Gumshoe (USA, Europe)

Gumshoe is a unique light gun game for the NES, released in 1986. In the game, players control Mr. Stevenson, a former detective, on his quest to rescue his daughter Jennifer, who has been kidnapped by the crime boss King. King demands a valuable diamond within 24 hours.

The unique aspect of the gameplay lies in its control scheme. Instead of directly moving the character, players use the NES Zapper to interact with the environment and the character himself. To make Mr. Stevenson jump, players must shoot him. This requires precise timing and accuracy.

The game features auto-scrolling side-scrolling levels. Your task is to shoot down obstacles and enemies that appear along the way, such as birds, bombs, and other hazardous objects, to clear a path for Stevenson. Simultaneously, you need to shoot balloons to collect important clues and items. These clues act as "currency" or points, essential for progression.

Each stage has a countdown timer, representing the 24-hour limit of the storyline. Players must complete the stage before time runs out. The game features various areas, from city streets to dense forests, each presenting its own challenges. Ultimately, players will confront King in a final showdown.

The combination of platforming (jumping) and shooting elements creates a unique but challenging experience, especially the need to shoot the main character to control his jumps onto platforms or over obstacles. It's one of the few games to utilize the NES Zapper in such a distinctive way.