Back to the Future Part II & III (1990-)

• Developer: Beam Software

• Publisher: LJN

• Genre: Action | Platform

• Composer: Tania Smith, Gavan Anderson

Back to the Future Part II & III for the NES was developed by Beam Software and released in 1990, with LJN serving as the publisher. This title serves as a follow-up to the original Back to the Future game, drawing directly from the storylines of the second and third films in the trilogy. It was also made available on platforms like the Commodore 64 and Amiga, though the NES version is often noted for its blend of action and puzzle elements tied to the movie’s themes.

The game places players once again in the role of Marty McFly, traveling through different time periods including the future, the Old West, and alternate timelines to resolve various conflicts and restore the timeline. Players navigate a variety of side-scrolling levels with an emphasis on collecting items, solving puzzles, and avoiding enemies. The gameplay includes platforming challenges interspersed with puzzle-solving tasks that reflect key moments from the films, requiring players to interact with characters and objects to progress.

Inspired by the rich narratives of the second and third films, the game attempts to capture the tone and setting of both the futuristic and Wild West environments. The soundtrack features music that echoes the mood of the movies, supporting the player’s immersion in each distinct era. Gameplay was designed to be challenging, with a focus on timing and strategic item use, though some players found the difficulty uneven across the various stages.

As a sequel, Back to the Future Part II & III builds upon the foundation set by the original NES title, continuing the storyline and expanding the gameplay mechanics. Promotion relied heavily on the popularity of the film franchise, seeking to attract fans eager to experience the movies interactively. Reception was mixed, with praise often directed at the game's ambition and variety, while criticism centered on its sometimes frustrating controls and steep difficulty curve. No further sequels to this NES adaptation were produced, but the Back to the Future franchise has since inspired numerous other games across different platforms.

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