Bad Street Brawler (1989-)

• Developer: Beam Software

• Publisher: Mattel

• Genre: Beat 'Em Up

• Composer: Gavan Anderson, Tania Smith

Bad Street Brawler was developed by Beam Software and released in 1989 for the NES, with Data East as the publisher. The game also saw releases on other platforms like the Commodore 64 and Amiga, but it’s most remembered on the NES. A notable aspect of its development was the intended use of the Nintendo Power Glove accessory, which was marketed as a way to control the game using hand gestures, aiming to create a more immersive fighting experience. However, the Power Glove’s limited responsiveness affected the gameplay experience.

Players take on the role of Duke Davis, a tough street fighter battling through urban environments filled with waves of enemies. The game drew inspiration from the beat 'em up genre and martial arts films that were popular in the late 1980s. Gameplay centers on side-scrolling combat, where players use punches, kicks, and special moves to defeat opponents. The attempt to integrate the Power Glove’s motion controls added a unique twist, though many players found the controls to be imprecise and frustrating compared to standard NES input methods.

The soundtrack of Bad Street Brawler features energetic music designed to keep the intensity high during fights, with sound effects that emphasize the punches and kicks delivered by the player. While the audio quality fits the technical limitations of the NES, it supports the game’s gritty street-fighting atmosphere and attempts to maintain player engagement through its combat sequences.

Bad Street Brawler had no prequel or official sequels. The game was promoted as a fresh take on the beat 'em up genre, largely highlighting its Power Glove compatibility to attract players interested in innovative gameplay. Upon release, the game received mixed to negative reviews, with critics often pointing out the clunky controls—particularly with the Power Glove—and repetitive gameplay as major flaws. Despite its shortcomings, the game retains a degree of nostalgic value among fans of retro fighting games and the unique ambition of incorporating early motion controls.

Images from MobyGames