Cheetahmen II

Cheetahmen II is one of the most unusual titles in the history of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Developed by Active Enterprises as a sequel to the Cheetahmen game featured on the infamous Action 52 cartridge, it was planned for release around 1992 but never reached stores through a normal commercial launch. A small batch of cartridges was later discovered in a warehouse, turning the unfinished game into a sought-after curiosity among NES collectors.

The adventure follows the Cheetahmen as they once again face the evil Dr. Morbis and his army of dangerous sub-humans. The game is a side-scrolling action platformer in which players run, jump, and attack enemies while navigating hazardous environments. Each Cheetahman has a different fighting style and weapon, giving the characters their own distinct feel. Apollo, Aries, and Hercules take turns in the adventure, facing enemies and powerful bosses along the way.

The journey leads through jungle environments and toward Dr. Morbis's heavily guarded laboratory. Along the route, players must deal with awkward enemy encounters, difficult jumps, and traps that can quickly interrupt their progress. Boss battles were intended to provide major challenges, including confrontations with Dr. Morbis, Cygore, and the Man-Ape.

However, Cheetahmen II is notorious for its unfinished state and serious programming problems. Only six of the ten planned levels were completed, and a major glitch can prevent normal progression beyond the fourth level. These issues make the original cartridge experience frustrating, even for players who enjoy difficult retro platformers.

Today, Cheetahmen II is remembered as much for its troubled development as for its gameplay. It remains a fascinating piece of NES history, offering a glimpse into an ambitious sequel that never became the polished adventure its creators intended.