BreakThru

BreakThru is a fast-moving NES action game that mixes side-scrolling shooting with vehicle combat. Developed and published by Data East, the NES version arrived in North America in 1987 after originating as an arcade game. Instead of controlling a spaceship or a traditional soldier, you drive a heavily armed assault vehicle through enemy territory, trying to break through their defenses and reach the final objective.

The mission is straightforward: recover the stolen PX-430 fighter plane. To reach it, you must fight your way through five different areas consisting of mountains, bridges, prairies, cities, and finally an airfield. Each section throws a mixture of enemy soldiers, tanks, jeeps, helicopters, and other defenses at you while the terrain itself becomes another threat.

Your vehicle is equipped with a missile launcher, but simply shooting everything in front of you will not be enough. BreakThru's most important mechanic is jumping. The vehicle can leap over land mines, fallen rocks, gaps, and other obstacles, with longer jumps requiring you to build up speed first. Getting the timing wrong can send the vehicle over a cliff or directly into a hazard.

Power-ups scattered throughout the stages can temporarily improve your firepower. Some provide three-way shooting for a limited amount of time, while others offer different durations or effects. You can also run over certain ammunition boxes and drums as you race forward, making it worthwhile to pay attention to the road rather than simply holding down the fire button.

BreakThru is a compact and challenging game that rewards quick reactions. Its combination of driving, shooting, jumping, and obstacle avoidance gives it a distinct personality among NES action titles. It may not be a long adventure, but the constant forward momentum makes every attempt feel intense, especially when enemy fire and environmental hazards start arriving from all directions.