Last Action Hero (1993-)

• Developer: Teeny Weeny Games

• Publisher: Sony Imagesoft

• Genre: Action

Last Action Hero is an action platformer developed by Teeny Weeny Games and released for the NES in 1993. It was published by Sony Imagesoft and is based on the 1993 Hollywood film of the same name starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The NES version remained exclusive to the console and was one of several adaptations of the movie released across different platforms, including the Super NES and Sega Genesis, each with its own distinct design. The NES adaptation aimed to bring the film’s combination of action and humor to the 8-bit hardware.

The game follows Danny Madigan as he is transported into the fictional world of action movie hero Jack Slater. Players navigate levels inspired by the film, including city streets, industrial complexes, and the villain’s lair. The story mirrors the movie’s blend of real-world and movie-world adventures, giving players the chance to experience both action-packed sequences and humorous interactions that reference the cinematic source material.

Gameplay in Last Action Hero involves side-scrolling platforming combined with shooting and combat mechanics. Players control Danny as he collects weapons, defeats enemies, and avoids environmental hazards across multiple stages. Each level introduces unique challenges requiring timing, reflexes, and strategic use of the available weapons. The soundtrack, composed for the NES, features energetic and dramatic themes that complement the cinematic style of the game and enhance the intensity of action sequences.

Last Action Hero does not have a prequel or direct sequel on the NES, serving as a standalone adaptation of the film. Promotion focused heavily on the movie tie-in, with advertisements and magazine coverage highlighting the chance to play through the film’s iconic scenes. Reception was mixed; while critics praised the faithfulness to the movie and the variety of levels, some noted that the controls could be awkward and the difficulty inconsistent. Over time, the NES version has become notable among licensed movie games for its attempt to translate a Hollywood blockbuster into a playable 8-bit platforming experience.

Images from MobyGames