Smash TV
Smash TV is a run-and-gun action game published by Acclaim Entertainment for the NES, released in 1990, and it is a port of the 1990 arcade game by Midway, which was famous for its over-the-top violence, satirical take on television game shows, and addictive twin-stick shooter gameplay. You play as a contestant on the violent, futuristic game show "Smash TV," fighting through a series of rooms filled with waves of enemies, with the goal of surviving, defeating the enemies, and winning valuable prizes, all while a sadistic game show host provides commentary and encouragement. The gameplay involves top-down shooting, where you move your character and shoot in different directions, fighting through enemy-filled rooms using a variety of weapons, including machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, and grenades, each with different strengths and ammo capacities. A unique feature is the "television" theme – the game is presented as a live television broadcast, with a host, audience reactions, and a point system that rewards you for defeating enemies and collecting prizes, adding a layer of dark humor and satire to the action. The game includes a two-player cooperative mode, where you and a friend can fight through the rooms together, sharing the chaos and the fun. The game features a health bar that depletes with enemy attacks and a continue system, though you must earn continues by collecting keys. A trivia: the game was developed by Midway, and it was a massive hit in arcades, known for its twin-stick controls and over-the-top violence, and the NES port, while simplified, managed to capture the essence of the arcade experience. The graphics are colorful and detailed, with a futuristic and dystopian style, and the sprites are well-rendered, with clear animations for the various weapons and enemies. The music is intense and fast-paced, with an electronic and industrial soundtrack that matches the chaotic and frenetic action. Critics praised the action, the co-op play, the weapon variety, and the satirical theme, making it a classic and beloved shooter. It supports two players. Smash TV is a classic and chaotic shooter that is incredibly fun to play with a friend.