Shatterhand

Insomnia ( )

With arcade-standard length and no password feature, Shatterhand is clearly designed to be beat in a single sitting with a single continue, when the player's skill eventually permits it. After beating the game, it can be extremely fun to go back and experiment with different strategies: seeing how fast you can go, how far you can get strictly as a pugilist without health recharges, or taking risks with the satellites by deliberately crashing them into enemies, and so on. An outstanding achievement, untarnished by age.

The Video Game Critic (A)

Shatterhand is simple in concept yet very challenging. The game offers limited continues and a slick high score screen. Last but not least, the music is pure 8-bit gold. Shatterhand's gameplay doesn't diverge much from the standard formula, but its superb execution makes this one of my favorite NES games.

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5)

Shatterhand's rock 'em, sock 'em action leaves all those other NES slug-it-out carts in a crippled heap. Take yourself to the brink once again and try your hand at Shatterhand.

Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library ( )

While the degree of difficulty is high in certain areas, the amount of nice touches on display here and nice variety in the selectable levels, including spots with elevators and reverse-gravity, push this title above most others in the genre.

Retro Game Age (9 out of 10)

So where did the Natsume that could create games like this go? I won’t bemoan the fact that they milk the Harvest Moon cow in order to make money but it’s a shame they can’t balance their output with games like this, especially when they were so good at it. It’s a shame this went under the radar but being a late 1991 release it’s understandable. Don’t let that stop you from trying out one of the NES finest action games.

Classic-games.net (9 out of 10)

What a game. Natsume were the unsung powerhouse of NES action games back in the day and I wish they still made titles like this. Shatterhand is not only just a phenomenal game, it’s one of the top ten action games for the system in my opinion.

Questicle.net (B+)

Shatterhand is based on a live-action television series in Japan called “Super Rescue Solbrain.” The original Famicom version – entitled Tokkyuu Shirei Soul Brain –actually stars a robot instead of a man with a strong shatter hand. This makes a lot of sense, given the protagonist’s insane strength. The game is probably fun in either incarnation, but strangely, I think the American version is the more ridiculous of the two, at least in conception. After playing a million and a half action platformers on the NES, very few stand out as fresh or original. Shatterhand is different, and you should totally play it.

That Gaming Site (8 out of 10)

While Shatterhand lacks any truly mind blowing innovations, it is a solid and fun game with a cool hero and intense action platforming. Don't let its relative obscurity keep you from picking it up!

Quebec Gamers (8 out of 10)

Shatterhand est un jeu d'action solide sur tous les niveaux dans les plus beaux sur NES, mais il manque grandement de personnalité.

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (32 out of 40)

The graphics are well done, the control is excellent, and the music rocks! I hope to see more titles like this.

Retro Game Reviews ( )

Shatterhand is a solid title with some great ideas and gameplay that combines elements from Ninja Gaiden (1989, NES) and Mega Man (1987, NES). While the level design is a bit uninspired, the interesting combat, power-ups and enemy types make up for it and ensure that the action always remains highly engaging.

Hardcore Gaming 101 (8 out of 10)

Shatterhand is actually a very enjoyable side-scrolling game. It manages to be tough without being too frustrating, and it's not a short game by any means either. The premise is interesting and the robots add an innovative twist to the game. If you like good ol' bash-em-in action, check this one out!

Nintendo Power Magazine (3.6 out of 5)

Shatterhand comes to the NES from Jaleco and was developed by Natsume and it is a great action game! With graphics and play similar to S.C.A.T. and Shadow of the Ninja and a variety of unique features, Shatterhead has tough action that promises to provide a challenge even for action game experts!

Video Games (70 out of 100)

Cooles Spiel für Action- und Jump'n'Ru- Fans: Wer Mega Man nicht mehr sehen kann und zur Abwechslung einen echten Helden spielen möchte kommt mit dem stahlharten Shatterhand auf seine Kosten.

All Game Guide ( )

If you're a platform game fan who can find this game somewhere for a buck or two you might find it to be a worthwhile investment. But casual fans and those who have tired of the NES, even for nostalgic reasons, probably have better ways to spend their time.