Double Dare (1990-)

• Developer: Rare

• Publisher: GameTek

• Genre: Game Show

• Composer: David Wise

Double Dare for the Nintendo Entertainment System was developed by Rare and published by GameTek, releasing in 1990. The game was based on the popular American television game show of the same name, which aired on Nickelodeon throughout the late 1980s. Like the TV show, the NES version combined trivia questions with messy, physical challenges—translated here into a series of fast-paced minigames. The title also appeared on other platforms, including DOS and the Commodore 64, but the NES port offered a console-friendly adaptation with simplified controls and visuals tailored for home play.

The game is divided into two main sections: trivia rounds and physical challenges. During the trivia segments, players answer multiple-choice questions to earn points and control of the game. If a team is unsure, they can “dare” the other team to answer or “double dare” them for even more points, mirroring the tension of the TV show. The physical challenges replace the chaotic mess of the television version with timed, arcade-style mini-events that require quick reflexes, such as catching items, tossing objects into targets, or maneuvering through obstacles. The goal is to win as many rounds as possible to qualify for the final obstacle course.

The soundtrack is upbeat and lighthearted, designed to evoke the fun, energetic tone of a televised game show. The background music loops are short but lively, using the NES sound hardware to replicate the feel of a studio audience and on-stage excitement. Sound effects punctuate correct answers, failed attempts, and the ticking countdown of the challenges, creating a sense of urgency. While not as musically complex as some other NES titles, the audio serves its purpose in reinforcing the game’s family-friendly competition atmosphere.

Promotion for the NES version of Double Dare leaned heavily on the popularity of the Nickelodeon program, using TV commercials and magazine ads that emphasized the connection to the messy, over-the-top fun viewers recognized from the show. Critics at the time praised the game for being a faithful adaptation, particularly in capturing the show’s structure, though some felt that the physical challenges lacked the unpredictability of the televised stunts. No direct sequels were released on the NES, but the Double Dare brand would reappear in later decades through updated TV revivals and new adaptations on other platforms. Over time, the NES version has become a nostalgic artifact for fans of both the classic show and early 1990s game adaptations.

Images from MobyGames