Developer: Arc System Works Publisher: Tradewest Release: 03/93 Genre: Action
Battletoads is a game that I both love and hate. It has more variety than two or three games combined and lets its creativity flow unbridled. But the unrelenting difficulty is legendary and is the reason most have never made it past stage three. Why go through the trouble of creating so much great content if few will ever see it? I have always been curious about the Sega Genesis version of the game. Aside from the obvious graphical enhancements I was curious to see if the developers would change the gameplay to make it less punishing. To an extent yes, but the game will stick kick your ass and turn many away.
Battletoads was created as a response to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Rare recognized the popularity of the fab foursome and decided to put their spin on the formula, creating a title that only looks similar on a surface level. The original NES release was a very popular title despite its legendary difficulty and won many awards. Two years later the game was ported to Sega’s platforms with minor tweaks. It certainly looks better but is it a better game than the Nintendo original?
The main reason this version exists is the graphical upgrade. On its face the Sega version of Battletoads looks better the NES game but not by much to be completely honest. That is a testament to how hard Rare were pushing the NES. Nearly every stage features a layer or two of parallax scrolling whereas the NES title featured in select levels. The color palette is larger and allows the environments to blend together better. The sprites are about the same size but are more detailed. This is not a bad looking game but it is clear they could have done more with it.
Unfortunately the music sounds absolutely terrible. The music on the NES was fantastic and the composers chose to port it over wholesale. But they did an awful job of it with instruments missing or off key. You will recognize the tunes but can instantly tell they do not sound right. In fact a few tracks are missing! The sound effects also lack the punch of the original which is surprising. Of everything the sound here is the most disappointing aspect.
The strongest aspect of Battletoads is its variety. While it presents itself as a beat em up that actually makes up a small portion of the game. In fact the first level is the only pure action level! Every stage after that introduces some new mechanic with minimal fisticuffs. The Wookie Hole of stage two is a downward trek on bungee ropes. The Arctic Caverns is heavily platform focused as you contend with slippery ice. The Rat Race challenges you to defuse three bombs before a giant rat reaches them first. The finale is one of the longest, hardest, and most frustrating in the game.
The vehicle based levels are what truly make Battletoads unique. The Turbo Tunnel needs no introduction; even if you have not played this game you have probably heard of it. Surf City is less stressful and cooler in my opinion and one of the most enjoyable overall. Volkmire’s Inferno will burn your retinas as you navigate tight gates at blinding speed. Clinger-Winger…..study a map before you reach this point. Rare realized that twelve levels of brawling action would get old and the variety on display might seem scattershot but keeps your interest as you never know what to expect next.
Mechanically the Genesis game is based on the Famicom version of Battletoads. After its initial release the game was adjusted for its Japanese release. All of the vehicle stages are notably slower and feature less obstacles. The snake pit has less instant death spikes making it easier to navigate. Bosses have significantly less health and some previously invincible enemies like the sharks in the Terra Tubes are vulnerable. You start with five lives rather than three and it is considerably easier to rack up extra lives in the Wookie Hole as the screen stops scrolling when hitting the ravens. The game is still tough of course; chances are you will lose the majority of the extra lives you have built up in the Rat Race or Clinger Winger. But when taken as a whole this edition feels manageable with less effort.
In Closing
Battletoads is a divisive yet compelling title. Rare let their creativity flow and imbued it with so much gameplay variety that it is to be commended. The gameplay changes make this the ideal version of the game even if it still does not reach its full potential. You might hit a wall or two (literally) but now it feels conquerable rather than insurmountable. I would probably recommend Battletoads in Battlemaniacs first but this remains a good game.
