Ikari 3 - The Rescue

Ikari 3 - The Rescue is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game with light run-and-gun elements, placing players in the roles of the familiar ex-mercenaries Ralf Jones and Clark Still. Their primary mission is to rescue a senator's daughter who has been kidnapped by a terrorist organization. The game unfolds across several linear stages, each featuring distinct environments and enemy types.

Gameplay primarily focuses on close-quarters combat. Players will move horizontally across the screen, facing waves of enemies that emerge from all directions. Basic attacks include punches and kicks. A notable feature of Ikari 3 - The Rescue is the ability to perform combos and grapple with opponents, adding more variety compared to previous installments. Players can pick up and utilize various sub-weapons like knives, guns, or grenades to increase their damage output. However, ammunition for firearms is often limited, encouraging players to rely mainly on hand-to-hand combat.

Each stage culminates in a challenging boss fight, requiring players to master their attacks and evasive maneuvers. Enemies in the game are diverse, ranging from standard infantry soldiers to heavily armed foes or those skilled in martial arts. The game's difficulty is quite high, demanding patience and skill from the player. The graphics and sound are designed to suit the NES hardware, delivering an intense and engaging action experience.

The two-player co-op mode is a highlight of Ikari 3 - The Rescue, allowing two players to tackle challenges together, coordinating attacks and supporting each other. This not only enhances entertainment but also helps mitigate the game's difficulty. Overall, Ikari 3 - The Rescue is a valuable addition to the NES game library, offering non-stop action and satisfying battles.