Kicks your ass more often than not, but this game is still a lot of fun.
The game is presented as a 2-D sidescrolling platformer. Your basic goal is to shoot a bunch of enemies and do some occasional platforming to reach the end of a level to have a go at one of the robots. Each level requires a certain number of points to clear the stage, but it's not that troubling since you'll be defeating plenty of enemies. The game contains six main levels that you can choose right from the get-go, with environments that closely represents each robot. Defeating one of the robots will actually grant you his ability, which can be useful in certain levels depending on what order you go in. Once you complete all six stages you unlock the hidden seventh stage, Wily Fortress in which you go through four different levels and defeat each of the robots again before confronting Dr. Wiley.
The gameplay in this game is very difficult, but satisfying. More often than not you'll be dieing, but once you finally complete each stage it is very rewarding. The challenge doesn't come from cheap level design or enemy placement, but rather precise platforming sections, environmental hazards and tough enemies that require quick thinking. The game consists of you destroying alot of enemies. You'll initially start off with just the standard gun built into you, but as you beat each robot you can gain their abilities. Scattered throughout the game are energy cells used to replenish your health, ammo for your weapon (varies depending on what new power up you are using at the moment), and different colored orbs for extra points. The controls in the game work pretty well for the most part.
For being an early NES title, the game looks pretty good for the most part. Plenty of detail was put into the character models and backdrops, though the back grounds can appear too plain. It has a very nice manga-styled art direction going for it and the enemy designs look cool. The sound is just as good here. All of the tracks are golden 8-bit catchy tunes that stay in your mind long after playing.
To sum things up:
PROS:
-Nicely detailed graphics with a cool art design
-Very catchy music
-Good controls
-Very challenging, but fun and rewarding gameplay
CONS:
-Backgrounds can be plain
For fans of the series, it's definitely a must own. For others unfamiliar with the series and are up for a good challenge, this is also recommendable. While most say that the sequels are far superior, this game is still one I would like to back to time and time again. In any case I'll be more than happy to try out the other games in the franchise.