The 1980’s were a strange time in America. Times were changing and video games were becoming more and more popular. What many people fail to realize was the rampant nature of crime during that time. To be more specific, ninja crime. It got so terrible that the President was actually kidnapped by the worst of the worst, a group called Dragon Ninja. To get the leader of the free world back, the government needed a couple of Bad Dudes. Data East released this game and in 1988, it made the jump to consoles.
Blade and Striker, the title characters, must kick and punch their way to find the president. Their adventure takes them from the mean streets to a train, and even an underground facility. They are able to find weapons in order to increase their chances. Holding the punch button will allow the two to charge up their inner energy to release a devastating attack. The enemies are super powered ninjas, attack dogs and the leader of the Dragon Ninja.
All jokes aside, Bad Dudes is a blast to play. The classic beat em up is on full display. The graphics are pretty detailed for the time it was released. The controls are simple and anyone can play as long as they get the buttons down The story is so ridiculous that you are laughing as you play. Even if you never played the game, you have probably seen the cutscene. It became something of a meme.
Bad Dudes had one sequel, not featuring the characters but the same style. A few years ago, a Kickstarter tried to fund a proper sequel. The efforts were for naught and really can you blame people? After you saved the president, where could Blade and Striker go from there?
