Jackal, also known as Top Gunner, is a top view run and gun style shooter video game by Konami of Japan which was released for the arcades in 1986. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) during 1988 in North America.
This game is still one of the best among the 2 player co-op shooters on the NES.
The Game's Story
Our POWs are being held behind enemy lines, and you're tasked to free them. Take control of the army's secret advanced 4WD attack jeep with its heavy firepower and save those poor POWs.
Go on! Do your secret mission with the guts and ferocity of a wild Jackal!
The Graphics and Sound You Get
The game's graphics are not that great but they are decent. The overhead view is nicely done, and the buildings have good details. The sprites are simplistic in animation, but it is not bad. The backgrounds look good too.
On the bad side, the explosions suck. They look lazily done. Overall, the graphics are just decent, but the developers didn't use the NES' full potential.
The sound is not the best in the NES but it is good. There is a variety of sound effects. The music is repetitive but sets the mood fine. Konami did always have a fine talent in making good game music.
The Gameplay
Jackal has good, responsive controls. Shooting, throwing grenades, evading enemy fire, and mowing down enemies while driving the combat jeep is fun. And the action is non-stop. Did I mention that even rescuing the prisoners is fun too?
The two-player mode is the best. The 2nd player drives another jeep like yours. It is a fact that you can go over this game with a friend until you get bored playing the hell out of it. Only a few NES games can give you that satisfaction.
My Verdict
Much like other Konami games, it is the two-player option that gives you and your friend fun and excitement while rescuing the good guys. Much like the other NES classics, this one is worthy of your retro-gaming attention in either gameplay or for collecting.
Go get an extra controller for the NES or for NES emulator play. Go and play Jackal with a friend.