One of the first games I can remember playing on my NES besides the Super Mario Bros, was a game steeped in espionage, conspiracy, love, and betrayal. No, I'm not talking about Metal Gear, I'm referring to a less known classic called Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode. Most people may be more familiar with the Top Secret Episode's successor, The Mafat Conspiracy which had a greater popularity. That doesn't mean the Top Secret episode is another NES misfire by any means. In fact, its quite the opposite. In many ways, Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode was years ahead of its time.

  Going back and replaying the Top Secret Episode specifically for review purposes was a real treat for me. Despite being a huge fan of the vintage game play, I find myself being stuck more in the present instead of trying to recapture the joys of my childhood. However, despite years of playing Golgo 13 as a lad I found myself truly surprised of what this game was actually capable of. Call it the ignorance of youth I suppose. Anyway, that's enough reminiscing for one review. Lets get right down to the point, and talk game play.

  Unlike many games on the Nintendo Entertainment System, as soon as you turn on Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode you will realize this isn't your typical 8 bit adventure. Right off the bat, you'll be greeted by a cut scene, that's right I said cut scene, of a helicopter flying over New York City. As the helicopter passes by the Statue of Liberty, is mysteriously explodes. The only clue to as why this helicopter has met its untimely demise is a shell casing from an M-16 rifle...the favorite weapon of special agent Duke Togo, aka Golgo 13. Now obviously this doesn't have the cinematic prowess of games today, but back in 1988 this is top notch stuff and sets the tone for the game to come. Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode is a very story driven game and cut scenes are prevalent throughout the game, as every time you talk to someone another cut scene begins. These conversations are filled with clues as to where you're to go next, thicken the stories plot, and look pretty darn good for an NES game. Mix in a unique, and non repetitive sound track and you've got a game worthy of any international spy.

  Top Secret Episode's mechanics are a mishmash of different elements, which makes this game so unique. It varies from standard side scrolling action, flying helicopters, to first person perspectives, even sniping missions. That's right sniping missions, where even wind speed and direction play a factor on your shot...mind boggling for an NES game isn't it? Now all these factors make an outstanding experience, but at times aren't executed too well. For example some of the FPS areas of the game, you'll use thermal goggles to expose traps, grenades, all good stuff. But do to the graphical limitations of the NES these parts of the game tend to be a bit on the hard side, as they are filled with annoyances and at times make you want to throw your controller threw your TV. That's a little something we call vintage frustration. I probably shouldn't hold that against the game itself being its from 1988, but hey, it is what it is. Controls are easy enough to pick up, it is an NES game after all, and I doubt players will have to spend any time trying to learn how things work.

  There are countless NES games out on the market, with a good number of them being down right bad. Its unfortunate that Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode has gone largely unnoticed being it was so ahead of its time. For those of you who haven't experienced this game in its hay day, I recommend that you try to track down a copy. Being we live in an age where game remakes are becoming more and more popular, Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode certainly merit's a modern rendition. It has all the elements of a top seller.

Written by RB

Over and Out

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