Bad Dudes

Bad Dudes is one of those NES beat 'em ups that does not waste much time explaining itself. The president has been kidnapped by ninjas, and two tough street fighters, Blade and Striker, have been called in to bring him back. Originally released in arcades as Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja, the game made its way to the NES with its over-the-top story, muscular heroes, and plenty of ninja fighting. The NES version was released by Data East in 1990.

The gameplay is straightforward but has enough moves to keep the action interesting. Your main attacks are punches and kicks, and the direction you press can change how you attack. Jumping attacks are also useful, especially when several enemies are closing in from different directions. The NES controls are unusual compared with many other games on the system, with A used for attacking and B for jumping.

As you move through the stages, waves of colorful ninjas, attack dogs, and tougher enemies try to stop you. Some defeated enemies leave behind useful items, including knives, nunchaku, health-restoring cans, and extra time. Picking up a weapon can make a big difference because it gives Blade or Striker more effective attacks and makes dealing with larger groups much easier.

The adventure takes you through streets, waterways, moving vehicles, and other dangerous locations before the final confrontation with the Dragon Ninja. Each stage ends with a boss fight, giving the game a clear rhythm of fighting, surviving, and preparing for the next challenge.

Bad Dudes is certainly a product of its era, with simple level design and some rough edges, but its exaggerated attitude is part of the fun. The memorable characters, ridiculous premise, recognizable music, and classic ninja-bashing action give it a distinctive place among NES beat 'em ups.