Balloon Fight

Balloon Fight by Nintendo is one of the OG, Original Games, created by the Japanese Multinational consumer electronics and Video Game Company that we all know and love. Originally released in 1984, this timeless classic shares a special place as an inductee of the Nintendo Hall of Fame, celebrated as not just one of the first mainstream games but also as one of the best.

Gameplay

As you would expect, the gameplay of this title is actually pretty good if very straightforward. You play an unnamed Balloon Fighter; a person who flies around attached to two balloons and combats others in an attempt to be the last person floating.

You control the characters altitude by flapping their arms, the more you flap the higher you go. When of your balloons is popped, it becomes harder to move around which in turn makes you easier to hit. There is also a large piranha type creature that lurks in the waters at the bottom of the screen. If you get too close to it, the fish will get you.

In order to defeat the enemies, you will need to get above them and physically hit their balloon. This seems easy enough but there can be multiple enemies on the screen at a time. Defeat the enemies to complete the stage. Admittedly, the gameplay is phenomenal here and the controls and handling are nothing short of brilliant. I found it to be truly exemplary and responsive gameplay.

This title is nearly identical to Joust, the game by Williams Electronics that came out 2 years prior. If you enjoy these styles of games then this is a perfectly viable option to continue the theme.

Game Modes

There are a couple of game types/ stages available. Some you have multiplayer which I’ll expand on later, there are the standard stages here with popping other balloons but there is also the Balloon Trip. In single player mode, Balloon Trip has the player avoid lightning sparks while collecting balloons; the lightning is an instant kill and the player only starts with one life. There is also a balloon wave which is essentially a bunch of cannons that shoot balloons out and you catch as many as possible against your rival.

Multiplayer

This game has multiplayer, as it should because it would be a pretty sore waste if it didn’t. There are a few game modes where you will be pitted head to head against the other players and some where you work together toward a shared goal. Amazingly, even if you are working together, friendly fire is something you actually have to consider, which I find absolutely brilliant. It keeps the game interesting and doesn’t make it too easy once a second player joins.

Pros

• Responsive controls
• Easy to follow action
• Brilliant soundtrack

Cons

• Lack of game mode diversity
• Some kind of party mode would have been cool