Gumshoe - Nintendo NES/Famicom

The History of Gumshoe for the NES

Development

Gumshoe is a unique game for the NES that was developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released in 1986. It was one of the earliest games to use the NES Zapper light gun accessory, which allowed players to shoot at targets on the screen.

Storyline

The game follows the story of a detective named Mr. Stevenson, who must rescue his kidnapped daughter Jennifer from a gang of criminals. To do so, he must travel through multiple levels filled with obstacles and enemies.

Gameplay

Gumshoe is an action platformer game that uses the NES Zapper light gun. Instead of controlling Mr. Stevenson directly, players must shoot at targets on the screen to make him jump, move forward, and avoid obstacles. The game features multiple levels with different themes, such as a circus and a haunted mansion, and a variety of enemies to defeat.

Reception

While Gumshoe was a unique and innovative game for its time, it received mixed reviews from critics and players. Some praised the game for its use of the NES Zapper and its challenging gameplay, while others criticized it for its awkward controls and lack of variety in level design.

Despite its mixed reception, Gumshoe has remained a cult classic among NES enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique use of the NES Zapper and its vintage detective story make it a standout title in the NES library.

Rules of Gumshoe for the NES

Objective

The objective of Gumshoe is to guide Mr. Stevenson through each level and rescue his daughter Jennifer from the gang of criminals who have kidnapped her. To do so, players must shoot at targets on the screen to make Mr. Stevenson jump, move forward, and avoid obstacles.

Controls

Gumshoe is played using the NES Zapper light gun. Players must aim the Zapper at targets on the screen to make Mr. Stevenson move. Shooting at the bottom of the screen makes Mr. Stevenson jump, while shooting at the top of the screen makes him move forward. Players must shoot at targets to collect points and power-ups, and avoid obstacles and enemies.

Scoring

Players score points by shooting at targets on the screen. Targets include balloons, birds, and other objects that Mr. Stevenson can jump on or collect. Points are also awarded for defeating enemies, such as birds and bats. Collecting power-ups, such as extra lives and bonus points, also increases the player's score.

Challenges

Gumshoe is a challenging game that requires players to have quick reflexes and precise aim. Levels become increasingly difficult as players progress through the game, with more obstacles, enemies, and hazards to avoid. The game also features boss battles at the end of each level, where players must defeat a powerful enemy to progress.

Lives and Continues

Players start the game with three lives, and lose a life each time Mr. Stevenson is hit by an obstacle or enemy. If players lose all their lives, the game is over and they must restart from the beginning. However, Gumshoe also features continues, which allow players to restart from the beginning of the level they were on when they lost their last life. Players can continue up to three times before the game is over.

Following these rules, players can enjoy the challenging and unique gameplay of Gumshoe on the NES Zapper.

Enemies and Obstacles in Gumshoe for the NES

Enemies

Gumshoe features a variety of enemies that players must avoid or defeat to progress through the game. Some of the enemies players will encounter include:

Birds: These enemies fly across the screen and can be defeated by shooting them with the NES Zapper.

Bats: Bats fly around and can be difficult to avoid, but players can shoot them to defeat them.

Bombs: Bombs are dropped from planes and explode on contact with Mr. Stevenson. Players must shoot the bombs to prevent them from hitting him.

Gangsters: Gangsters are the main enemies in Gumshoe, and they will appear on the screen to shoot at Mr. Stevenson. Players must shoot back to defeat them.

Obstacles

Gumshoe also features a variety of obstacles that players must avoid to keep Mr. Stevenson safe. Some of the obstacles players will encounter include:

Cars: Cars drive across the screen and will hit Mr. Stevenson if he jumps into them.

Bushes: Bushes slow Mr. Stevenson down and make it more difficult to avoid other obstacles and enemies.

Puddles: Puddles will cause Mr. Stevenson to slip and lose control of his movement for a moment, making it more difficult to avoid other obstacles and enemies.

Pits: Pits in the ground will cause Mr. Stevenson to fall to his death if he jumps into them.

With a variety of enemies and obstacles to avoid, Gumshoe offers a challenging and exciting gameplay experience on the NES.

Tips for Success in Gumshoe for the NES

1. Master the NES Zapper

The NES Zapper is a crucial tool for defeating enemies in Gumshoe. To be successful, players should practice their aim and reaction time with the Zapper, as quick reflexes and accuracy are necessary to defeat enemies before they can harm Mr. Stevenson.

2. Learn Enemy Patterns

Each enemy in Gumshoe has its own unique movement and attack pattern. By studying and memorizing these patterns, players can anticipate enemy movements and more effectively avoid attacks, making it easier to progress through each level.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Obstacles

While some obstacles in Gumshoe are unavoidable, others can be sidestepped or jumped over with careful timing. Players should prioritize avoiding obstacles that can be avoided, as taking unnecessary damage can make it more difficult to progress through each level.

4. Use the Pause Button

Gumshoe features a pause button that can be used to freeze the action on screen. This can be useful for taking a moment to plan out a strategy or to quickly react to an unexpected enemy or obstacle.

5. Collect Power-Ups

Power-ups such as extra lives, bonus points, and health replenishments can be found throughout each level of Gumshoe. Players should prioritize collecting these power-ups whenever possible, as they can provide a much-needed boost to Mr. Stevenson's health and score.

By following these tips and developing strong reflexes and strategy, players can succeed in Gumshoe and help Mr. Stevenson solve the case!