunstar Heroes. However, the game's level design and enemy AI set it apart from its contemporaries, with each level presenting a unique challenge that requires careful strategy and planning.

Level Design

One of the standout features of Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is its level design. Each level in the game is carefully crafted to present a unique challenge for players, with varied terrain, enemy placement, and obstacles that require careful navigation.

The levels are divided into several sections, each representing a different part of Giza. The first few levels take place on sandy dunes, where players must navigate through narrow canyons and avoid enemy fire while trying to reach the next objective. Later levels take place in cities, where players must contend with more advanced enemies and obstacles, such as construction equipment and pedestrians.

The level design is highly varied, with each level presenting a unique challenge that requires careful strategy and planning. Players need to use their wits and reflexes to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies, making the game a thrilling experience from start to finish.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen had a significant impact on the gaming industry upon its release in 1992. The game's fast-paced action and challenging level design made it a standout title in the side-scrolling shooter genre, which was a staple of the SNES library.

The game's success can be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics and level design, which set it apart from other games in the genre. Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen also featured impressive graphics and sound, with detailed backgrounds and effects that added to the overall gaming experience.

Age Rating

Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) due to its mild violence, blood, and some suggestive themes. However, the game does not contain excessive gore or explicit content, making it suitable for players aged 13 and above.

In Japan, the game was released under the title Wangan Sakusen, which translates to "Wangan Strike". The game's rating in Japan is also T, indicating that it contains mild violence and blood.

Conclusion

Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is a classic side-scrolling action game that showcases the innovative gameplay mechanics and level design of the SNES. Released in 1992 for the console, the game was developed by Toho and published by Konami, and has since become one of the most iconic titles in gaming history.

The game's fast-paced action and challenging level design made it a standout title in the side-scrolling shooter genre, which was a staple of the SNES library. Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen also featured impressive graphics and sound, with detailed backgrounds and effects that added to the overall gaming experience.

Overall, Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is a must-play for fans of classic gaming, offering an exciting and challenging experience that will keep players engaged from start to finish. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and level design, the game remains one of the most iconic titles in gaming history, and its impact on the industry continues to be felt today.

Additional Information

Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is part of a larger franchise that includes several sequels and spin-offs. The game's sequel, Desert Strike 2: Bridge of Death, was released in 1994 for the SNES, while a third installment, Desert Strike 3: Island Attack, was released in 1997.

The game has also been re-released on several occasions, including as part of the Super NES Classic Edition and the Nintendo Virtual Console. In addition, a remake of the game was released in 2019 for the PC and Nintendo Switch, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Overall, Desert Strike - Wangan Sakusen is an iconic title that continues to be celebrated by fans of classic gaming. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and level design make it a must-play experience for anyone interested in the side-scrolling shooter genre.