Good for the first couple minutes. After that, you'll want to bash the controller on the wall.
Gameplay – The game is side scrolling. You control a toad, and you have to fight off the attacking baddies. Your able to punch, pick up enemies’ bones as weapons, throw etc. The fighting element is good, and after a little bit of playtime, you’re able to use other things as means of transportation. Each level has a unique concept. The first is regular side-scrolling fighting, the second is dangling from a rope while repelling downwards, the third is on a type of jet, avoiding obstacles, and so on.
Sounds fun, up until at least level 3. The difficulty of game suddenly jacks up to top notch, and the game becomes almost unplayable. Frustration kicks in, thus ruining most of the fun. Even after level 3, the levels are still hard. And, hard as in, horribly placed objects.
Video – The graphics are superb on the NES. The models are well designed, the backdrops easily fit the levels, and so fourth. There’s also a part in the game where you have to throw boulders at a large robot/machine/whatever. The damage that the robot/machine/whatever takes is great. That’s only an example of many other things the game produces.
Audio – The sound effects isn’t anything to right home about. The music score is what’ll get it. The background music fits perfectly into some of the levels. Other than that, not much to notice.
Controls – Despite the later levels being hard, the controls are one of the easiest features in the game. They’re pretty much remapped for each level. For example, the first level you use A (or B, depending which version) to punch. In the next level, you use A (or B) to kick up against the wall. It doesn’t take long to get used to, as it’s real easy.
Storyline – Your generic “saving the world” storyline is used.
Multiplayer – If a friend was to come and play, then so be it. Both players control two toads, thus making the game a little bit easier. The pre-level scenes are redesigned to fit two players, and nothing is rushed for this feature.
Price – Battletoads, by any means, is no rare game for the NES. You should have no problem finding it on various online stores. Just try not to get ripped off, as many NES sellers tend to do that. Also be sure to look for that Nintendo license on the cart. If you don’t see it, it’s a fake.
Replay – After beating the game, there isn’t anything left to do (like most NES games, anyway). But then again, that’s as if you’re able to beat the game. Overall – It’s a hard game. Good graphics, good controls, and a good 2-player feature. Yet, that doesn’t save it. Many people cite this as old school. I’d have to agree. I remember smashing my controller against the wall. Gotta love it.