I like how this trio of games are all connected through being used as the basis of Smash Bros characters, since Duck Hunt (the fighter) has the Hogan's Alley can as a special. The way that move works in Smash makes more sense to me now that I actually know about the game beyond 'NES Zapper game that isn't Duck Hunt'
What I like about the Duck Hunt character in Smash is that they're designed as an overall NES Zapper rep. They can also summon Wild Gunman characters for another special, so that's three Zapper games represented in one moveset.
That Hogan’s Alley backstory is fascinating. I only remember playing it like once and sadly it’s not in the collection I have from my childhood and parent’s house.
The idea behind ROB survives in the form of amiibos, skylanders, and other video game toys. There's a special magic to things that exist in real, physical space and in the digital world of video games.
Outside of Back to the Future Part 2, I don't know that I recall ever seeing Wild Gunman in the, er, wild before. Probably one of those early NES launch games that quickly got overshadowed by other, better titles, so parents never got the chance to be upset by it. But yeah, Hogan's Alley... just another tech demo, although juggling cans is still kinda fun.
Crazy how quickly ROB died from the public consciousness, given how prevalent he was in the early marketing.
That polar bear looks so cool! Definitely a selling point for Ice Climber, but perhaps the only one. Yeah, I like it a bit more than Clu Clu Land, but the gameplay just becomes wearisome after the first few levels.
The Zapper games have some solid atmosphere, and Wild Gunman is no exception. I love the Wild West setting and the character design, but man, there's just hardly any gameplay there, even for 1985.
Did you ever check out Gumshoe? Hands down the best (and possibly the hardest) Zapper game.
I think ROB came bundled with some original NES sets for awhile, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was phased out by 1987 or 1988. Or at least sold separately. Maybe I can do some digging.
Gumshoe is definitely difficult, but at least it tries something different other than the standard shoot the cardboard cutout or plate or whatever.
Virtua Cop and Time Crisis were always the golden standard light gun games, for real. Well, those and the first couple House of the Dead games.
Did you ever get into Wii shooters? Besides Link's Crossbow Training, Sega made a couple exclusive House of the Dead games and Capcom made a couple Resident Evil shooters, if I'm not mistaken. Probably others too.
Yeah, Ice Climber is fun for a few levels, then it just becomes brutal. Decent co-op game, though.
Huh, didn't know that Hogan's Alley was considered to be the first comic strip. Certainly wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the first, given its 1896 publication date.
I like how this trio of games are all connected through being used as the basis of Smash Bros characters, since Duck Hunt (the fighter) has the Hogan's Alley can as a special. The way that move works in Smash makes more sense to me now that I actually know about the game beyond 'NES Zapper game that isn't Duck Hunt'
Wow, I never knew that Duck Hunt had the Hogan's Alley can as a special?! Shows how much I play Smash Bros. Fascinating!
What I like about the Duck Hunt character in Smash is that they're designed as an overall NES Zapper rep. They can also summon Wild Gunman characters for another special, so that's three Zapper games represented in one moveset.
Ah yeah, that makes sense! I remember the Wild Gunman characters, now that you mention it. I'll have to look up video of the Hogan's Alley can.
That's my primary connection to Ice Climbers, getting that Gamecube (?) game and having no idea who those characters were, like Marth and Roy.
I loved playing ROB in Smash. I wish Professor Hector appeared to congratulate him when he won; that would've been cute.
That Hogan’s Alley backstory is fascinating. I only remember playing it like once and sadly it’s not in the collection I have from my childhood and parent’s house.
Yeah, I wish every NES game had that kinda lore, haha.
Honestly, once is probably enough for Hogan's Alley, unless you really want to collect all the Zapper titles.
The idea behind ROB survives in the form of amiibos, skylanders, and other video game toys. There's a special magic to things that exist in real, physical space and in the digital world of video games.
Couldn’t agree more.
This selection of games shows the variety on offer with the NES launch titles… a light gun game, a ROB game and a classic arcade action style title.
Nintendo didn't skimp on the NES' launch, that's for sure!
Outside of Back to the Future Part 2, I don't know that I recall ever seeing Wild Gunman in the, er, wild before. Probably one of those early NES launch games that quickly got overshadowed by other, better titles, so parents never got the chance to be upset by it. But yeah, Hogan's Alley... just another tech demo, although juggling cans is still kinda fun.
Crazy how quickly ROB died from the public consciousness, given how prevalent he was in the early marketing.
That polar bear looks so cool! Definitely a selling point for Ice Climber, but perhaps the only one. Yeah, I like it a bit more than Clu Clu Land, but the gameplay just becomes wearisome after the first few levels.
The Zapper games have some solid atmosphere, and Wild Gunman is no exception. I love the Wild West setting and the character design, but man, there's just hardly any gameplay there, even for 1985.
Did you ever check out Gumshoe? Hands down the best (and possibly the hardest) Zapper game.
I think ROB came bundled with some original NES sets for awhile, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was phased out by 1987 or 1988. Or at least sold separately. Maybe I can do some digging.
Gumshoe is definitely difficult, but at least it tries something different other than the standard shoot the cardboard cutout or plate or whatever.
Virtua Cop and Time Crisis were always the golden standard light gun games, for real. Well, those and the first couple House of the Dead games.
Did you ever get into Wii shooters? Besides Link's Crossbow Training, Sega made a couple exclusive House of the Dead games and Capcom made a couple Resident Evil shooters, if I'm not mistaken. Probably others too.
Yeah, Ice Climber is fun for a few levels, then it just becomes brutal. Decent co-op game, though.
Huh, didn't know that Hogan's Alley was considered to be the first comic strip. Certainly wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the first, given its 1896 publication date.