NARC

"Acclaim does it again!"

Narc, for those who don't know, was a very popular Arcade game back in the 80's. It allowed you to experience a wholely fictitious portrayal of the war on drugs. You played the role of a Narcotics officer armed with a machine gun and rocket launcher. You're out to bring one of the most feared drug dealers to justice, Mr. Big! Acclaim decided to port Narc over to the NES, and I feel it's a very good game.
Gameplay 10-10. There are I believe 8 levels, each with its own mission. In each level you'll be able to bust certain enemies. To do this, run right up to an enemy and don't move away. If you do it right, he'll stick out his arms and then fly off the screen with the word Busted on him. If you happen to move even a little bit he'll start shooting at you again. You might also find bags of dope, and you get points for this. Then at the end of each level there'll be a door locked with a certain color keycard. You can find these by wasting enemies. You'll find enemies such as gang members, doberman pinchers, helicopters that drop bombs, even bugs. Then of course there are waste bins that get in your way while you drive. Ultimately...well...play the game.
Control 10-10. I really like the controls in this game. To fire missiles, simply tap A slightly. TO fire your gun, press the A button more firmly. To jump, simply tap B. This is also how you enter and exit the car. To crouch, hold down the B button. Then when you're in the car, you can press Select to change direction.
Audio 10-10. Though the machine gun sounds aren't the best, I like the other SFX, particularly when you fire a rocket from your rocket launcher. The explosion sounds are cool as well. The music is also very good. My favorite themes are the themes from stages 1, 3 and 4. I haven't heard all the music in the game, but what I have heard is good.
Story 10-10. Narc is a purely fictitious representation of the war on drugs. You play as Max Force or Hitman, depending on if you're in a two-player game and which player you are. Player one is Max Force and Player two is Hitman. Your ultimate goal is to find and destroy Mr. Big.
Overall 10-10. Definitely give the game a try. You might like it, and then again you might not.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/07/02, Updated 03/01/03