G.I. Joe (NES video game): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|1991 video game}}

'''G.I. Joe''' was the title of a video game released for the [[NES]] published by [[Taxan]] and developed by [[KID]]. The game was based on the popular toy line, animated and comic series of the same name. The game was very successful for its graphics, sound, playability and overall handing of the franchise. [[Capcom]] followed up with a sequel that generated more mixed results.

{{Infobox video game

|title = G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

|image = G.I. Joe NES Cover.jpg

|developer = [[KID]]

|publisher = [[Taxan]]

|director = Motoyuki Inoue<br />Kuniharu Hosoda

|producer = [[Ken Lobb]]

|programmer = Shōji Takagi

|artist = Abe<br />Kazuhiro Iizuka<br />Tsutomu Ozawa

|composer = Nobuyuki Shioda<br /> Yūsuke Takahama

|series = ''[[G.I. Joe]]''

|platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]

|released = {{vgrelease|NA|January 1991<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf|title=NES Games|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2014-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611225644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

|genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Platform game|platform]], [[Run and gun (video game)|run and gun]]

|modes = [[Single player]]

}}

'''''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero''''' is a 1991 [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|run and gun]] [[video game|game]] published by [[Taxan]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] based on the [[action figure|toyline]] of the [[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero|same name]]. The game was produced by [[Ken Lobb]] and developed by the same Japanese team that later formed [[KID]]. A sequel developed by the same team, titled ''[[G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor]]'', was released the following year, but was published by Capcom after Taxan went out of business.

In the game you picked among a group of G.I. Joe characters each with their own strength and weaknesses and marched through roughly eight levels of action in a quest to finally bring down [[Cobra Commander]] and his ruthless terrorist organization. You collected icons in the game that increased your characters energy, and weapons, along with ammo icons. Certain levels also had vehicles that you could ride around in.

''G.I. Joe'' on the NES garnered positive reception from reviewers since its initial release; praise was given to the colorful graphics, ability to choose between characters and form a team, soundtrack, controls, gameplay and music but the occasional flickering issues was criticized. Retrospective commentary has been positive.

The format of each level was broken up into three different stages. In one of these stages you would be in some familiar Cobra headquarters were you had to properly set a series of bombs and then escape the building before it exploded. The enemies and bosses from the video game were familiar to fans of the franchise.

==Gameplay==

It took a skilled gamer to beat the game, even with the [[Game Genie]] and a password feature was a big help. The final battle was with [[Cobra Commander]] who sat in a throne, while laser cannons shot out beams that mutated you into a snake. After you beat the game, and were given an impressive ending, you were then given the option to restart the game from the beginning, only this time things would be harder and items would not be located in the same place.

[[File:NES G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero.png|frame|left|Gameplay screenshot of mission 1-1.]]

The player takes control of a team of three G.I. Joe characters, each with his own specialty. The goal of the game is to navigate through six stages on a mission to finally bring down [[Cobra Command|Cobra]]. The initial character roster consists of [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], [[Snake Eyes (G.I. Joe)|Snake Eyes]], [[Blizzard (G.I. Joe)|Blizzard]], [[Captain Grid-Iron]], and [[Rock 'n Roll (G.I. Joe)|Rock 'n Roll]].<ref name="yojoe">{{cite web| url = http://www.yojoe.com/archive/games/joenes.shtml| title = G.I. Joe for the NES| last = Roberts| first = Matt| publisher = YoJoe.com| access-date = 2010-06-17}}</ref> A sixth character, [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]], gives orders to the team between missions, and becomes available as a playable character for the final stage.<ref name="yojoe"/> The player's first character is automatically assigned depending on the stage, while the second and third characters are freely chosen.<ref name="mania">{{cite web |url=http://www.mania.com/toy-maniac-retro-review-gi-joe-real-american-hero-nes_article_116894.html |title=game review |publisher=Mania.com |access-date=2012-09-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009020642/http://www.mania.com/toy-maniac-retro-review-gi-joe-real-american-hero-nes_article_116894.html |archive-date=2012-10-09 }}</ref>

The player collects [[power-up]]s in the game that increases an individual character's abilities. Gun icons increases firepower, [[K-rations]] recovers energy, and [[Chevron (insignia)|Chevron]] icons increases the current character's maximum stamina. Bullet icons refills the player's collective ammunition and [[bulletproof vest]] icons that grant temporary invincibility are also available at designated locations on each area. Icons flashing in red are more valuable than ordinary icons. All upgrades garnered during the course of the game are permanent, provided of course the character survives the mission.

The game had impressive animated scenes in-between the levels, after you defeated a level and before you met a boss.

Certain areas have empty enemy vehicles that the main character can operate. The three different vehicles available are the Buzz Boar, the Pogo, and the Battle Copter. The player can still plant bombs while riding these vehicles.

==Game characters==

There are five playable characters in the game, each with his strength to bring to the game. Players can choose three for each mission. During gameplay, the player can easily alternate between characters by pressing the “pause” button. The basis for the characters’ skills are agility, strength and firepower.

Each stage is broken up into three different segments: In the first segment, the player's team would fight their way into one of Cobra's bases. After penetrating the base, the player's team must plant a certain amount of bombs inside the base before time runs out. Afterward, the player must fight against the base's commander. The enemy bosses include a [[Range-Viper]], [[Metal-Head]], [[Overlord (G.I. Joe)|Overlord]], [[Voltar (G.I. Joe)|Voltar]], [[Destro]] and [[Cobra Commander]] himself. A password is given at the end of each stage.

* ''[[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]]'' – The most rounded. Basically the most balanced, possessing the mid-level skills and powers of his comrades.

* ''[[Snake-Eyes (G.I. Joe)|Snake-Eyes]]'' – Snake-Eyes can jump higher than his teammates and he is also the only one who does not use up any ammunition, using fireballs instead.

* ''Capt. Grid-Iron'' – The captain has greater fist power but certainly lacking in other departments. As such, he may be the most underused.

* ''Rock ‘n Roll'' – He has the strongest firepower of all but he has the lowest agility rating.

*''Blizzard'' - The most underused of the Joes. Blizzard does not stand out in any specific areas. There are no cold weather environments in the game that makes effective use of him.

There are five initial characters in the game (with a sixth character that becomes available for the final stage), each with his strength to bring to the game. The player can choose a team of three for each area. During gameplay, the player can switch between characters after pausing the game. The characters’ skills are agility, stamina, strength and firepower.<ref name="GameFaqs">{{cite web | author=Cedric Cooks/Oda | year=2002 | title=G.I. Joe: FAQ/Walkthrough | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/file/587291/17289| access-date=August 5, 2008}}</ref>

* ''[[General Hawk]]'' – This version of General Hawk is based on the 1991 edition of his action figure. He is the only unit who can fly and a requirement when facing Cobra Commander. He only becomes available for use in the final stage.

* '''[[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]]''' – The most rounded. Basically the most balanced, possessing the mid-level skills and powers of his comrades. He leads the team in Amazon mission.

* '''[[Snake- Eyes (G.I. Joe)|Snake- Eyes]]''' – Snake-Eyes canCan jump higher and punch/throw faster than his teammates. and heHe is also the only one who does not use up any ammunition, using white fireballs instead (described in game as a sort of Jujitsu). While being able to conserve vital ammunition, Snake Eyes' weapon is weak. He leads the team in New York's sewer mission.

* '''[[Captain Grid-Iron|Capt. Grid-Iron]]''' – Has the greatest fist power and is average in other departments. He is very similar to Duke, but with a shorter jump and a smaller spread weapon (described as grenade launcher). He leads the team in Black Hills mission.

* '''[[Rock 'n Roll (G.I. Joe)|Rock ‘n Roll]]''' – He has the strongest firepower (machine gun) and the widest range of all but all his other ratings below average. He leads the team in the desert mission.

* '''[[Blizzard (G.I. Joe)|Blizzard]]''' - Sub-par in most skills except stamina. Blizzard may come in handy during the Antarctic world, but otherwise does not stand out in any specific areas, though his (grenade) throwing speed is almost as fast as Snake Eyes. His special ability is that he can shoot through solid walls. He is in charge on the Antarctica missile base mission.

* '''[[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|General Hawk]]''' – ThisHis version of General Hawkappearance is based on the 1991 edition of his action figure. He is the only unitcharacter who can fly and a requirement when facing Cobra Commander. He only becomes available for use only in the final stage. In the course of the game, he was kidnapped by Destro, and Rock 'n Roll led a team of operatives to rescue him from the desert.

The six missions that the G.I. Joe team members must progress through each take place in a different part of the world: the [[Amazon Rainforest|Amazon]], [[Antarctica]], [[New York City]], the [[Black Hills]], and the [[Sahara]].<ref name="yojoe"/> The game's final mission takes place in Cobra Headquarters.<ref name="yojoe"/>

== Reception ==

[[Category: 1991 computer and video games]]

{{Video game reviews

[[Category: NES games]]

|Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="AGNESgij">{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Skyler|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14983&tab=review|title=G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Nintendo Entertainment System) - Review|work=[[AllGame]]|publisher=[[All Media Network]]|date=1998|access-date=2021-08-03|archive-date=2014-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116031531/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14983&tab=review|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Category: G.I. Joe]]

|EGM = 30/40<ref name="EGMNESgij">{{cite magazine|last1=Harris|first1=Steve|last2=Semrad|first2=Ed|last3=Alessi|first3=Martin|last4=Williams|first4=Ken|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_19#page/n19/mode/1up|title=Review Crew: G.I. Joe (Nintendo - Taxan)|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=19|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=February 1991|page=20}}</ref>

[[Category:Run and guns]]

|GamePro = 18/25<ref name="GameProNESgij">{{cite magazine|author=Mongoose|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AGamePro_US_019.pdf&page=82|title=Nintendo ProView - G.I. Joe|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=19|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=February 1991|page=64}}</ref>

[[Category: Computer and video games based on licensed properties]]

|NP = 7.6/10<ref name="NPNESgij">{{cite magazine|title=Features - G.I. Joe; Now Playing - G.I. Joe|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|issue=22|publisher=[[Nintendo of America]]|date=March 1991|pages=64–73, 75}}</ref>

|VGCE = 7/10<ref name="VGCENESgij">{{cite magazine|last=W.|first=B.|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AVG%26CE_US_26.pdf&page=46|title=Video Game Reviews - G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Taxan) For the Nintendo Entertainment System|magazine=[[VideoGames & Computer Entertainment]]|issue=26|publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications]]|date=March 1991|pages=46–48}}</ref>

|rev1 = ''[[Ação Games]]''

|rev1Score = 100/100<ref name="AçGNESgij">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/acaogames147janeiro2000poster/A%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20Games%20%23001%20%28Maio%201991%29#page/n43/mode/1up|title=Lancamentos: O Mundo No Seu Console - G.I. Joe (Nintendo)|magazine=[[Ação Games]]|issue=1|publisher=[[Editora Abril|Editora Azul]]|date=May 1991|page=44|lang=pt}}</ref>

|rev2 = ''VideoGame''

|rev2Score = 7/10<ref name="VGNESgij">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/VideoGame_Ano_1_Numero_07_1991-10_Sigla_Editora_BR_pt#page/n43/mode/1up|title=Sistema Nintendo - G.I. Joe|magazine={{ill|VideoGame (magazine)|lt=VideoGame|pt|VideoGame}}|issue=7|publisher=Editora Sigla|date=October 1991|page=44|lang=pt}}</ref>

}}

''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] received positive reception from critics. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s four reviewers praised the colorful background visuals, ability to choose between characters and form a team, gameplay and music.<ref name="EGMNESgij"/> ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Mangoose noted the ability to switch between characters and commended the graphics, sound, gameplay, fun factor and challenge but nevertheless found the game to be average.<ref name="GameProNESgij"/> Likewise, ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' gave positive remarks to the graphics, controls, challenge and thematic, stating that "Taxan has combined great control and graphics for a winner."<ref name="NPNESgij"/> ''[[VideoGames & Computer Entertainment]]''{{'}}s B.W. felt it was a good action title, giving positive commentary to the colorful graphics, smooth character animations, sound design and playability but criticized the occasional flickering.<ref name="VGCENESgij"/> The Brazilian magazines ''[[Ação Games]]'' and ''VideoGame'' highly praised the audiovisual presentation and challenge for a licensed product.<ref name="AçGNESgij"/><ref name="VGNESgij"/>

Retrospective reviews for ''G.I. Joe'' on NES have been equally positive. ''[[AllGame]]''{{'}}s Skyler Miller remarked that the ability to switch between members at any time added an element of strategy into the game due to each character having their own statistics, while stating that both graphics and music were above average.<ref name="AGNESgij"/> ''HonestGamers''{{'}} Julian Titus criticized its time-sensitive nature, due to timers being carried over to the next section of a stage and flickering issues. Regardless, Titus recommending the title and praised the detailed graphical presentation for being faithful to the franchise and core action.<ref name="HGNESgij">{{cite web|last=Titus|first=Julian|url=http://www.honestgamers.com/11947/nes/gi-joe/review.html|title=G.I. Joe (NES) review|work=HonestGamers|date=May 25, 2013|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2015-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918233600/http://www.honestgamers.com/11947/nes/gi-joe/review.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]''{{'}}s Sotenga felt it was more refined than ''[[Low G Man: The Low Gravity Man|Low G Man]]'' but not as fast-paced as other games such as ''[[Contra (video game)|Contra]]'', criticizing the slow pacing of later stages as well as unavoidable boss patterns and character balancing. However, he commended the colorful visuals, detailed backgrounds, soundtrack and gameplay for being well-rounded, recommending it to those who are or not fans of the series.<ref name="GIJhg101">{{cite web|author=Sotenga|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/gijoe/gijoenes.htm|title=G.I. Joe NES Games: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - NES (1991)|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2015-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512131622/www.hardcoregaming101.net/gijoe/gijoenes.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Portal|1990s|Japan|Video games}}

* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/nes/587291-gi-joe-a-real-american-hero ''G.I. Joe''] at [[GameFAQs]]

* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/nes/gi-joe-a-real-american-hero_ ''G.I. Joe''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{G.I. Joe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:G.I. Joe (NES video game)}}

[[Category: 1991 computer and video games]]

[[Category: G.I. Joe video games]]

[[Category: NESKID games]]

[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]

[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System-only games]]

[[Category:North America-exclusive video games]]

[[Category:Platformers]]

[[Category:Run and gunsgun games]]

[[Category:Single-player video games]]

[[Category:Video games about ninja]]

[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]

[[Category:Video games set in Africa]]

[[Category:Video games set in Antarctica]]

[[Category:Video games set in Brazil]]

[[Category:Video games set in New York City]]

[[Category:Video games set in South Dakota]]