As the story goes, Billy and Jimmy Lee once again have to go out, beat up some bad guys, save the girl and the day. You know what I just realized? This would make a good premise for a movie. Wait no, it will never work!
Originally developed by Rare, this recreation of the series is better graphic quality than the Nintendo Entertainment System, but not as good as what can be offered on the Game Boy Advance. On a big screen television the game seems a bit pixilated. The coloring for the game has been well done and many of the backgrounds are very details compared to that of the original versions of the game.
The sound is midi quality at best. Reading the credits one guy does the voices for everyone, men and women. The sound effects are a bit clearer when it comes to sounds such as taking steps or using weapons. If I could only understand what was said at the games introduction screen.
The controls are not what one would expect for a NES game. Now you have separate punch and kick buttons as well as a jump and drop buttons. It was something to get used to for when I play a NES recreation; I expect only two-button controls. As either character you are very slow, but when you get your hands on nunchukus or kendo sticks, you can hit multiple times at great speed. The only fallback is that you leave yourself open for attack since one push of the punch button uses the weapon multiple times. I have found dropkicks and running clotheslines to be useful. Also, if you find yourself cornered, move up or down to escape, else learns the hard way.
Other than the new button configuration, the cleaning up of some graphics and perhaps a little better quality in some sounds, this game will only be fresh to those who find it hard to play these types of games and like a challenge. I do not understand why this game is rated teen, but then again it may be because of the violence. There is no foul language, nudity or gore from what I have seen.
I played this game on normal and solved it in about an hour and 30 minutes, a total of eight levels. I had used up my last continue and had three lives left before defeating the final boss. I tried the survival mode, which must be a new feature, and could not pass the 11th man. The survival mode may just be what would keep a few people playing.
In the end, if you feel nostalgic, the game is a good buy. If you want better replay value, get a friend. Your other option is to learn to control both the Lee brothers at once with a feature that allows you to switch between them in a match.
The only way this game could be better is if there were two mutant toads battling with the Lee brothers. No, wait... The story line would never make any sense.
