720° (1989)
720° is a skateboarding video game developed by Atari Games and published by Mindscape for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. It is a port of the 1986 arcade game of the same name, which was a groundbreaking title in the skateboarding genre. The game features a skateboarder navigating a large, open skate park, performing tricks and competing in events. The NES version is a scaled-down but faithful conversion of the arcade original, known for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and its iconic "720" trick.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players control a skateboarder, navigating a large skate park, performing tricks and competing in events. The game features a "power-up" system, where collecting items enhances the player's abilities. The events include slalom, downhill, and freestyle. The game's difficulty is high, with precise controls required to perform tricks and compete effectively.
The game's controls are responsive, with a focus on precise timing and coordination. The game's presentation is colorful and detailed, with large, expressive character sprites and vibrant, skate park-themed backgrounds. The soundtrack features high-energy rock music that matches the intense action. The game also features a "high score" system, encouraging players to replay and improve their performance.
Legacy and Reception
720° is considered a classic skateboarding game and one of the best arcade ports on the NES. It is praised for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and its iconic "720" trick. The game is often compared to other skateboarding games of the era, and it is remembered as a standout title on the console. 720° holds a nostalgic place for fans of the NES and skateboarding games.