G.I. Joe (video game)

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G.I. Joe was the title of a video game released for the NES. It was published by Taxan and developed by KID. The game was based on the popular toy line, animated series, and comic series of the same name. The game was very successful for its graphics, sound, playability, and overall handing of the franchise. Capcom followed up with a sequel that generated more mixed results called G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor.

In the game you picked among a group of G.I. Joe characters, each with their own strength and weaknesses, and marched through roughly eight levels of action in a quest to finally bring down Cobra Commander and his ruthless terrorist organization. The characters included Duke, Snake Eyes, Blizzard, Captain Grid Iron, and Rock and Roll. General Hawk would make himself available during the game's last levels. You collected icons in the game that increased your character's energy and weapons. Ammo icons were also available. Certain levels also had vehicles that you could ride in.

The format of each level was broken up into three different stages. In the first stage, you had to fight your way into a Cobra base. In the second stage, you had to plant a series of bombs. The third stage of each level was always a duel with the base's leader. The enemies and bosses from the video game were familiar to fans of the franchise.

It took a skilled gamer to beat the game. The Game Genie was a big help. A password feature allowed you to resume your game at a later time. Cobra Commander was, of course, the final boss, though Destro was easily the game's most difficult enemy. After you beat the game, and were given an impressive ending, you were then given the option to restart the game from the beginning, only this time things would be harder and items would not be located in the same place.

The game had impressive animated scenes between the levels, after you defeated a level and before you met a boss.

[edit] Game characters

There are five playable characters in the game, each with his strength to bring to the game. Players can choose three for each mission. During gameplay, the player can easily alternate between characters by pressing the “pause” button. The basis for the characters’ skills are agility, stamina, strength and firepower.

Duke – The most rounded. Basically the most balanced, possessing the mid-level skills and powers of his comrades.
Snake-Eyes – Snake-Eyes can jump higher and punch/throw faster than his teammates and he is also the only one who does not use up any ammunition, using white fireballs instead.
Capt. Grid-Iron – The captain has the greatest fist power and is average in other departments. Grid-Iron is often overlooked because he is very similar to Duke, but with a shorter jump and a smaller spread weapon.
Rock ‘n Roll – He has the strongest firepower and the widest range of all but all his other ratings are at or near bottom.
Blizzard - The most underused of the Joes, he is sub-par in most skills. Blizzard may come in handy during the Anatartica world, but otherwise does not stand out in any specific areas. His special ability is that he can shoot through solid walls.
General Hawk – This version of General Hawk is based on the 1991 edition of his action figure. He is the only unit who can fly and a requirement when facing Cobra Commander. He only becomes available for use in the final stage.