Jaws (1987-)

• Developer: Atlus

• Publisher: LJN

• Genre: Action

• Composer: Shinichi Sakamoto

Jaws for the NES was developed by Atlus and released in 1987. The game was published by LJN, a company known at the time for producing licensed titles based on popular movies and TV shows. While the NES version remained the main home console release, Jaws also appeared on other platforms including the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, each with slightly different gameplay mechanics. The NES adaptation sought to capture the suspense and danger of the original 1975 Steven Spielberg film, translating it into a side-scrolling action experience for console players.

The game’s premise follows the player as a shark hunter tasked with stopping the infamous great white shark terrorizing Amity Island. Drawing direct inspiration from the film, the game emphasizes underwater exploration, boat navigation, and combat with the relentless predator. Players must track the shark through multiple environments, from the open ocean to harbors, and ultimately confront it to prevent further attacks on the town. The storyline is minimal but provides enough context to motivate the dangerous missions and tense encounters.

Gameplay is split between piloting a boat across the ocean and diving underwater to pursue the shark. Players must avoid or destroy obstacles such as mines, smaller enemy boats, and underwater hazards while managing limited ammunition and fuel. When underwater, the focus shifts to direct combat with the shark, requiring timing and strategy to weaken it while avoiding bites. The game also includes bonus stages where players can collect items or rescue swimmers, adding variety to the primary action. Its combination of surface navigation and underwater hunting created a multi-layered challenge for NES players.

The soundtrack features tense, dramatic themes designed to heighten the feeling of danger and urgency, with simple sound effects for the shark attacks and explosions. Promotion leaned heavily on the movie license, emphasizing the thrill of facing the iconic predator. Reception was mixed, with some appreciating the suspenseful atmosphere and unique dual-level gameplay, while others criticized the controls and repetitive nature of the hunting sequences. There was no prequel, and the game did not spawn any direct sequels, but it remains notable as one of the early attempts to translate the suspense and action of a blockbuster film into an interactive NES experience.

Images from MobyGames