Summary
Big Bad John: A Retro Beat ‘Em Up Gem
Released in 1987 by Capcom, Big Bad John is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game that quickly became a fan favorite. Players take control of one of two vigilantes, John and Jack, as they fight their way through the mean streets of Metro City to take down the evil crime lord Mr. Big.
Big Bad John is known for its simple yet satisfying gameplay. Players can punch, kick, and grapple their way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of special moves to take down the toughest foes. The game also features a unique “tag team” system, which allows players to switch between John and Jack at any time. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players can use each character’s unique abilities to their advantage.
One of the things that makes Big Bad John so special is its over-the-top characters. John is a muscle-bound brawler with a heart of gold, while Jack is a nimble martial artist with a quick wit. The two heroes are a great team, and their banter is one of the highlights of the game.
Of course, no beat ’em up would be complete without a memorable cast of villains. Big Bad John delivers in this department, with a colorful array of thugs, gangsters, and mad scientists. The final boss, Mr. Big, is a particularly memorable villain, with his giant size and powerful attacks.
Big Bad John was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top characters, and beautiful graphics. The game was also a hit with arcadegoers, who loved the chance to team up with a friend and take on the forces of evil.
Big Bad John has remained popular over the years, and has been ported to a variety of home consoles. The game is still considered one of the best beat ’em ups ever made, and is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Big Bad John is a side-scrolling beat ’em up in which players control one of two vigilantes, John or Jack. The game is played in a single plane, and players must fight their way through hordes of enemies to reach the end of each stage.
Players can punch, kick, and grapple their way through enemies, and can also use a variety of special moves. John’s special moves include a powerful punch, a grappling hook, and a devastating piledriver. Jack’s special moves include a quick kick, a spinning back fist, and a lightning-fast uppercut.
One of the unique features of Big Bad John is its “tag team” system. Players can switch between John and Jack at any time, and can even perform tag team attacks. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players can use each character’s unique abilities to their advantage.
Big Bad John features a variety of enemies, from street thugs to gangsters to mad scientists. Each enemy type has its own unique attacks and abilities, so players must be prepared for anything. The game also features a number of boss fights, each of which is more challenging than the last.
Characters
Big Bad John features a cast of memorable characters, both good and evil.
- John: John is a muscle-bound brawler with a heart of gold. He is the leader of the two vigilantes, and is always ready to fight for what’s right.
- Jack: Jack is a nimble martial artist with a quick wit. He is the brains of the two vigilantes, and is always coming up with new ways to defeat their enemies.
- Mr. Big: Mr. Big is the evil crime lord of Metro City. He is a powerful and ruthless villain, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Development
Big Bad John was developed by Capcom, a Japanese video game company that is known for its arcade classics. The game was directed by Yoshiki Okamoto, who also directed other Capcom classics such as Street Fighter II and Final Fight.
Big Bad John was released in arcades in 1987. The game was a critical and commercial success, and was later ported to a variety of home consoles.
Legacy
Big Bad John is considered one of the best beat ’em ups ever made. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top characters, and beautiful graphics have made it a classic.
Big Bad John has been ported to a variety of home consoles over the years, and is still available on modern platforms. The game is also available on a number of online gaming services.
Big Bad John has inspired a number of other beat ’em ups, including Capcom’s own Final Fight and Double Dragon. The game has also been featured in a number of other video games, including Super Smash Bros. Melee and Street Fighter IV.
Big Bad John is a true classic of the beat ’em up genre. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, over-the-top characters, and beautiful graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years.
Review Score
8.5/10
