The story is simple: The US has recently discovered the location of dozens of POW’s located in Vietnam.  A wide-scale rescue mission isn’t an option, so a team of Green Beret Jeep squads are assembled–Codenamed “JACKAL”, to rescue the POW’s.

Jackal’s graphics are average at best. Konami really didn’t put much effort on the graphics but focused on the gameplay, which is great. The jeep controls very well – the only problem is that sometimes your jeep can get hung up on a wall. The music is traditional Konami – very catchy and well done.

Your main weapon, a machine gun, can only be fired in the upward direction. Your secondary weapon, grenades (or missiles, when upgraded) can be fired in any direction. The goal of the game, as stated before, is to rescue the American POWs. You destroy huts to free the POWs as they come running out, then deliver them to a waiting helicopter. You find other huts scattered around that are colored differently from the normal ones – inside these huts are special POWs. Each one of these that you pick up upgrades your grenades – first to a missile, then to a two-way explosive missile, and finally to a four-way explosive missile.  However, there is only one special POW in each hut, and there’s only a couple of huts in each stage. If you die, you lose your upgrades. However, occasionally some POW’s will run around the battlefield after your death awaiting you (or if they’re clever, your friend on co-op) to rescue them.  The bosses aren’t very impressive, which is kind of odd when you take into account Konami’s rep for creating killer bosses. The last boss, though, is very cool – it’s a giant tank that attempts to cook you with a huge laser blast.

Now, there is unlimited ammo. However, for those of you looking for a fun way to take out your aggressions (or if you’re just sadistic), there are enemy foot soldiers running around. Every so often they’ll rip off a shot at you. You can either shoot them, bomb them, or (here’s the fun part) RUN THEM OVER! Yes, you too can mow down unsuspecting enemy soldiers with your jeep and see their little flattened forms lying motionless on the ground.

Review round-up:

Concept: Taking control of a jeep (or two if playing two player), you make your way through Vietnam and take out any opposition in your way. even if somewhat outlandish boss designs.

Entertainment: Konami knows how to make shooters. I prefer Contra or Guerrilla though.

Graphics: Not terrible for an NES game, but by no means noteworthy.

Sound: Catchy music, explosions are pretty standard.
Playability: This game has good controls, I can’t think of one thing to complain about, as far as the controls go they are excellent.

Replay Value: Moderate

Overview: The game is fun and isn’t that what really matters? Or has the world of next generation consoles clogged your minds to forget this wonderful game? Jackal is an excellent game – not very impressive graphically, but still tons of fun.

Review Score: 7.5/10

Buy it here.

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