Power Blade NES Review | "Is It Fun?" | NESComplex

In Episode 17 of the "Is It Fun?" NES Review series I take a look at Power Blade!
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[@NESComplex]

Thanks for watching... So how did you first hear of Power Blade? And is it as good as I think it is? Would you change anything about it?

[@NESComplex]

For me it was Nintendo Power, but i didn't play it right away. I think it's pretty perfect... The only thing i'd do differently is give level tracks more dynamism and nuance to match the levels they're used in. Other than that a couple more levels would've been nice... maybe one where you have to swim by a dam and disable bombs... wait... that's been done before.

[@Eric_Plunk]

I honestly don’t remember hearing about the game until I started collecting although it’s entirely possible that I saw it in a magazine around that time. I have never played it but at my local game store there’s both a loose and CIB copy of the game that both wink at me every time I walk by. Or at least I think Nova’s winking behind his blue blockers. 😎 😉 🤔

[@AuthorativeMrM]

I also remember it from that Nintendo Power issue. I thought it looked super generic at the time and never gave it another thought. Played it for the first time a few years ago and it blew me away. Also, that bit of trivia regarding the box art was NEXT LEVEL. I’d never heard that before.

[@NESComplex]

It is winking! It wants you

[@ktown3733]

I bought it in a bargain bin because I thought the cover looked cool.

[@fervcorsica3358]

"The president has been kidnapped by ninjas" that must be one of the most 80's thing i've ever read.

[@Karolpa1138]

But "are you a bad enough dude to rescue the president?"

[@ravager48]

Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the president?

[@NESComplex]

Abso-freaking-loutely

[@Gamatov]

Exactly how are the ninjas the bad guys here??

[@fervcorsica3358]

@@Gamatov maybe they kidnapped a well educated, scientific literate, non-racist president.

[@CRITTERBUSTERS]

Power Blade is one of my favourite NES games. I’m actually surprised you weren’t too thrilled with the soundtrack, I always felt the music fit extremely well with all the levels and I find myself listening to the soundtrack quite regularly.

[@muhanc.a.9299]

The Arnold is not in the box BUT in the "press start screen" I love quality content uploaded on saturday morning!

[@NESComplex]

Thank you! Yes he's definitely on the title screen too!

[@Pixel-dan]

Excited to see a new episode! Love your series! It really takes me back to the days of flipping through Nintendo Power. I honestly don't think I've ever played Power Blade, oddly enough. Great stuff! Keep it up!

[@NESComplex]

Thanks Dan! You should definitely give it a go. A lot of comments here are saying it’s a top 10 NES game for them. Also... I just recently watched your video on the Donkey Kong board game! As bad as that game is I ended up snagging it on eBay! I wonder how much money you’ve cost me over the years. Lol. 😂 PS Hearing you say “flipping through Nintendo Power”... I think I may revisit my Nintendo Power series too.

[@gerardo8646]

Great i found today your channels i love Nes Play station 2 3 4 and 5! Specially this Last thanks bro love you Chanel my name is Alfredo Rodríguez Smith from Ecuador

[@ravager48]

Not only is it a good game, but the music also rocks!

[@DecibelAlex]

same composer as in megaman

[@LorenHelgeson]

I had no idea Taito was involved in this, but they were only the publisher. It turns out this was actually developed by Natsume, who also made the fantastic Shatterhand. The similarities are certainly apparent.

[@NESComplex]

You can see the similarities for sure

[@LorenHelgeson]

@@NESComplex By the way, great video. Only found your channel about a month ago, and the quality of your content is top notch.

[@NESComplex]

Thank you Loren! That really does mean a lot to hear. Sometimes you labor away at the computer and never know if people will enjoy it.

[@societyofsin]

Your videos bring me back to a simpler time, when fun, was actually fun. Thank You

[@NESComplex]

That’s a good way to put it. I often feel like fun is slipping away in new things. Maybe I’m just aging and getting jaded

[@XCygnusX]

I got this for christmas randomly and to this day it was one of my favorite gifts

[@GrannySingaporePVP]

Yes sir! Glad to see is it fun? Back!

[@NESComplex]

I need to pepper these in there now and then as they're my original series

[@willnox1]

Couldn't hit that like button fast enough. Thank you so much Complex! It was 1992 I was able to rent the game on a school weekend when I was 5. Loved it so much my mother bought it for me. Still play it to this day. Power Blade 2 as well!

[@MyRetroLife]

Game BROLL on the sunglasses was SUCH a nice touch! Great video man - Power Blade was a fun one I picked up used in the late 90s. I actually had the sequel also which is really rare now. I never experienced the games at the height of NES mania but enjoyed them regardless. This video definitely makes me want to explore them more in depth and actually complete one

[@PixelGameSquad]

MY BODY IS REGGIE!

[@NESComplex]

Some times you scare me

[@fervcorsica3358]

Lmao!

[@LiquidTurbo]

This video is amazing. I randomly got a copy of the magazine as a kid but was too poor to get a copy. I’d imagine playing the game by reading the magazine over and over. Good times. I later tried out Power Blade when I was older and it was amazing!

[@felipeguimaraes1359]

I can't believe I've never heard about this one before, what a great game!

[@backintheday3097]

I love your avatar!

[@NESComplex]

It's a good one... probably climbing in price, but i won't judge if you "found" it somewhere

[@KeyAndrew]

also check out "Power Blade 2"

[@16bitbrit]

The resemblance at 0:38 is uncanny.

[@NESComplex]

Well I tried... lol!!! At least you knew what I was doing

[@mich722]

The soundtrack is EPIC!

[@ChairmanMeow1]

power blade, shatterhand, and journey to silius are my go to "but have you played X?" for NES. Power Blade has great music too, the stage 1 theme is a banger.

[@NESADDICT]

Awesome man! Can’t wait to watch this!

[@NESComplex]

Thanks for watching... now go play Gargoyle's Quest

[@tiefighter3445]

The MJ sounds when he walks killed me. Ha ha.

[@venvon6433]

It’s so nice to get off work. Not having to grade online assignments and realize that a new NES Complex review has been uploaded.

[@NESComplex]

Don’t remind me about grading papers! Virtual papers are even worse

[@elfiebranford9330]

Power Blade's cover art reeks of typical 80s game cover, and I love it. It almost reminds me of Clash at Demonhead's.

[@backintheday3097]

Loved the review! I especially loved the Michael Jackson sound effects for how he walks! I remember when I got that same issue of Nintendo Power and I was curious as to how the game played as well. Great video man. Definitely some top shelf stuff!

[@NESComplex]

I think you're the first to comment about that... I definitely enjoyed making that part and... i'll be honest... it makes me laugh every time

[@bringbackmy90s]

Watching this video brings me back to the good old NESComplex days of 2013, especially when I hear the words "There are thousand of classic games..." Great video series

[@patrikbruinsma8107]

Amazing video as always! Glad to see this game with it's "borrowed ideas" reviewed. Hope you're doing well right now!

[@NESComplex]

I kid... i think its normal to get inspired by others' success. and I'm glad they did, because the game is amazing

[@DTALep]

Never knew this existed until a couple years ago....I’ve got a long list, but it will be fun to get to this one...(great Arnold by the way lol)

[@TRobotMike]

Well, now I want a copy of Power Blade

[@NESComplex]

I know it's getting a bit pricey, but its a good one for the collection

[@SamuelRiveraFilms]

seriously man, you make the best videos. I love the level of detail you're willing to go in your videos...like what you did with the blender! Looking forward to the next one!

[@Eric_Plunk]

Nice flex with the Sharp NES TV controller! I wonder if anyone has ever approached Arny Schwartz to sign their boxed copy of Power Blade? I’d pay top dollar to see that occur. Also I’d like to see a recreation of the bar scene from Terminator 2 with Nova. “I’m going to need your shades, your tank top & your boomerang.”

[@NESComplex]

Dude! You have really good ideas... Do you ever write reviews?

[@NESComplex]

and i wasn't trying to flex... it just looked cooler with the shades

[@Eric_Plunk]

@@NESComplex I haven’t really written anything more than a handful of people would’ve seen but writing has always been my strong suit. Thanks for noticin’!

[@michaelpayne1117]

I was wondering what controller that was! Thank you.

[@Eric_Plunk]

@@michaelpayne1117 No problem! I’ve played one of those Sharp TVs about 20 years ago but it didn’t have the Sharp controller.

[@ignacio633]

I had tons of fun with Power Blade. There’s part 2 but I don’t have much memories of it.

[@dotheevolution78]

Awesome seeing you again Chris. I wish I was the kool Aid man, I'd break through the wall and go "OH YEAH!" Then I'd apologize for damaging your wall ; )

[@NESComplex]

Hahaha! That would be weird if you did! Im on the second story so I'd be very confused

[@paulbeaudoin8724]

(3:20) Nescomplex: Even if he does run like an idiot. (MJ sound effect) Michael Jackson's estate: You"ll be hearing from our lawyers! Seriously the effects had me rolling!!!!🤣 Hahaha,

[@NESComplex]

YES! So glad that landed. I had fun with that part! If they do contact me, I'll have to do an MJ impression and no one wants that

[@KamisamanoOtaku]

...why would flattops *not* still be a thing? The real question is why it took humanity so long to realize such an excellent hair style.

[@dricep]

loved the review ..... you have a fantastic 80s voice that always brings me back to my childhood

[@TheFarmersLife]

I never played this one, but I remember reading that issue of Nintendo Power.

[@americanseoul1211]

Vanilka Ice! lol. Those were the fun days.

[@rjazz2]

The soundtrack to this game is buried in the basement of my brain and is occasionally fed with Urkel-Os cereal and Fruit Stripe gum.

[@KamakazeEkun]

This has been a title I've been on the look out for. But I had no idea how good the music was. Games such as this are what make seeking out the less common stuff worth it.

[@xchuckd]

Great video brother..so happy to see you in of time of need ..

[@NESComplex]

Thank you! Yep a new video in only 2 weeks... let's see if I can do it again 2 weeks from now... it'll be tough

[@xchuckd]

@@NESComplex cant wait 🤗

[@NiskRanThawll]

I loved this little gem back when I was a nipper., totally forgot about it until I just saw this vid 😁

[@RapidAscension]

Got this at a garage sale like a decade ago, definitely in my NES top 10

[@GamerGoingGrey]

One day I'll actually play my copy for more than 5 minutes. Happy to hear it's on the easier side.

[@megamob5834]

I’m always impressed by the quality of your videos man.

[@Wineman3383]

Dude the walking scene with the Michael Jackson voice made me spit up my drink!! 😂

[@weeraanmelden]

thx! Always saw this back in the stores back in the day , but never knew what is was. Now I do :)

[@GenerationGapGaming]

OMG the Arnold segments 🤣. Enjoyed your take on Power Blade. Completely agree

[@NESComplex]

Thanks G3

[@TheCompletionist]

I have a lot of fondness with regards to power blade. It is a game that is definitely within my top 20 nes games of all time and it was a game that I constantly rented as a kid because I loved it that much. To be honest I think it's severely underrated because I never see the game get brought up that often and I think its platforming controls are some of the tightest controls I've played for a nes game. It's been a long time since I played it so i think I'm overdue to play it again since I haven't beaten it since I was a young teenager.

[@NESComplex]

It does have very precise controls. I didn’t even think about them to mention them... I guess that’s the way controls should be. If you think about them too much it’s probably because something is off.

[@GoodVibeCollecting]

Glad to see you're still doing these and I hope to see more. The music is very Konami sounding and was actually composed by the Castlevania 1 composer. The moving mouth on Arnold is great and reminds me of Conan O' Brien's late night show. I'm guessing you're a fan?

[@NESComplex]

That makes sense... it does have some similarities. I didn't do nearly as much research for this series as I do for Retrospectives (otherwise it'd take me forever and I'd never make a video)... I wish I'd have seen that to include here though. Thanks for the info

[@francescosmith7859]

This is such a fun series. I know there are sooooo many NES games for you to go through if you choose but I also hope maybe you'll sneak in a few SNES or Genesis games.

[@MrIvanm10]

So awesome to see you back! Love your videos

[@gtrslinger]

The Arnold section is hilarious 🤣🤣

[@NESComplex]

Thanks!!! 😆

[@Spacetrucker138]

wow looks like the only thing it was missing was a double jump, I need this in my life, thanks for the hard work on the video! keep up the good work!

[@nurman666]

I think the run cycle in the game is pretty funny. Like, over the top "by design". Its kinda ridiculous in general too but in a fun way.

[@PressStartToContinueYT]

Glad to see a new video from you!

[@MichaelBtheGameGenie]

Well you have outdone yourself here. I mean your videos have always been good but my god was this great. I first heard of Power Blade from Nintendo Power so this really hits home. Funny enough i have never beat it so that has to change. So glad i saw this pop up on my feed an d it may be my new favorite video by you.

[@NESComplex]

As I wrote you on twitter... thank you Mike! We've been doing this KZbin thing since the beginning and it means a lot coming from you bro. Let's hang out sometime

[@7thangelad586]

The guy on the cover is a real hunk! Even with the outdated flattop.... Another succinct review, Complex! I cannot wait for the next!

[@bryankoepke1358]

Thank you Complex for another excellent IIF. I first heard of PB while researching "best NES games." Hopefully I'll find it CIB out in the wild one day!

[@StephenCinAZ]

Nice choice in games to review! Even though I never owned this game, I did rent it from the video store a couple of times when I was a kid. I was never able to beat it, but I always remembered it as being pretty good.

[@KTJohnsonkidThunder]

Cool review. Taito only published the game, along with its sequel. Natsume was actually responsible for development of BOTH games. Natsume previously worked on Shadow of the Ninja and Shatterhand, which used the same engine as this game, as well as Kickmaster. Natsume would be later responsible for The Ninjawarriors Again on Super NES, which Taito also published.

[@TheNintendoDoctor]

Great look back. I still need to play power blade 2.

[@araknair9605]

I loved your script, edits and especially the impression (pretty good). I emptied my clip of 9mm bullets onto the subscribe button. I'll be back.

[@enriquejimenez8693]

Great episode! I remember I used to see that game in every store back in the day, but I never played it, until about 8 years ago, although I've never tried to beat it, somehow I always end up playing something else. But your video made me wanna try again.

[@NESComplex]

Thanks Enrique! What stores were your “go to” game stores back then. I got a lot at target, Toys R Us, and Software Etc.

[@enriquejimenez8693]

@@NESComplex Well, since I'm from México, I visited different places. I think most of the games I got back then, were bought at a department store called "Liverpool" and at flea markets.

[@timwasylyszyn9838]

Loved this video! Omg, the Arnold mouthovers had me rolling 😆😂. Your videos are always so well done. And so nostalgic!

[@NESComplex]

Lol. Thanks Tim! The next one is big nostalgia. I can’t wait to finish it... maybe 2 weeks away?

[@timwasylyszyn9838]

@@NESComplex yes!! Can’t wait for that video!

[@thewingedavenger1007]

I love the nod you give to the Vintage Video Game Geek and his series "Does It Suck?".

[@NESComplex]

Ummmm.... no. lol

[@mycabbages3538]

I did not expect this review to be so funny. That MJ and Arnold stuff. Hahaha!

[@NESComplex]

Thanks! I usually hold the humor back a bit on retrospectives but in this series I try to be very free and stream of consciousness.

[@michaelknoblach83]

I really enjoyed your videos. Your passion for NES games is truly inspiring. So today, after watching almost all of your videos, I decided to buy my own NES - with Tetris, Duck Tales 1, Mario Bros. 1, and, of course, Power Blade. Cant wait to receive it and start playing. Keep up the good work.

[@NESComplex]

That’s an awesome set of games to start with! 😁😁😁

[@RussLyman]

Such a great game, I'm glad I got my copy years ago. So good. Also love that shot of the game in your sunglasses. I would totally do that ha

[@NESComplex]

Hey Russ! What's up? I think you may be the only one who mentioned that. I was really happy with that shot too... Thanks dude!

[@charon59]

Praise to the algorithm! It brought me to you, and now you have a new subscriber! ALL HAIL!

[@NESComplex]

That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it too. I hope you enjoy the archives :-)

[@freddyvidz]

The algorithm is the way...

[@Hyde209]

I agree. Power Blade is a cool classic. I love that you actually can beat it in one sitting. The music is superb if you ask me, but I get what you say about it not feeling tied enough to the vibe of the stages. Kudos for making this video 👊

[@retrorick]

Is it fun...SHHHYEAH, im commenting this before i even watch the video bc its freaking good! But ill still watch...

[@NESComplex]

Hey Rick! I tried to write you on Twitter! Write back dude! lol

[@bobbyrock9431]

Great review to a great game...never like all the music and thought it was the one thing that was blahhh. I just used to turn it off and listen to the radio.

[@TBelly]

Nice review. I been wanting to look into this one for a while. Never realized Power Blade took elements from all those other games.

[@NESComplex]

You’ll love it dude! Good to see you man! I was hoping to see you in Greenville again. Too bad they had to scrap it

[@danerd8978]

Ironic that the music has a Mega Man quality in one level, it's composer is Kinuyo Yamashita who worked on Castlevania.

[@richardjames14]

Damn bruh, you had me ROTFL! Great comedic elements and an all around sick video! 💯💯

[@NESComplex]

Thank you! I'm so glad to know the jokes landed.... i try, but you never know

[@akaNekete]

The video was really fun but I found strange that you didn't mentioned Power Blazer.

[@RetroR0bbie]

top 20 game on the console easily.

[@NESComplex]

Well it's definitely on mine! I totally agree

[@mikebassett9054]

Hell yes bro , glad to see another one of your vids , as always . I could use these every week . Always greatful for your passion, knowledge & humor . Are you on other social media’s ?

[@NESComplex]

Hey Mike! I'm really trying to get one out every 2 weeks at this point... but once i'm working on a Retrospective I'll have to hibernate for a bit. As far as social media I'm only on Twitter... i really need to figure out how i want to use that Hopefully I'll see you over there too

[@MarcJensan]

Any day NESComplex uploads is a good day. By the way, do you have any video plans related to the holidays this year?

[@geraq0]

I love this game, it's also a rare example in which the American version is much better than the original Japanese game title Power Blazer. The composer for this game is the composer from Castlevania I, and yeah, Sector 2's theme really gives me some Cut Man vibes.

[@GnosticMary81]

Great video. The Arnold part was hilarious.

[@NESComplex]

So glad those jokes landed... I wasn't sure

[@msguysmiley]

I mean, how do I not upvote that perfect Impression of Arny?

[@NESComplex]

Hahaha... I actually did watch him quite a bit and other impersonators... and i annoyed my girlfriend talking like him for days. Thanks Jaison!

[@tolust]

Protip: the power blade cover was done by the artist that's on the cover ( he drew himself , lol )

[@NESComplex]

I know you're right... as the video discusses, but the facial alignment is so perfect that it's questionable.

[@tolust]

@@NESComplex my apologies, I comment without even watching the video first. you did address it haha sorry my friend

[@Chicomite]

Power Blade too easy for you? Then try Power Blazer for the Famicom. It's like a chibi version of Power Blade, but super difficult. I'm pretty sure the U.S. release of Power Blade was actually an easier version of Power Blazer with the graphics changed as well. Unless I'm totally wrong, but check it out, I've done zero research besides playing Power Blazer and it's a hard, cutesy Power Blade. So good to see more vids from you, keep em coming.

[@NESComplex]

I'll have to check it out... sounds interesting

[@Canariofilms]

Ah. Nothing better than waking up in the morning and to my surprise another “is it fun” video. Another excellent masterpiece video. Two thumbs up.

[@ryoohk]

My fondest memory of powerblade was renting it and then later that weekend almost cutting my fingertip off with a razor blade and then trying to figure out how to play the game with a bandaged up hand

[@NESComplex]

W😳W! Too many blades that weekend! Crazy story. I hope your fingertip survived.

[@ryoohk]

@@NESComplex oh it did and got the scar to remember it, I wanted to be cool and make my own blade but that was a stupid mistake as a kid. Just got to blame those violent video games lmao

[@strikezone1879]

Awesome review, as always! The Sharp NES controller with a cameo appearance.. Loved the McLovin ID shot at the ID cart part, very clever 😂... Power Blade is absolutely a fun game, as is Power Blade 2... I do concur with the only [minor] criticism - it is a bit too easy... Good stuff!

[@NESComplex]

I think you’re the only person who mentioned the mclovin ID. I was starting to think that fell flat. Also cool that you recognized the sharp controller. I thought it suited PowerBlade well

[@rubywpn]

This game was very “complex” for the time, I played it countless times. This and Double dragon II, my personal favorites (that owned)

[@mosesh06]

Such a great video. Great info. Great insight and explanation. Never heard of this game and I am very impressed.

[@woolgum]

I loved this game too. Always thought it was underrated.

[@Pichuscute]

Editing here is 200000/10, damn.

[@NESComplex]

Thank you! I keep trying new things. I've been obsessed with masking lately

[@Pichuscute]

@@NESComplex I can tell. This was really fun to watch haha.

[@TRKTKO]

What about the music? "Well it has some nice melodic parts but there's nothing that really hits me like a boomer rang to the back of my bleach blonde flat top." 😎😂🤣

[@Starscreamlive]

Excited to see a new NESComplex video in my subscription feed!

[@NESComplex]

Good to hear from you Starscream!

[@TopSpot123]

Your videos are so much fun! This one had me cracking up.

[@apoplexiamusic]

We missed you NESComplex!

[@NESComplex]

Thanks! I’m still here. Just a lot going on!

[@garou119]

Probably on my top 3 NES games, right up there with the castlevanias

[@NESComplex]

I’ve been seeing lots of high praise for this game! I didn’t realize it was that well liked?

[@babalonne1770]

You should review Street Fighter 2010! always been my favorite NES game

[@AuthorativeMrM]

Spoiler alert: it's SUPER fun. I love this game!

[@NESComplex]

Ya... this is another It Is Fun

[@Mega-Matt21]

When I first played this game, I thought of mega man/shatterhand instantly! The music also adds to the enjoyment of this game!

[@NESComplex]

You nailed it! It’s got that familiarity

[@KTJohnsonkidThunder]

Shatterhand and BOTH Power Blade games were developed by Natsume.

[@eyeln9ne696]

I completely forgot about this game. Another great video! Keep kickin' ass!

[@NESComplex]

Thanks a ton! I’m trying to perfect my asskicker 🦵 lol.

[@BeerBourbonandGames]

I love this game! Highly underrated and I know a ton of people that have never heard of this one.