Datsugoku, known internationally as "P.O.W.: Prisoners of War." This classic side-scrolling beat 'em up was developed by SNK and first hit the arcades before making its way to the NES.
In "Datsugoku," you step into the boots of a brave soldier determined to escape from an enemy POW camp. The mission? Fight your way through hordes of enemy soldiers across four intense stages: the POW camp, a warehouse, a jungle, and the enemy's base. Along the journey, you'll encounter various foes, from standard grunts to enemies attacking with vehicles like assault choppers and armored trucks. The ultimate goal is to confront the enemy general and secure your freedom.
The game shines in its cooperative mode, allowing two players to team up. Player 1 controls Snake, donned in a navy blue guerrilla-warfare uniform, while Player 2 takes on the role of Bart, sporting a blood-red uniform. The controls are straightforward yet offer depth, with buttons for punching, kicking, and jumping, along with special moves like jump kicks and back punches. You can also wield weapons dropped by enemies, such as throwing knives and machine guns, adding variety to the combat.
When ported to the NES, the game became a single-player experience, focusing on Bart's journey. This version introduced new enemies, including frogmen and shotgun-wielding foes, and added features like huts where players could find power-ups, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Datsugoku stands as a testament to the golden age of arcade games, offering players an action-packed escape adventure that remains memorable decades later.
