Скачать или смотреть G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor (NES) Playthrough

Playthrough of G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor, Capcom's 1992 side-scrolling action platformer for the NES.

G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor, released for the NES in 1992, is the follow-up to the well-regarded G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Developed by KID and published by Capcom, the game attempts to expand on the mechanics of its predecessor by introducing non-linear stage progression, team management, and a broader selection of playable characters. While these ideas suggest ambition, the execution results in a mixed experience that is widely considered inferior to the original.

The game’s story takes a suitably over-the-top turn, with Cobra discovering Atlantis and using its mystical power source to resurrect Cobra Commander and threaten the world once again. General Hawk is tasked with assembling his strike force from six additional Joes scattered across the map, each offering unique skills such as underwater traversal, crawling through tight passages, or sword attacks. Structurally, the adventure is presented on a Bionic Commando-style map, where routes branch and players can select their next mission. This system theoretically allows for replayability and choice, but in practice it often punishes players who tackle levels without the right character, as some areas require very specific abilities to access important upgrades. The inability to revisit completed areas only amplifies this frustration.

Mechanically, the game retains the strong controls and responsive action of the first title, with the addition of persistent character growth. Each Joe has individual health and weapon levels that can be increased by collecting power-ups. Unfortunately, the upgrade system is one of the sequel’s greatest weaknesses. Power-ups often bounce erratically across the screen, making them frustrating to collect, and they only benefit the currently active character and equipped weapon. Because enemies stop dropping items after their initial defeat, late-recruited characters—such as fan favorite Snake Eyes—are left underpowered and nearly unusable. Ammo scarcity further complicates combat, frequently forcing players into risky melee encounters against swarms of enemies and bullet-heavy bosses.

Despite these shortcomings, The Atlantis Factor is not without merit. The visuals are solid for a late NES release, with recognizable character sprites and varied animations that give each Joe a degree of personality. The soundtrack is energetic and memorable, complementing the action well, and the inclusion of support Joes—who can restore health, refill ammo, or revive fallen teammates via radios—adds a useful layer of strategy. Unlimited continues also prevent the experience from becoming prohibitively punishing, even as the difficulty spikes unevenly across levels.

Ultimately, G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor is a sequel that tries to build on the foundation of its predecessor but loses much of the charm and balance that made the first game stand out. The non-linear structure, team-based mechanics, and character variety sound compelling on paper but are undercut by flawed progression systems, repetitive level design, and a lack of the imaginative set pieces—such as vehicles and unique bosses—that enriched the original. While not a failure, it represents a step back, delivering a serviceable but unremarkable action-platformer. For fans of the license, it offers familiar characters, decent gameplay, and some replay value, but for newcomers, the first G.I. Joe game remains the stronger and more enjoyable entry.