Menace Beach

Menace Beach is an unusual side-scrolling action platformer developed and published by Color Dreams for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. This unlicensed NES release follows Scooter, a skateboard-riding hero whose girlfriend, Bunny, has been kidnapped by the villainous Demon Dan. To rescue her, Scooter must travel through dangerous streets, sewers, and other hostile locations, facing a bizarre collection of enemies along the way.

Unlike traditional platform games where jumping is the main focus, Menace Beach combines skateboarding with close-range combat and projectile attacks. Scooter can ride his skateboard through each level, punch enemies, and use the board itself as a weapon. Opponents include evil clowns, ninjas, dockworkers, and other strange characters that make every stage unpredictable.

Scattered throughout the levels are useful objects that can help Scooter fight back. Bottles, bombs, balloons, frogs, and other items can be thrown at enemies, giving players more options when dealing with groups of attackers. However, hazards and constantly appearing opponents make it important to keep moving and react quickly. The game's challenging stages require careful timing, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

As Scooter progresses, the environments become increasingly dangerous, eventually leading him into underground caverns where he must confront Demon Dan. The game is also known for its unusual intermission scenes and controversial presentation, which made it a memorable and often-discussed entry in the NES library.

Menace Beach later served as the foundation for Sunday Funday: The Ride, a reworked version with a different story and altered graphics. For players interested in obscure NES releases, unconventional platformers, and the history of unlicensed Nintendo games, Menace Beach offers a distinctive experience from the early 1990s.