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| developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
| developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
| producer = [[Stamper brothers|Chris Stamper<br>Tim Stamper]]{{r|credits}}
| producer = [[Stamper brothers|Chris Stamper<br />Tim Stamper]]{{r|credits}}
| designer = [[Gregg Mayles]]{{r|credits}}<br />Kevin Bayliss & [[Chris Sutherland (programmer)|Chris Sutherland]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/battletoads__/credits|title=Battletoads (1994) Arcade credits|website=MobyGames|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131201421/https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/battletoads__/credits|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Pete Cox & Chris Stamper <small>(hardware)</small>
| designer = [[Gregg Mayles]]{{r|credits}}
| programmer = Chris Sutherland{{r|credits}}
| programmer = [[Chris Sutherland (programmer)|Chris Sutherland]]{{r|credits}}
| artist = [[Steve Mayles]]{{r|credits}}<br>Kevin Bayliss{{r|credits}}
| artist = [[Steve Mayles]]{{r|credits}}<br />Kevin Bayliss{{r|credits}}
| composer = [[David Wise (composer)|Dave Wise]]{{r|credits}}
| composer = [[David Wise (composer)|Dave Wise]]{{r|credits}}
| series = ''[[Battletoads]]''
| series = ''[[Battletoads]]''
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}}
}}


'''''Battletoads Arcade''''', also known as '''''Super Battletoads''''' or just '''''Battletoads''''', is a 1994 [[scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] [[arcade game]] in the ''[[Battletoads]]'' series developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. Up to three players, as the [[Battletoads (characters)|Battletoads]], brawl aliens and mutant rodents through six [[Level (video gaming)|levels]] to save the universe from the [[Dark Queen]]. The game also includes vertical and [[bonus level]]s. Each Toad has its own signature attack, and as customary for the series, players can knock enemies towards the screen, [[fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]].
'''''Battletoads Arcade''''', also known as '''''Super Battletoads''''' or just '''''Battletoads''''', is a 1994 [[scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] [[arcade game]] in the ''[[Battletoads]]'' series developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. Up to three players, as the [[Battletoads (characters)|Battletoads]], brawl aliens and mutant rodents through six [[Level (video gaming)|levels]] to save the universe from the Dark Queen. The game also includes vertical and [[bonus level]]s. Each Toad has its own signature attack, and as customary for the series, players can knock enemies towards the screen, [[fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]].


Rare took greater liberties with violence and gore in ''Battletoads Arcade'' since the product was not destined for home consoles. It was Rare's first game to use the 3D graphics technology later implemented in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Killer Instinct (1994 video game)|Killer Instinct]]''. Although the game [[playtest]]ed well and appeared financially viable, the publisher hesitated to release it. The game proved unsuccessful in the arcades and Rare canceled its in-production [[Porting|ports]], including its finished and tested handheld [[Game Boy]] release. ''Battletoads Arcade''{{'s}} poor performance led to a 26-year franchise hiatus that ended with the [[Battletoads (2020 video game)|2020 series reboot]].
Rare took greater liberties with violence and gore in ''Battletoads Arcade'' since the product was not destined for home consoles. It was Rare's first game to use the 3D graphics technology later implemented in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Killer Instinct (1994 video game)|Killer Instinct]]''. Although the game [[playtest]]ed well and appeared financially viable, the publisher hesitated to release it. The game proved unsuccessful in the arcades and Rare canceled its in-production [[Porting|ports]], including its finished and tested handheld [[Game Boy]] release. ''Battletoads Arcade''{{'s}} poor performance led to a 26-year franchise hiatus that ended with the [[Battletoads (2020 video game)|2020 series reboot]].
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== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==


[[File:Battletoads arcade.png|thumb|left|A player decapitates three rat foes]]
[[File:Battletoads arcade.png|thumb|left|A player decapitates three rat foes.]]


''Battletoads Arcade'' is a coin-operated, [[scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] [[arcade game]].{{r|IGN: retrospective}} Up to three players, as the [[Battletoads (characters)|Battletoads]] (Rash, Pimple, and Zitz), punch and kick oncoming enemies through six [[Level (video gaming)|levels]]{{r|RG86}} to save their alternate universe from the [[Dark Queen]].{{r|KLOV}} ''Arcade'' was the first ''Battletoads'' game to feature three-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]].{{r|RG86}} Players control their characters with [[cardinal direction|eight-directional]] [[joystick]]s and two buttons (attack and jump).{{r|KLOV}} Characters can run if the player pushes the joystick twice in the same direction.{{r|AllGame: controls}} The Toads vary in fighting style: Rash is nimble, Pimple is burly, and Zitz is a balance of the two.{{r|KLOV}} As customary for the series, the Toads can knock enemies off-screen such that they appear to fly towards the players, [[fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]].{{r|AllGame: review|RG86}} The Toads can also eat flies to regenerate [[Health (gaming)|health]].{{r|KLOV}} Each Toad has its own signature exaggerated power and attack,{{r|RG86}} in which their limbs turn into objects such as axes and drills.{{r|AllGame: review}} Enemies include aliens, mutant rodents, and snowmen.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}}
''Battletoads Arcade'' is a coin-operated, [[scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] [[arcade game]].{{r|IGN: retrospective}} Up to three players, as the [[Battletoads (characters)|Battletoads]] (Rash, Pimple, and Zitz), punch and kick oncoming enemies through six [[Level (video gaming)|levels]]{{r|RG86}} to save their alternate universe from the Dark Queen.{{r|KLOV}} ''Arcade'' was the first ''Battletoads'' game to feature three-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]].{{r|RG86}} Players control their characters with [[cardinal direction|eight-directional]] [[joystick]]s and two buttons (attack and jump).{{r|KLOV}} Characters can run if the player pushes the joystick twice in the same direction.{{r|AllGame: controls}} The Toads vary in fighting style: Rash is nimble, Pimple is burly, and Zitz is a balance of the two.{{r|KLOV}} As customary for the series, the Toads can knock enemies off-screen such that they appear to fly towards the players, [[fourth wall|breaking the fourth wall]].{{r|AllGame: review|RG86}} The Toads can also eat flies to regenerate [[Health (gaming)|health]].{{r|KLOV}} Each Toad has its own signature exaggerated power and attack,{{r|RG86}} in which their limbs turn into objects such as axes and drills.{{r|AllGame: review}} Enemies include aliens, mutant rodents, and snowmen.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}}


Each level has a unique theme, such as a "Christmas grotto",{{r|RG86}} and a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss fight]] finale.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}} Some bosses, such as General Slaughter, return from previous games.{{r|RG86}} Some levels differ in presentation and gameplay. Some levels are ''[[Double Dragon]]''-style [[2.5D]] brawlers, while others are strictly two-dimensional. In one level, the Toads wear jetpacks and descend a tunnel, and in the final level, the Toads shoot enemies from a vehicle.{{r|KLOV}} Players can also destroy a spaceship in a ''[[Street Fighter II]]''-style [[bonus stage]].{{r|RG86}} ''Battletoads Arcade'' is displayed in [[standard-definition television|standard definition]] [[raster graphics]] in horizontal orientation with either mono or stereo sound within an upright [[arcade cabinet]].{{r|KLOV}}
Each level has a unique theme, such as a "Christmas grotto",{{r|RG86}} and a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss fight]] finale.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}} Some bosses, such as General Slaughter, return from previous games.{{r|RG86}} Some levels differ in presentation and gameplay. Some levels are ''[[Double Dragon]]''-style [[2.5D]] brawlers, while others are strictly two-dimensional. In one level, the Toads wear jetpacks and descend a tunnel, and in the final level, the Toads shoot enemies from a vehicle.{{r|KLOV}} Players can also destroy a spaceship in a ''[[Street Fighter II]]''-style [[bonus stage]].{{r|RG86}} ''Battletoads Arcade'' is displayed in [[standard-definition television|standard definition]] [[raster graphics]] in horizontal orientation with either mono or stereo sound within an upright [[arcade cabinet]].{{r|KLOV}}


== Development ==
== Development and release ==


The game was developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]], published by [[Electronic Arts]], and released in 1994{{r|IGN: retrospective}} as the fifth game in the ''Battletoads'' series. Rare founders Tim and Chris Stamper created the series in response to interest in the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''. The ''Battletoads'' series{{emdash}}especially the 1991 original ''[[Battletoads (video game)|Battletoads]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES){{emdash}}became popular in its own right and led to a series of sequels.{{r|RG86|AllGame: synopsis}} Since this sequel was in development for arcades rather than consoles, Rare took greater liberties in its depiction of violence, unlike their obligations in the rest of the series. While the original NES ''Battletoads'' censored blood, ''Battletoads Arcade'' showed gore and decapitation (although this could be turned off in the game's DIP switches). The Dark Queen was also depicted in a more lascivious style.{{r|IGN: retrospective}} Rare had begun to experiment with 3D graphics around this time, and went with [[PowerAnimator]] (later [[Autodesk Maya]]). ''Battletoads Arcade'' was the first Rare game to use PowerAnimator, well before it was implemented in ''[[Killer Instinct]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''.{{r|RG123}}
The game was developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]], published by [[Electronic Arts]], and released in 1994{{r|IGN: retrospective}} as the fifth game in the ''Battletoads'' series. Rare founders Tim and Chris Stamper created the series in response to interest in the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''. The ''Battletoads'' series{{emdash}}especially the 1991 original ''[[Battletoads (1991 video game)|Battletoads]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES){{emdash}}became popular in its own right and led to a series of sequels.{{r|RG86|AllGame: synopsis}} Since this sequel was in development for arcades rather than consoles, Rare took greater liberties in its depiction of violence, unlike their obligations in the rest of the series. While the original NES ''Battletoads'' censored blood, ''Battletoads Arcade'' showed gore and decapitation (although this could be turned off in the game's DIP switches). The Dark Queen was also depicted in a more lascivious style.{{r|IGN: retrospective}} Rare had begun to experiment with 3D graphics around this time, and went with [[PowerAnimator]] (later [[Autodesk Maya]]). ''Battletoads Arcade'' was the first Rare game to use PowerAnimator, well before it was implemented in ''[[Killer Instinct]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''.{{r|RG123}}


Despite being finished, the game remained unreleased "for ages", according to Rare's George Andreas, who had worked on the game. The game had [[playtest]]ed and sold well in their market tests, but its release did not meet expectations.{{r|RG84}} Rare had completed and tested a handheld [[Game Boy]] [[Porting of video games|port]] of ''Battletoads Arcade'' but it was cancelled following the arcade game's poor sales.{{r|Kotaku: Game Boy}} A [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] port was also planned and canceled, likely due to the arcade game's mediocre reception.{{r|RG86}} Rare's Brendan Gunn had worked on the port and said that the team had nearly finished the first level before the project was scrapped. He figured that the decision may have been linked to mediocre sales but was not sure.{{r|RG84}} ''Super Battletoads'', as the arcade game was also known,{{r|IGN: Super B|Polygon: Super B}} was the planned title for the two ports.{{r|Kotaku: Game Boy|Eurogamer: Super}}
Despite being finished, the game remained unreleased "for ages", according to Rare's George Andreas, who had worked on the game. The game had [[playtest]]ed and sold well in their market tests, but its release did not meet expectations.{{r|RG84}} Rare had completed and tested a handheld [[Game Boy]] [[Porting of video games|port]] of ''Battletoads Arcade'' but it was cancelled following the arcade game's poor sales.{{r|Kotaku: Game Boy}} A [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] port was also planned and canceled, likely due to the arcade game's mediocre reception.{{r|RG86}} Rare's Brendan Gunn had worked on the port and said that the team had nearly finished the first level before the project was scrapped. He figured that the decision may have been linked to mediocre sales but was not sure.{{r|RG84}} ''Super Battletoads'', as the arcade game was also known,{{r|IGN: Super B|Polygon: Super B}} was the planned title for the two ports.{{r|Kotaku: Game Boy|Eurogamer: Super}}
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''Battletoads Arcade'' "bombed badly"{{r|RG123}} with mediocre sales.{{r|RG86}} Christopher Michael Baker (''[[AllGame]]'') wrote that the arcade release rode the success of its console game predecessor when the order is usually reversed. He found the two games similar in brawling style with simple controls, but felt that the arcade game had better graphics. He noted how both included the effect of knocking enemies towards the players off-screen. Baker felt that the signature attacks were interesting and added [[replay value]]. Overall, he was somewhat let down by the arcade game, having expected something more, but rated ''Battletoads Arcade'' four of five stars.{{r|AllGame: review}} ''AllGame'' compared ''Battletoads Arcade'' to ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time|Turtles in Time]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons Arcade Game]]''.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}}
''Battletoads Arcade'' "bombed badly"{{r|RG123}} with mediocre sales.{{r|RG86}} Christopher Michael Baker (''[[AllGame]]'') wrote that the arcade release rode the success of its console game predecessor when the order is usually reversed. He found the two games similar in brawling style with simple controls, but felt that the arcade game had better graphics. He noted how both included the effect of knocking enemies towards the players off-screen. Baker felt that the signature attacks were interesting and added [[replay value]]. Overall, he was somewhat let down by the arcade game, having expected something more, but rated ''Battletoads Arcade'' four of five stars.{{r|AllGame: review}} ''AllGame'' compared ''Battletoads Arcade'' to ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time|Turtles in Time]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons Arcade Game]]''.{{r|AllGame: synopsis}}


''[[Retro Gamer]]'' retrospectively wrote that ''Battletoads Arcade'' was a "relatively obscure" game, but the best in the series. They described it as "unmistakable" Rare: "bombastic, colorful, and well-designed". ''Retro Gamer'' put it on par with the arcade games of [[Konami]] and [[Sega]] and praised its humor, combat, and character. They added that ''Arcade'' was a [[swan song]] for the series, with numerous references to moments and levels from previous games. For example, the first stage atop the Dark Queen's ship was similar to the opening of ''[[Battletoads/Double Dragon]]'' and the jetpack level was reminiscent of the "Wookie Hole" level in the original ''Battletoads''. The magazine added that the level of gore set it apart from previous series entries and that the game had a mediocre reception in arcades. They called its console cancellation "a tragedy".{{r|RG86}}
''[[Retro Gamer]]'' retrospectively wrote that ''Battletoads Arcade'' was a "relatively obscure" game, but the best in the series. They described it as "unmistakable" Rare: "bombastic, colorful, and well-designed". ''Retro Gamer'' put it on par with the arcade games of [[Konami]] and [[Sega]] and praised its humour, combat, and character. They added that ''Arcade'' was a [[swan song]] for the series, with numerous references to moments and levels from previous games. For example, the first stage atop the Dark Queen's ship was similar to the opening of ''[[Battletoads/Double Dragon]]'' and the jetpack level was reminiscent of the "Wookie Hole" level in the original ''Battletoads''. The magazine added that the level of gore set it apart from previous series entries and that the game had a mediocre reception in arcades. They called its console cancellation "a tragedy".{{r|RG86}}


Twenty years after its initial release, several ''Rare Replay'' reviewers highlighted ''Battletoads Arcade'' within the compilation. Chris Carter (''[[Destructoid]]'') wrote that the game was an unexpected favorite in his ''Rare Replay'' review.{{r|Destructoid: Rare Replay}} Philip Kollar (''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'') was also "surprised" by the game, which he found incredibly fun. Kollar ranked the game near the middle of the ''Rare Replay'' collection.{{r|Polygon: ranked}} Timothy Seppala (''[[Engadget]]'') was grateful to be introduced to ''Battletoads Arcade'' on ''Rare Replay''. He considered the game among Rare's "finest moments" and one of two retro titles worth playing.{{r|Engadget: Rare Replay}} Sam Machkovech (''[[Ars Technica]]'') described the game as one of the rarest in the compilation.{{r|Ars Technica: review}}
Twenty years after its initial release, several ''Rare Replay'' reviewers highlighted ''Battletoads Arcade'' within the compilation. Chris Carter (''[[Destructoid]]'') wrote that the game was an unexpected favourite in his ''Rare Replay'' review.{{r|Destructoid: Rare Replay}} Philip Kollar (''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'') was also "surprised" by the game, which he found incredibly fun. Kollar ranked the game near the middle of the ''Rare Replay'' collection.{{r|Polygon: ranked}} Timothy Seppala (''[[Engadget]]'') was grateful to be introduced to ''Battletoads Arcade'' on ''Rare Replay''. He considered the game among Rare's "finest moments" and one of two retro titles worth playing.{{r|Engadget: Rare Replay}} Sam Machkovech (''[[Ars Technica]]'') described the game as one of the rarest in the compilation.{{r|Ars Technica: review}}


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
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<ref name=credits>{{cite video game |title=Battletoads Arcade |developer=[[Rare (company)|Rare]] |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |date=1994 |platform=Arcade |scene=Credits }}</ref>
<ref name=credits>{{cite video game |title=Battletoads Arcade |developer=[[Rare (company)|Rare]] |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |date=1994 |platform=Arcade |scene=Credits }}</ref>


<ref name="AllGame: controls">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=controls |accessdate=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads controls |work=[[AllGame]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114232851/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=controls |archivedate=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="AllGame: controls">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=controls |access-date=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads controls |work=[[AllGame]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114232851/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=controls |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


<ref name="AllGame: review">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=review |accessdate=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads Review |last1=Baker |first1=Christopher Michael |work=[[AllGame]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114232850/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=review |archivedate=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="AllGame: review">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=review |access-date=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads Review |last1=Baker |first1=Christopher Michael |work=[[AllGame]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114232850/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


<ref name="AllGame: synopsis">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609 |accessdate=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads synopsis |last1=Baker |first1=Christopher Michael |work=[[AllGame]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114114905/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609 |archivedate=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="AllGame: synopsis">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609 |access-date=August 23, 2015 |title=Battletoads synopsis |last1=Baker |first1=Christopher Michael |work=[[AllGame]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114114905/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9609 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


<ref name="Ars Technica: review">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/08/rare-replay-review-incomplete-but-still-plenty-of-timeless-gaming-smashes/ |accessdate=August 21, 2015 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |title=Rare Replay review: Incomplete, but still plenty of timeless gaming smashes |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=August 3, 2015 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6axbvQYRw?url=http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/08/rare-replay-review-incomplete-but-still-plenty-of-timeless-gaming-smashes/ |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Ars Technica: review">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/08/rare-replay-review-incomplete-but-still-plenty-of-timeless-gaming-smashes/ |access-date=August 21, 2015 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |title=Rare Replay review: Incomplete, but still plenty of timeless gaming smashes |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=August 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821093239/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/08/rare-replay-review-incomplete-but-still-plenty-of-timeless-gaming-smashes/ |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Destructoid: Rare Replay">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-rare-replay-296727.phtml |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Review: Rare Replay |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |date=August 3, 2015 |work=[[Destructoid]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6aywgdtRQ?url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-rare-replay-296727.phtml |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Destructoid: Rare Replay">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-rare-replay-296727.phtml |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Review: Rare Replay |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |date=August 3, 2015 |work=[[Destructoid]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821011953/http://www.destructoid.com/review-rare-replay-296727.phtml |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Engadget: Rare Replay">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/07/rare-replay-review/ |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title='Rare Replay': gaming classics at their best-worst |last1=Seppala |first1=Timothy |date=August 7, 2015 |work=[[Engadget]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ayy4XBXz?url=http://www.engadget.com/2015/08/07/rare-replay-review/ |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Engadget: Rare Replay">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/07/rare-replay-review/ |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title='Rare Replay': gaming classics at their best-worst |last1=Seppala |first1=Timothy |date=August 7, 2015 |work=[[Engadget]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823090119/http://www.engadget.com/2015/08/07/rare-replay-review// |archive-date=August 23, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Eurogamer: Super">{{Cite web |last1=Jakobs |first1=Benjamin |title=Super Battletoads sollte für den Game Boy erscheinen und war zu 100 Prozent fertig |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2018-07-09 |url=https://www.eurogamer.de/articles/2018-07-09-super-battletoads-sollte-fuer-den-game-boy-erscheinen-und-war-zu-100-prozent-fertig |language=de |accessdate=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="Eurogamer: Super">{{Cite news |last1=Jakobs |first1=Benjamin |title=Super Battletoads sollte für den Game Boy erscheinen und war zu 100 Prozent fertig |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2018-07-09 |url=https://www.eurogamer.de/articles/2018-07-09-super-battletoads-sollte-fuer-den-game-boy-erscheinen-und-war-zu-100-prozent-fertig |language=de |access-date=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130230129/https://www.eurogamer.de/articles/2018-07-09-super-battletoads-sollte-fuer-den-game-boy-erscheinen-und-war-zu-100-prozent-fertig |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="Gamasutra: Ratchet">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/124919/Interview_Insomniacs_Dezern_And_The_Local_CoOp_Appeal.php |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |title=Interview: Insomniac's Dezern And The Local Co-Op Appeal |author=Staff |date=June 29, 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ayz1cjqx?url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/124919/Interview_Insomniacs_Dezern_And_The_Local_CoOp_Appeal.php |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Gamasutra: Ratchet">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/124919/Interview_Insomniacs_Dezern_And_The_Local_CoOp_Appeal.php |access-date=August 22, 2015 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |title=Interview: Insomniac's Dezern And The Local Co-Op Appeal |author=Staff |date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050211/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/124919/Interview_Insomniacs_Dezern_And_The_Local_CoOp_Appeal.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="GameSpot 2020">{{Cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=James |title=Battletoads Review Roundup: What Critics Are Saying About the Return of the Toads |work=[[GameSpot]] |date=2020-08-21 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battletoads-review-roundup-what-critics-are-saying/1100-6481233/ |language=en-US |accessdate=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="GameSpot 2020">{{Cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=James |title=Battletoads Review Roundup: What Critics Are Saying About the Return of the Toads |work=[[GameSpot]] |date=2020-08-21 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battletoads-review-roundup-what-critics-are-saying/1100-6481233/ |language=en-US |access-date=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130230413/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battletoads-review-roundup-what-critics-are-saying/1100-6481233/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="IGN: retrospective">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/13/battletoads-retrospective?page=3 |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Battletoads retrospective |page=3 |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=January 13, 2009 |work=[[IGN]] |archiveurl=https://archive.is/K1zmR |archivedate=December 21, 2020 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="IGN: retrospective">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/13/battletoads-retrospective?page=3 |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Battletoads retrospective |page=3 |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=January 13, 2009 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201221040722/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/13/battletoads-retrospective |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="IGN: Super B">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/01/gamecube-developer-profile-rare |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Gamecube developer profile: Rare |author=IGN Staff |date=March 1, 2001 |work=[[IGN]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ayyp7B4N?url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/01/gamecube-developer-profile-rare |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="IGN: Super B">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/01/gamecube-developer-profile-rare |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Gamecube developer profile: Rare |author=IGN Staff |date=March 1, 2001 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930111125/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/01/gamecube-developer-profile-rare |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name=KLOV>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7058 |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Battletoads |work=[[Killer List of Videogames]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6azLUlJfK?url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7058 |archivedate=August 23, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name=KLOV>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7058 |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Battletoads |work=[[Killer List of Videogames]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419111903/http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7058 |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Kotaku: best looking">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5990092/the-best-looking-beat-em-up-games-from-the-16-bit-era |accessdate=August 23, 2015 |work=[[Kotaku]] |title=The Best Looking Beat 'em Up Games From The 16-Bit Era |last=Vas |first=Gergo |date=March 12, 2013 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6azQu6iuK?url=http://kotaku.com/5990092/the-best-looking-beat-em-up-games-from-the-16-bit-era |archivedate=August 23, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Kotaku: best looking">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5990092/the-best-looking-beat-em-up-games-from-the-16-bit-era |access-date=August 23, 2015 |work=[[Kotaku]] |title=The Best Looking Beat 'em Up Games From The 16-Bit Era |last=Vas |first=Gergo |date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912233605/http://kotaku.com/5990092/the-best-looking-beat-em-up-games-from-the-16-bit-era |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Kotaku: Game Boy">{{Cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |title=Rare Finished Making a Battletoads for Game Boy That Never Came Out |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2018-07-06 |url=https://kotaku.com/rare-finished-making-a-battletoads-for-game-boy-that-ne-1827404101 |language=en-us |accessdate=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="Kotaku: Game Boy">{{Cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |title=Rare Finished Making a Battletoads for Game Boy That Never Came Out |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2018-07-06 |url=https://kotaku.com/rare-finished-making-a-battletoads-for-game-boy-that-ne-1827404101 |language=en-us |access-date=2020-12-21 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130230024/https://kotaku.com/rare-finished-making-a-battletoads-for-game-boy-that-ne-1827404101 |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="Polygon: ranked">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/8/4/9086109/rare-replay-top-30-ranked-worst-to-best-countdown-xbox-one-microsoft |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Rare Replay countdown: 30 Rare classics ranked from worst to best |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=August 4, 2015 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ay33Dktt?url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/8/4/9086109/rare-replay-top-30-ranked-worst-to-best-countdown-xbox-one-microsoft |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Polygon: ranked">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/8/4/9086109/rare-replay-top-30-ranked-worst-to-best-countdown-xbox-one-microsoft |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Rare Replay countdown: 30 Rare classics ranked from worst to best |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=August 4, 2015 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822112141/http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/8/4/9086109/rare-replay-top-30-ranked-worst-to-best-countdown-xbox-one-microsoft |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name="Polygon: Super B">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/10/7189721/microsoft-battletoads-trademark |accessdate=August 22, 2015 |title=Microsoft files for Battletoads trademark |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=November 10, 2014 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ayyuaShS?url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/10/7189721/microsoft-battletoads-trademark |archivedate=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
<ref name="Polygon: Super B">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/10/7189721/microsoft-battletoads-trademark |access-date=August 22, 2015 |title=Microsoft files for Battletoads trademark |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=November 10, 2014 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626194336/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/10/7189721/microsoft-battletoads-trademark |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>


<ref name=RG123>{{cite journal |last=Milne |first=Rory |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=123 |date=December 2013 |pages=49, 50 |title=Killer Instinct }}</ref>
<ref name=RG123>{{cite journal |last=Milne |first=Rory |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=123 |date=December 2013 |pages=49, 50 |title=Killer Instinct }}</ref>
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Latest revision as of 10:52, 6 October 2024

Battletoads Arcade
Arcade flyer
Developer(s)Rare
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
Producer(s)Chris Stamper
Tim Stamper[1]
Designer(s)Gregg Mayles[1]
Kevin Bayliss & Chris Sutherland[2]
Pete Cox & Chris Stamper (hardware)
Programmer(s)Chris Sutherland[1]
Artist(s)Steve Mayles[1]
Kevin Bayliss[1]
Composer(s)Dave Wise[1]
SeriesBattletoads
Platform(s)Arcade
Release1994
Genre(s)Beat 'em up
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Battletoads Arcade, also known as Super Battletoads or just Battletoads, is a 1994 scrolling beat 'em up arcade game in the Battletoads series developed by Rare and published by Electronic Arts. Up to three players, as the Battletoads, brawl aliens and mutant rodents through six levels to save the universe from the Dark Queen. The game also includes vertical and bonus levels. Each Toad has its own signature attack, and as customary for the series, players can knock enemies towards the screen, breaking the fourth wall.

Rare took greater liberties with violence and gore in Battletoads Arcade since the product was not destined for home consoles. It was Rare's first game to use the 3D graphics technology later implemented in Donkey Kong Country and Killer Instinct. Although the game playtested well and appeared financially viable, the publisher hesitated to release it. The game proved unsuccessful in the arcades and Rare canceled its in-production ports, including its finished and tested handheld Game Boy release. Battletoads Arcade's poor performance led to a 26-year franchise hiatus that ended with the 2020 series reboot.

Battletoads Arcade received its console debut when it was emulated in the 2015 Rare Replay, a compilation of games from Rare's history for the Xbox One. Rare Replay reviewers were surprised by the arcade game's quality and some considered it a highlight of the package.

Gameplay

[edit]
A player decapitates three rat foes.

Battletoads Arcade is a coin-operated, scrolling beat 'em up arcade game.[3] Up to three players, as the Battletoads (Rash, Pimple, and Zitz), punch and kick oncoming enemies through six levels[4] to save their alternate universe from the Dark Queen.[5] Arcade was the first Battletoads game to feature three-player cooperative multiplayer.[4] Players control their characters with eight-directional joysticks and two buttons (attack and jump).[5] Characters can run if the player pushes the joystick twice in the same direction.[6] The Toads vary in fighting style: Rash is nimble, Pimple is burly, and Zitz is a balance of the two.[5] As customary for the series, the Toads can knock enemies off-screen such that they appear to fly towards the players, breaking the fourth wall.[7][4] The Toads can also eat flies to regenerate health.[5] Each Toad has its own signature exaggerated power and attack,[4] in which their limbs turn into objects such as axes and drills.[7] Enemies include aliens, mutant rodents, and snowmen.[8]

Each level has a unique theme, such as a "Christmas grotto",[4] and a boss fight finale.[8] Some bosses, such as General Slaughter, return from previous games.[4] Some levels differ in presentation and gameplay. Some levels are Double Dragon-style 2.5D brawlers, while others are strictly two-dimensional. In one level, the Toads wear jetpacks and descend a tunnel, and in the final level, the Toads shoot enemies from a vehicle.[5] Players can also destroy a spaceship in a Street Fighter II-style bonus stage.[4] Battletoads Arcade is displayed in standard definition raster graphics in horizontal orientation with either mono or stereo sound within an upright arcade cabinet.[5]

Development and release

[edit]

The game was developed by Rare, published by Electronic Arts, and released in 1994[3] as the fifth game in the Battletoads series. Rare founders Tim and Chris Stamper created the series in response to interest in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Battletoads series—especially the 1991 original Battletoads for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)—became popular in its own right and led to a series of sequels.[4][8] Since this sequel was in development for arcades rather than consoles, Rare took greater liberties in its depiction of violence, unlike their obligations in the rest of the series. While the original NES Battletoads censored blood, Battletoads Arcade showed gore and decapitation (although this could be turned off in the game's DIP switches). The Dark Queen was also depicted in a more lascivious style.[3] Rare had begun to experiment with 3D graphics around this time, and went with PowerAnimator (later Autodesk Maya). Battletoads Arcade was the first Rare game to use PowerAnimator, well before it was implemented in Killer Instinct and Donkey Kong Country.[9]

Despite being finished, the game remained unreleased "for ages", according to Rare's George Andreas, who had worked on the game. The game had playtested and sold well in their market tests, but its release did not meet expectations.[10] Rare had completed and tested a handheld Game Boy port of Battletoads Arcade but it was cancelled following the arcade game's poor sales.[11] A Super NES port was also planned and canceled, likely due to the arcade game's mediocre reception.[4] Rare's Brendan Gunn had worked on the port and said that the team had nearly finished the first level before the project was scrapped. He figured that the decision may have been linked to mediocre sales but was not sure.[10] Super Battletoads, as the arcade game was also known,[12][13] was the planned title for the two ports.[11][14]

Battletoads Arcade received its first console release when it was emulated for the Xbox One as part of the 2015 Rare Replay compilation of 30 games from Rare's 30-year history.[15] In the Rare Replay version, additional features include a setting for unlimited continues, the ability to "rewind" time (and replay a section), and the opportunity to save game progress at any time.[16]

Reception

[edit]

Battletoads Arcade "bombed badly"[9] with mediocre sales.[4] Christopher Michael Baker (AllGame) wrote that the arcade release rode the success of its console game predecessor when the order is usually reversed. He found the two games similar in brawling style with simple controls, but felt that the arcade game had better graphics. He noted how both included the effect of knocking enemies towards the players off-screen. Baker felt that the signature attacks were interesting and added replay value. Overall, he was somewhat let down by the arcade game, having expected something more, but rated Battletoads Arcade four of five stars.[7] AllGame compared Battletoads Arcade to Turtles in Time and The Simpsons Arcade Game.[8]

Retro Gamer retrospectively wrote that Battletoads Arcade was a "relatively obscure" game, but the best in the series. They described it as "unmistakable" Rare: "bombastic, colorful, and well-designed". Retro Gamer put it on par with the arcade games of Konami and Sega and praised its humour, combat, and character. They added that Arcade was a swan song for the series, with numerous references to moments and levels from previous games. For example, the first stage atop the Dark Queen's ship was similar to the opening of Battletoads/Double Dragon and the jetpack level was reminiscent of the "Wookie Hole" level in the original Battletoads. The magazine added that the level of gore set it apart from previous series entries and that the game had a mediocre reception in arcades. They called its console cancellation "a tragedy".[4]

Twenty years after its initial release, several Rare Replay reviewers highlighted Battletoads Arcade within the compilation. Chris Carter (Destructoid) wrote that the game was an unexpected favourite in his Rare Replay review.[15] Philip Kollar (Polygon) was also "surprised" by the game, which he found incredibly fun. Kollar ranked the game near the middle of the Rare Replay collection.[17] Timothy Seppala (Engadget) was grateful to be introduced to Battletoads Arcade on Rare Replay. He considered the game among Rare's "finest moments" and one of two retro titles worth playing.[16] Sam Machkovech (Ars Technica) described the game as one of the rarest in the compilation.[18]

Legacy

[edit]

The franchise went on hiatus following Battletoads Arcade's poor performance.[14] Its next release would be 26 years later, with the 2020 series reboot.[19] In the mid-2000s, Rare began to plan a possible sequel but ultimately decided that there was no original direction for the game apart from its past and did not want to repeat the failed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot.[10] The arcade game's failure also led Rare to set low expectations for future arcade releases.[9] Battletoads Arcade later influenced the cooperative play mode in the 2011 Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One[20] and Kotaku recognized Battletoads Arcade among the 16-bit era beat 'em ups with the best graphics.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Rare (1994). Battletoads Arcade (Arcade). Electronic Arts. Scene: Credits.
  2. ^ "Battletoads (1994) Arcade credits". MobyGames. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Buchanan, Levi (January 13, 2009). "Battletoads retrospective". IGN. p. 3. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The Unconverted: Arcade Games that Never Made It Home – Battletoads". Retro Gamer (86): 82. February 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Battletoads". Killer List of Videogames. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  6. ^ "Battletoads controls". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  7. ^ a b c Baker, Christopher Michael. "Battletoads Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d Baker, Christopher Michael. "Battletoads synopsis". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  9. ^ a b c Milne, Rory (December 2013). "Killer Instinct". Retro Gamer (123): 49, 50.
  10. ^ a b c "A Rare Glimpse". Retro Gamer (84): 34. December 2010.
  11. ^ a b Gach, Ethan (July 6, 2018). "Rare Finished Making a Battletoads for Game Boy That Never Came Out". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  12. ^ IGN Staff (March 1, 2001). "Gamecube developer profile: Rare". IGN. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  13. ^ Sarkar, Samit (November 10, 2014). "Microsoft files for Battletoads trademark". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  14. ^ a b Jakobs, Benjamin (July 9, 2018). "Super Battletoads sollte für den Game Boy erscheinen und war zu 100 Prozent fertig". Eurogamer (in German). Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Carter, Chris (August 3, 2015). "Review: Rare Replay". Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  16. ^ a b Seppala, Timothy (August 7, 2015). "'Rare Replay': gaming classics at their best-worst". Engadget. Archived from the original on August 23, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  17. ^ Kollar, Philip (August 4, 2015). "Rare Replay countdown: 30 Rare classics ranked from worst to best". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 22, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  18. ^ Machkovech, Sam (August 3, 2015). "Rare Replay review: Incomplete, but still plenty of timeless gaming smashes". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  19. ^ O'Connor, James (August 21, 2020). "Battletoads Review Roundup: What Critics Are Saying About the Return of the Toads". GameSpot. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  20. ^ Staff (June 29, 2011). "Interview: Insomniac's Dezern And The Local Co-Op Appeal". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  21. ^ Vas, Gergo (March 12, 2013). "The Best Looking Beat 'em Up Games From The 16-Bit Era". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2015.

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