Скачать или смотреть Code Name: Viper (NES) Playthrough

Playthrough of Code Name - Viper, Capcom's 1990 action-platformer for the NES.

Code Name: Viper is a 1990 action-platformer for the NES developed by Arc System Works and published by Capcom. The game places players in the role of Kenny Smith, code-named “Viper,” a lone special forces operative dispatched to dismantle a South American drug cartel while rescuing hostages and uncovering the syndicate’s true mastermind.

Visually and mechanically, Code Name: Viper draws clear inspiration from Namco’s Rolling Thunder. It features bi-level platform stages, revolving doors that both enemies and the player can duck into, and a similar pacing in its run-and-gun format. However, the game introduces meaningful twists: the protagonist can shoot while in midair and adjust his trajectory during jumps, which adds an element of aerial control absent from its predecessor.

A distinct and defining feature is the inclusion of hostages hidden behind the doors. One per level, except the final stage, provides the grenade required to destroy the obstacle at the end and proceed. This mandatory rescue mechanic encourages exploration and careful door-searching, though some doors are well-camouflaged and easy to miss. Alongside hostages, doors may also conceal ammo, power-ups, or, in some cases, grim skeletons that appear when time has run out.

Level progression is framed with simple but atmospheric cutscenes. A map of South America highlights the next destination, followed by a brief shot of the locale. After each rescue, Kenny and the commando sit around a campfire, gradually completing a letter that reveals narrative details, and the player receives a password. These touches help structure the narrative and add a layer of immersion.

Graphically, the game is well-executed for the NES. While it may not match the visual flair of Capcom’s most celebrated titles, it uses its sprite work and backgrounds effectively, especially in depicting South American environments such as jungles, villages, and cartel hideouts. The audio also benefits from the involvement of established composers, delivering energetic themes that enhance the espionage atmosphere.

In summary, Code Name: Viper is not particularly original, but it is undeniably competent and enjoyable. It builds on an established formula with enough careful enhancements to feel like more than a mere clone. Its blend of tight action, hostage-rescue mechanics, varied level structure, and polished audiovisuals make it a worthwhile entry for fans of NES-era action platformers and Capcom’s 8-bit catalog.