Cliffhanger (1993-)

• Developer: Spidersoft

• Publisher: Sony Imagesoft

• Genre: Platform

• Composer: Mark Cooksey

Cliffhanger for the NES was developed by MALIG Games and released in 1993. The game was published by LJN, a company known for producing licensed titles based on popular movies and TV shows during the NES era. Cliffhanger is based on the 1993 action film of the same name starring Sylvester Stallone, and it aimed to bring the movie’s thrilling mountain rescue adventure to the home console audience. While the game was only released for the NES, it was part of a broader trend in the early 90s where film adaptations were common in the video game market.

The game’s inspiration is clearly drawn from the movie Cliffhanger, which follows a mountain climber caught up in a dangerous heist and forced into intense physical challenges in treacherous terrain. This theme translated into the gameplay, which focused on platforming and action sequences set against rocky cliffs and snow-covered peaks. Players controlled the protagonist as he navigated various levels, fighting enemies and overcoming environmental hazards. The game was designed to capture the tension and excitement of the movie’s key scenes, though it leaned more toward traditional platforming mechanics than cinematic storytelling.

Gameplay in Cliffhanger is characterized by side-scrolling action and platform jumping. Players must climb cliffs, avoid falling, and fight off hostile characters while collecting items that help them progress. The game featured a mix of combat and precision jumping, challenging players to time their moves carefully while managing health and resources. The soundtrack consisted of simple yet tense music tracks and sound effects that matched the game’s adventurous tone, providing a sense of urgency as players moved through the treacherous environments.

There was no prequel or direct sequel to Cliffhanger on the NES or other platforms. The game was promoted primarily through its association with the film, capitalizing on the movie’s release to attract fans looking to extend the action experience at home. Despite the high-profile license, Cliffhanger received mixed reviews; critics often pointed out the difficulty and sometimes clunky controls, but appreciated the effort to recreate the movie’s atmosphere. It remains a notable example of early 90s licensed games that aimed to bring Hollywood thrills to the NES audience.

Images from MobyGames