Violent Storm (ver EAC)

In the aftermath of a devastating war, players take on the roles of Boris, Wade, and Kyle – vigilante heroes striving to protect citizens from violent gangs in Violent Storm. This 1993 Konami title combines beat-'em-up action with side-scrolling 2.5D graphics, supporting up to four simultaneous players as they battle through seven stages to rescue a captured friend and dismantle the corrupt GELD gang. Along the way, characters can pick up dropped weapons from defeated enemies or discover them within destructible crates, supplementing their standard punches and kicks with powerful special attacks that come at the cost of health. Gameplay involves navigating war-torn environments while battling hordes of enemies. Breakable objects often conceal useful items like food to restore health or more potent weaponry. Unique interactive elements add a layer of playful chaos – light bulbs can be smashed to temporarily blind opponents, and even pigs transform into projectile footballs when collected. A memorable encounter awaits in the fourth stage: a boss disguised as a Power Loader from Aliens and Konami’s own title of the same name. Violent Storm's robust gameplay features responsive controls – an 8-way joystick for movement, and two buttons for attack and jump - allowing players to navigate its dangerous world. The game also includes subtle nods to other Konami titles with appearances from familiar characters and a Twinbee doll hidden amongst bonus items.