Back to the Future (1989-)

• Developer: Beam Software

• Publisher: LJN

• Genre: Action

• Composer: Gavan Anderson

Back to the Future for the NES was developed by Beam Software and released in 1990, with LJN as the publisher. The game is a licensed adaptation of the popular film, placing players in the role of Marty McFly as he travels back to 1955 to ensure his parents meet and fall in love. It was also released on other platforms such as the Commodore 64 and Amiga, but the NES version remains one of the most recognized.

Gameplay centers around exploring key locations in 1955’s Hill Valley, collecting items, solving puzzles, and avoiding obstacles to progress through the story. Players must complete various objectives tied closely to the film’s plot while managing time-sensitive events, particularly the race against the clock before the town’s famous clock tower strikes a crucial hour. The focus is on adventure and problem-solving rather than traditional level progression.

The game draws directly from the movie’s narrative, emphasizing interaction with characters and objects to recreate pivotal moments. Gameplay blends puzzle elements with light platforming challenges, requiring players to think strategically to succeed. The soundtrack includes music inspired by the film’s score, enhancing the connection to the movie’s atmosphere.

Promoted mainly through the film’s success, the game aimed to capture the excitement of the story in an interactive format. While some critics found the gameplay repetitive and the difficulty steep, it gained a following among fans and collectors over time. There were no prequels or direct sequels to this NES version, but the Back to the Future franchise has seen multiple adaptations across various gaming platforms since then.

Images from MobyGames