Gun Smoke (NES)

Shoot 'em up week continues!

Difficulty - ***1/2
Controls - ****
Graphics - ***1/2
Sound - ****
Overall - 15 stars out of 20

The Wingate gang has ransacked Hicksville! Not only that but they've shot and killed the sheriff! A lone gunman rides into town with his six shooters ready to set things straight. This is Capcom's Gun Smoke!

You get a good feel for game in the first few stages. You control your gunman and learn the ins and outs. But by the time the third stage begins, you'll need eyes in the back of your head to stay alive! The enemies begin to swarm you from behind shooting off some of their lead. Also, knowing which weapon is best used against each boss helps tremendously (I like to use the shotgun on Cutter in the second stage.)

The controls for Gun Smoke are very good. The only real problem is the fact that you will be smashing the 'A' and 'B' buttons to shoot straight (apparently the arcade had three buttons to Nintendo's two). Needless to say a controller with rapid fire capability is a must as you're going to hurt if you opt out.

At the beginning of the game is a very nice intro. You see the lone cowboy headed towards the town with his horse (cool!) Each stage looks great. Not some much detail but just enough for you to notice as you're blasting away thugs and outlaws. The horse animation as it enters is pretty sweet. The townspeople and enemies are just OK though. And before each stage is the wanted poster for each nasty varmit you have to gun down (really nice).

The theme music is really good. Almost reminiscent of Bionic Commando (also another great game by Capcom). Each stage has a unique and catchy theme (like in the third stage Commanchi Village). The sound effects are also well done. Nothing to over-the-top. But good.

If you're tired of the same old space ship shoot 'em ups I would highly recommend you get a copy of Gun Smoke. While there is some slow down towards the end of the game and the boss sprites are a little underwhelming. Its great controls, catchy stage music and intense action, will have you coming back to save Hicksville time and time again! Although I should mention that having rapid fire at your disposal is a must. Pack away your smoking pistols and jump on your horse and grab a copy. You won't be disappointed.