Konami were one of the few NES publishers whose output I would buy sight unseen. I even bought their sports games and I’m not even into the genre. That being said their later output flew under my radar as my attention was on the SNES and Sega Genesis. Games like Bucky O’Hare and TMNT III were practically classics that I would discover years after the fact. Mission Impossible is not quite on that level but is another great gem that most overlook. It’s a bit frustrating but still worth your time if you like stealth action games.
The NES version of Mission Impossible is based on the short lived revival from the 80s. The IMF team are tasked with saving Dr. O and agent Shannon Reed from the terrorist organization known as the Sinister 7. Just like the show you will travel to many exotic locales like Venice and the Swiss Alps. Although it resembles the overhead portions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Impossible was developed in the US. But make no mistake; it still has that unmistakable Konami quality.
I made the comparison to TMNT for a reason. Aside from the overhead view Mission Impossible also shares the same character switching mechanic. Except here each agent has distinct abilities. Max Harte has a long range rifle and a limited number of explosives. Grant Collier uses his fists instead of weapons and has gas grenades that can paralyze enemies. He is also the fastest in movement speed. Aussie Nicholas has a boomerang that doesn’t have the range of the rifle but can arc around corners and inflict double damage on the way back. Grant can also disguise himself as an enemy and avoid being attacked temporarily.
Mission Impossible places a heavy emphasis on team work. Character abilities play a large role in how you move around in a variety of ways. There are sections that feature pitfalls or other hazards that a slow character like Max can’t navigate. Grant can disable security doors by listening and inputting a four digit pass code. Although it isn’t used as much the disguise is indispensable in navigating the more heavily populated areas of a stage. Mission Impossible has more action than Metal Gear but the stealth approach is generally better since you aren’t as well armed as in that title. The goal in each level is to find an informant who will give you a pass that unlocks the end of the level. Sometimes you’ll face a boss, sometimes you’ll rescue a hostage. Each level is massive but that works against the game in a few ways.
Mission Impossible is divided into six stages. Two of these are fast paced vehicle levels that are difficult but a nice change of pace. The other four take place in one massive locale that stretch across multiple buildings and floors. It is very similar to Metal Gear except this game does not come with convenient maps Rooms look identical and it is easy to get lost. Technically you can’t complete the level objectives in any order. But that is most likely because the game gives very little guidance. NPCs give vague hints that are barely any better than in Simon’s Quest. While you are flipping switches and destroying boxes you’ll have no idea where or what has changed. Eventually you will stumble your way to the level conclusion but not before dying a few times. And death carries a heavy penalty.
This is not an easy game. Managing your team is absolutely critical as each level only has two or three health packs. You can easily lose an agent by falling into the game’s many pits. If any member dies you might as well start the level over since their particular skills may be essential later on. Complete death sends you back to the beginning of the level which is rough. It is very easy to spend two or three hours wandering aimlessly; having to do all that a second time is soul crushing. At least there are unlimited continues and passwords.
Despite that I will say this about the difficulty; when it is due to good design it is frustrating but fun. Successfully dodging security cameras and navigating conveyor belts is visceral. Unlike TMNT all of your team members are valuable and using their abilities is fun. It is when you run into badly designed segments that it is aggravating. The stage three boss battle takes place in a room with a collapsing floor that is essentially a timer. It sounds fun but the boss teleports around the room and is only vulnerable for a few seconds. It should be thrilling but it isn’t. The final level is completely over the top with its densely packed traps and enemies. It saps the game’s momentum but doesn’t ruin it though.
In Closing
Mission Impossible is classic Konami with excellent production values and good gameplay. It may be similar to Metal Gear but manages to distinguish itself with its team tactics and theme. Its a bit difficult but worth it to see all it has to offer. This one has flown under the radar but is unmistakably a hidden gem in the NES library. Don’t pass this one up.
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