Cliffhanger (USA)

In Cliffhanger (USA) for the NES, players assume the role of Gabe Walker, a mountain rescue expert, as he battles a dangerous criminal gang in the treacherous Rocky Mountains. This is a side-scrolling action-platformer game, with gameplay focusing on both combat and obstacle navigation.

The gameplay of Cliffhanger (USA) requires players to traverse various levels, from snow-covered mountain slopes and icy caves to hidden camps. Gabe can perform basic actions such as jumping, punching, kicking, and using a limited supply of weapons like knives or guns. Enemies are diverse, including armed soldiers, melee attackers, and even wild animals like wolves or eagles.

Platforming elements play a significant role, requiring players to execute precise jumps across chasms, climb ropes, or navigate slippery icy ledges. The game environment also presents numerous hazards such as avalanches or falling ice. The game is notorious for its extremely high difficulty, with enemies appearing unpredictably, nearly pixel-perfect jumps required, and a rather unforgiving health and lives system. Resource management and memorizing enemy attack patterns are key to progressing, though often accompanied by frustration.