[img width=329 height=470]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/shatterhand.jpg[/img]






I originally had another game in mind for this article, but I was blown away by Shatterhand recently so it'll have to wait.

As far as NES action games go this one has it all and then some. Cool style, check. Tight Gameplay, check. Awesome soundtrack, check. Good variety of weaponry, check. Solid challenge, check. Varied and interesting boss fights, check. Sure it uses the tired old Sci-Fi Action Platforming setup, but at least you get to play as an 80s douche (complete with sun glasses and shirtless vest!).

[img width=256 height=240]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/SHaction.png[/img]

Your main attack throughout the game is simply your fists. You'll use those bad boys to punch soldiers, robots, chests and even knock down some walls. If punching your way through a wall or giant robot isn’t satisfying, I don’t know what is. In lots of NES games having to get so close for combat is a HUGE pain in the ass. Natsume got it right though. The hit detection is perfect. I've had no issues getting up close and personal with the baddies.

For additional support and firepower you can grab some Alpha or Beta symbol powerups as you progress through the levels. Each symbol will be stored on the top of the screen until you have collected 3. Once 3 have been obtained they will morph into a robot assistant. The combination and order of symbols collected will result in a different robotic friend. It’s a lot of fun to mess around with them and find the ones that work best for your style of play or that work more efficiently on the enemies/bosses at hand.

After completing the first level you'll be given the option of which level to tackle next, ala Mega Man/Power Blade style. This combined with the robot companion gives a surprising amount of control over how to proceed through the game.

[img width=500 height=469]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/SHawesome.png[/img]

There are a few gameplay quirks that help make Shatterhand unique from other action platforms beyond the lack of weapons. Each level has chain-link fences scattered throughout the background. As you jump you can grab onto the fence and either hang and attack of leap higher off the fence. Sometimes this is necessary to progress, but often it’s just some extra flavor that allows you additional ways to defeat or pass enemies. Another neat part of Shatterhand is the additional powerups. Enemies and boxes occasionally drop cash. You can spend that cash on platforms hidden throughout the level on things like a temporary power boost, extra health or extra lives.

If you’re looking for another cheap action game to add to your NES collection then definitely pick up Shatterhand. It’s worth it for the box art alone!

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