Total Recall (USA)

The NES game Total Recall puts players in the shoes of Douglas Quaid, a construction worker haunted by vivid dreams of Mars. After Quaid undergoes a memory implant procedure, he discovers he's a secret agent on the run. The game is a challenging side-scrolling action-platformer that loosely follows key events from the popular movie of the same name.

Gameplay in Total Recall primarily focuses on action and platforming. Players navigate various levels, from the bustling streets of Earth to intricate Martian complexes. The main objective is to eliminate enemies that stand in Quaid's way, including guards, agents, and mutated creatures. Quaid can attack with his fists or use a pistol. Ammunition for the pistol is limited, forcing players to conserve shots or seek out ammo drops from defeated foes.

Levels often feature multiple tiers and require precise jumping and climbing skills. Players must overcome obstacles such as bottomless pits, spike traps, and hazardous environmental elements. Control precision is crucial, especially during platforming segments. The game is notorious for its high difficulty, with enemies appearing frequently and dealing significant damage, often dispatching Quaid in just a few hits.

Throughout the game, players can collect power-ups like health packs to restore vitality or more powerful weapon upgrades. Occasionally, Quaid will face challenging boss encounters at the end of stages, requiring specific strategies and perseverance to defeat. While the graphics and sound are typical 8-bit NES fare, Total Recall delivers an intense action experience that tests players' skills and captures some of the atmosphere of the original film.