data/claims/ikari-warriors-history.yamlIkari Warriors (history and reception)
Game: Ikari Warriors.
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games dates SNK's arcade 怒 (Ikari Warriors) in Japan to February 1986. ikari-warriors-history/arcade-japan
国内編 (Japan), SNK (OCR text line 1696) — the row sits after "85/11 ASO (Alpha Mission ) (via Namco )" in SNK's section; the OCR garbles the reading in brackets, いかり (Ikari)86/02 怒(し、かり ) (Ikari Warriors )Our translation86/02 (February 1986) 怒 (Ikari) (Ikari Warriors)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text only: the printed page and the page image haven't been checked. The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Akagi Masumi's list of overseas releases has the arcade Ikari Warriors in June 1986, through Trade West. ikari-warriors-history/arcade-us
海外編 (overseas), SNK (OCR text line 35030) — between "86/05 Alpha Mission (via Trade West)" and "87/02 Victory Roads (via Trade West)", above the heading SNK OF AMERICA86/06 Ikari Warriors (via Trade West)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 海外編 (overseas), TRADE WEST (OCR text line 36324)86/06 Ikari Warriors [SNK]アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas index (OCR text line 43275)Ikari Warriors SNK/Trade West 86/06Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Akagi's overseas section names no country, so the claim says overseas, not the United States.Read in the OCR text only, which has no page marks; the page images haven't been checked. None of the quoted lines names a country.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
The Famicom cartridge, KAC-IK, went on sale on 26 November 1986 at ¥5,500, by its advertisement in Marukatsu Famicom. The ad gives it a 1-megabit ROM, two players at once, and joining mid-game. ikari-warriors-history/release-famicom
p. 4 (image 4), advertisement — the scout read the date on the page image; the OCR holds only "準 価格 5,500 円"11月26日発売 標準価格5,500円Our translationon sale 26 November, standard price ¥5,500Marukatsu Famicom, 28 November 1986 · p. 4 (image 4), advertisementKAC-IK 怒 「IKARI」1M ROM 採 用Our translationKAC-IK, 怒 "IKARI", uses a 1M ROMMarukatsu Famicom, 28 November 1986 · p. 4 (image 4), advertisement — the OCR reads "の 人 同時 プレ イ 、 作 中 参加 、"; the scout read the line on the page image2人同時プレイ、途中参加、Our translationtwo players at once, joining mid-game,Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The advertisement is the publisher's; no other source read gives the day.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
K Amusement Leasing published the Famicom version: its advertisement names the company as seller, and the manual's back cover carries its name and addresses. Both carry 1986 copyright lines for K Amusement Leasing and SNK Electronics. ikari-warriors-history/famicom-maker
p. 4 (image 4), advertisement — the OCR doesn't hold it; read by the scout and the lead on the page image発売元:ケイアミューズメントリース株式会社Our translationsold by: K Amusement Leasing Co., Ltd.Marukatsu Famicom, 28 November 1986 · p. 4 (image 4), advertisement — the OCR reads CORF. for CORP.; the ad spells LISING1986 K.AMUSEMENT LISING CO. 1986 SNK ELECTRONICS CORF.Ikari (Famicom) instruction manual, K Amusement Leasing · back cover (image 16) — the lead read "© 1986 K.AMUSEMENT LISING CO. / © 1986 SNK ELECTRONICS CORP." on the page image1986 KAMUSEMENT LISING CO. 6) 1986 SNK ELECTRONICS CORPIkari (Famicom) instruction manual, K Amusement Leasing · back cover (image 16) — under the KAC logo and above the head office, Famicom division, and Osaka branch addresses; read by the lead on the page imageケイアミューズメントリース株式会社Our translationK Amusement Leasing Co., Ltd.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The publisher now also rests on the manual's back cover, which names K Amusement Leasing.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Ikari Warriors came out for the NES in North America in May 1987, with SNK as licensee. ikari-warriors-history/release-nes
PDF p. 6 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayIkari Warriors SNK May 1987Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
The NES manual, NES-IW-USA, is SNK Corporation of America's, of Sunnyvale, California, with a 1987 copyright line. ikari-warriors-history/nes-maker
front cover (image 1)NES-IW-USAIkari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · back cover (image 16)SNK CORPORATION OF AMERICA 246 SOBRANTE WAY, SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA 94086 © 1987 SNK CORP. OF AMERICAChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Chris Scullion's NES encyclopedia credits the NES version's development to Micronics, for publisher SNK, in 1987. ikari-warriors-history/nes-developer
entry "Ikari Warriors"Year 1987 Publisher SNK Developer MicronicsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Scullion is the only source read that names a developer; no credits from the NES cartridge or manual have been read.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
In the Famicom manual, Ralf and Clark invade a certain country on secret orders and meet a fierce enemy attack there. ikari-warriors-history/famicom-story
printed p. 9 (image 12), 5. ゲームストーリー — the OCR garbles the names ("ラル ノ と クラ ー グ"); the scout read the sentence on the page image密命をうけて某国に侵入したラルフとクラークは、そこで敵の猛攻にあう。Our translationRalf and Clark, who invaded a certain country on secret orders, meet a fierce enemy attack there.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Marukatsu Famicom wrote in November 1986 that the Famicom version is far harder than the arcade game, and called its continue mode Ralf and Clark's biggest weapon. ikari-warriors-history/famicom-harder
p. 107 (image 107), 怒 map feature — the OCR reads "ファ ミコ ン 肛 の 『 怒 - | KAR |-」 は アー ケー ドド 典 より ずっ と むずかしい 。"; the scout read the line on the page imageファミコン版の『怒-IKARI-』はアーケード版よりずっ〜とむずかしい。Our translationThe Famicom version of 怒-IKARI- is far harder than the arcade version.Marukatsu Famicom, 28 November 1986 · p. 107 (image 107), 怒 map feature — the OCR holds only "ご の コン ティ ニュ ー モ ー ド だ ぜ !!"; the scout read the line on the page imageラルフとクラーク、最大の武器はこのコンティニューモードだぜ!!Our translationRalf and Clark: your biggest weapon is this continue mode!!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Family Computer Magazine printed a stage select for the Famicom game in January 1987, and a continue code, A, B, B, A. ikari-warriors-history/famicom-tricks
p. 142 (image 142), 怒 — the scout read p. 142 on the page image, where the command is entered on controller I at the title screen; the OCR doesn't hold the page面セレクトだ!やったね!!Our translationIt's a stage select! Great!!Family Computer Magazine, no. 26 (2 January 1987) · p. 142 (image 142), 怒 — the scout read it on the page image, with the instruction to press it before the game-over displayコンティニューはⒶⒷⒷⒶOur translationthe continue is A, B, B, AChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The scout's reading of the page has the stage-select command entered on controller I at the title screen, and the continue code pressed before the game-over display; those lines aren't quoted here.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
In the NES manual the heroes are Paul and Vince, warriors with secret orders to invade an enemy nation, fighting as a team against a relentless onslaught. ikari-warriors-history/nes-story
printed p. 4, The StoryPaul and Vince are warriors with secret orders to invade an enemy nation. Working together as a team, they must fight for survival against a relentless onslaught of enemies!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Nintendo's 1987 player's guide gives the NES game a different mission from the manual's: Paul, the troop's leader, and four warriors fly to the base of a secret agency planning to take over the world; their plane crashes and only Paul and Vince survive. The guide notes that two people can play at once. ikari-warriors-history/nes-guide
In-Depth Review, Ikari Warriors (contents p. 116)This battle game can be played by 2 people simultaneously.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · In-Depth Review, Ikari Warriors (contents p. 116)Your mission is to destroy the base of a secret agency which plans to take over the world. Paul, the leader of the troop, and four warriors are flying to the secret base when their plane crashes. Only Paul and Vince survive.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 4, The Story — the manual's account, for the comparisonPaul and Vince are warriors with secret orders to invade an enemy nation.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The pinned text has no page marks; the locator is the guide's contents line "IKARI WARRIORS 116".
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
On the NES, B fires the machine guns and A throws grenades, in the direction the control pad gives; in a tank, B fires the gun turret, aimed with the control pad and A. Select chooses one or two players. ikari-warriors-history/nes-controls
printed p. 5, The ControllerB Button Use for firing machine guns. A Button Use for throwing grenades.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5, The ControllerUse this control to maneuver warriors, and for direction of firing machine guns and throwing grenades.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 5, The ControllerSelector button Use this button to make your selection of 1 player or 2 players.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 7, Gun TurretFire the gun turret by pressing B Button. Use Control Button and A Button for direction of firing.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Added the manual's gun-turret controls for a warrior in a tank.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
The NES manual's tanks shield the warrior from hits. Grenades, missiles, bazookas, landmines, and bomber soldiers destroy them, as does running out of energy, which a gas can restores; they can't enter the river or sea. ikari-warriors-history/nes-tanks
printed p. 6, How to Control TanksUse the tanks to fight whenever possible. They will protect you from being hit.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 6, How to Control TanksThe tanks can and will be destroyed by grenades, missiles, bazookas, landmines, and bomber soldiers; or when your energy is used up as shown on the screen.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 6, How to Control TanksThe tanks cannot go into the river or sea.Ikari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 7To keep from exploding, pick up a gas can before reaching zero.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
The NES manual's power-up items lengthen the firing range, speed up firing, power up grenades, or destroy every enemy on screen. Enemy soldiers score 100 to 200 points, a fortress or a helicopter 600, and an enemy tank 800. ikari-warriors-history/nes-items
printed p. 11, Power-Up Items and SuppliesLonger firing range Speed-up firing Power-up of grenades All enemies on screen are destroyedIkari Warriors (NES) instruction manual · printed p. 12, Scoring PointsEnemy Soldiers: 100-200 points Fortress: 600 points Helicopter: 600 points Enemy Tank: 800 pointsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Computer Entertainer's June 1987 review of the NES version gave it four stars for graphics and four for game play, out of four, and recommended it at a suggested $39.95: "SNK has done a fine job converting this for Nintendo owners", "fast arcade action at its best". ikari-warriors-history/ce-nes-review
Value
{
"review": "Computer Entertainer",
"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 4,
"game play": 4
}
}p. 13 (image 13) — the scout read ★★★★/★★★★ on the page imageIKARI WARRIORS (Ax&&A/ KAKA) has been a title anxiously awaited forby gamers familiar with the arcade hit.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 13 (image 13)SNK has done a fine job converting this for Nintendo owners.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 13 (image 13)This is fast arcade action at its best. (one or two players) Recommended (MSR $39.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 2, The Rating System1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment valueComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 2, The Rating System4 STARS = EXCELLENTChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review carries no byline. The pinned PDF has no text layer of its own; the quotes match our OCR of it, and the scout read the review on the page image.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Computer Entertainer's videogame chart, which the newsletter says comes from telephone polls of a selected group of retailers and distributors, placed the NES Ikari Warriors second in August 1987, behind The Legend of Zelda. It was still there in May 1988, tenth in the Top Fifteen, the latest placing found. ikari-warriors-history/ce-charts
p. 1, Top Ten Videogames — the OCR drops the rank numbers of the first rows; Ikari Warriors is the second row, and the scout read 2 on the page imageTOP TEN VIDEOGAMES . Legend of Zelda (Nin/NES) Ikari Warriors (SNK/NES)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 1, Top Ten VideogamesTop Sellers are the result of telephone polls with a selected group of retailers and distributors throughout the countryComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 2 (May 1988) · p. 1, Top Fifteen VideogamesTOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMESComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 2 (May 1988) · p. 1, Top Fifteen Videogames — the tenth row under the heading; the OCR drops the number, and the scout read 10 on the page image. Ikari Warriors (SNK/NES)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The scout's reading of the charts between: third in November 1987, fifth in December, seventh in January 1988, eighth in February and March, and ninth in April; not on the October 1987 chart. The June 1988 chart (vol. 7, no. 3) lists Ikari Warriors II. Computer Entertainer gives ranks, not sales figures.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Writing in 2019, Chris Scullion says the NES version was heavily criticised for its sedate pace, its hero moving agonisingly slowly through each stage. ikari-warriors-history/scullion-nes-view
entry "Guerrilla War"THE NES VERSION of SNK's Ikari Warriors was heavily criticised for its fairly sedate pace: its hero character moves agonisingly slowly through each stage.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Scullion doesn't say who criticised it.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Scullion describes the NES game as a vertically scrolling run-and-gun shooter for one player or two, in which Paul and Vince invade an unnamed enemy nation to reach the village of Ikari, and in which the player can jump into a tank for firepower and protection. ikari-warriors-history/scullion-nes-story
entry "Ikari Warriors"PAUL AND VINCE are a pair of commandos who have been given secret orders to invade an unnamed enemy nation and reach the village of IkariThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Ikari Warriors"The game's a vertically-scrolling run- and-gun shooterThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Ikari Warriors"which players can either take on alone or with a friend. From time to time you can jump into a tank for increased firepower and protection.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
SNK made an MSX2 version, for MSX2 machines with 128K of video RAM and 64K of RAM, at ¥6,800; its manual calls it an original work developed by SNK. ikari-warriors-history/msx2-version
image 2 — the OCR of this manual is garbled throughout; the scout read the line on the page imageこの製品は、SNKが開発したオリジナル作品です。Our translationThis product is an original work developed by SNK.Ikari (MSX2) user's manual, SNK (SFX-IK) · back cover (image 23)MSX2 (VRAM128K/RAM64K)Ikari (MSX2) user's manual, SNK (SFX-IK) · back cover (image 23)¥6,800Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The Internet Archive item is titled "Ikari User's Manual (JP)"; its catalog number, SFX-IK, and its text are the MSX2 cartridge's. The manual gives no release date.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Elite Systems, of Lichfield in England, published home-computer versions. Its instruction sheet has loading instructions for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad and Schneider, Commodore 64 and 128, Commodore 16, Atari ST, and IBM PC. The sheet's English text carries 1986 copyright lines for Elite and SNK; its back page reads "© ELITE 1988, SNK CORPORATION". ikari-warriors-history/elite-versions
image 3, English text© Copyright Elite Systems Ltd. 1986 © SNK Corporation 1986Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 3, English text, guaranteeElite Systems Ltd. Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 6RX, EnglandIkari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 2, Loading InstructionsSpectrum 48K (cassette)Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 2, Loading InstructionsAmstrad/Schneider (cassette)Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 2, Loading InstructionsCommodore C64/128 (cassette)Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 2, Loading InstructionsCommodore C16 - Load "elite" Atari ST - Reset computer and insert disc.Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 2, Loading InstructionsIBM PC + Compatibles - Two (2)Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 7, back page — read by the scout and the lead on the page image, under Elite's Lichfield address© ELITE 1988, SNK CORPORATIONRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the booklet's 1988 back-page copyright line beside its 1986 lines.Read in the sheet's OCR text, except the back page. The sheet doesn't say why its dates differ. Loading instructions show the formats the sheet covers, not that each version shipped.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Elite's sheet has its own story: General Alexander Bonn, commanding US forces in Central America, is held captive by revolutionaries in his own headquarters after sending a mayday. One or two players can play, and most versions offer firing in the direction of movement or in a fixed direction. ikari-warriors-history/elite-premise
image 2, English textGeneral Alexander Bonn, C.I.F. US forces in Central America, has been seized by a band of revolutionaries and held captive in his own headquarters. Before his final capture he relayed a mayday which you and your buddy picked up.Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 3, Playing InstructionsYou may choose either one or two players.Ikari Warriors (Elite Systems) instruction sheet, Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore · image 3, Playing InstructionsThere are two modes on all versions (except C16 and IBM PC + compatibles). A) You fire in the direction you are moving B) You fire in a fixed direction.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Elite's conversion was late. Crash's October 1987 cover-tape demo announced the ZX Spectrum game for Christmas at £7.95. In March 1988 Your Sinclair still had no release date and reported that the Spectrum version had been ready for months while Elite waited to release it with the Commodore 64 version; Crash that month expected it within weeks. ikari-warriors-history/elite-delay
p. 44, The Crash Sampler — the OCR reads "Efite. Christmas €7.95"; the scout read the lines on the page imageIKARI WARRIORS Elite, Christmas £7.95Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 44, The Crash Sampler — the OCR reads "Jungle life in Elrte's lonQ aweiteci arcade CCinivtfsiQn"; the scout read the line on the page imageJungle life in Elite's long awaited arcade conversion.Your Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 7, T'zersthere's still no release date for the much-delayed Ikari Warriors from Elite. Turns out that the Speccy version's been ready for months, but Elite wants to wait until the C64 (ptui) version is finished and then release them all together.Crash, issue 50 (March 1988) · p. 111, news — the OCR holds only "reach the Spectrum in the next few weeks"; the scout read the sentence on the page imageElite's Ikari Warriors will finally reach the Spectrum in the next few weeks.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Zzap!64 gave Elite's Commodore 64 version, at £9.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk, 89% overall in March 1988, with 92% for hookability: "a tremendously enjoyable shoot 'em up which comes into its own in the two-player mode". ikari-warriors-history/zzap-c64
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 80,
"graphics": 76,
"sound": 74,
"hookability": 92,
"lastability": 87,
"overall": 89
}
}p. 12 (image 12) — the OCR reads "eite,E9.95cas5,£t ..joystick only"; the scout read the line on the page imageElite, £9.95 cass, £14.95 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratingsOVERALL 89%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratings — the OCR reads "HOOKABIUTY92%"HOOKABILITY 92%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratingsGRAPHICS 76%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratingsSOUND 74%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratingsLASTABILITY 87%Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratings — the OCR garbles the line ("AtreiTi^ndguftly Hrijciy.jLjJcStlogr"); the scout read it on the page imageA tremendously enjoyable shoot 'em up which comes into its own in the two-player mode.Zzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13), ratings — read by the lead on the page imagePRESENTATION 80%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Added presentation 80% to the scores, read on the page image.Zzap!64 prints a reviewer's portrait, not a name, beside each comment, so the review has no byline.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Of Zzap!64's reviewers, one never liked the arcade game but found it converted to the Commodore extremely well; another said it hardly pushes back the frontiers but is "a very good game and one hell of a blast". ikari-warriors-history/zzap-c64-verdict
p. 12 (image 12) — the OCR reads "1 never liked this in tt>e arcades, but it has twen translated lo th« Commodore-"; the scout read the line on the page imageI never liked this in the arcades, but it has been translated to the Commodore extremely wellZzap!64, issue 35 (March 1988) · p. 13 (image 13) — the OCR garbles it ("cari hardly be said to pushing bnch thfl frontiflrs"); the scout read it on the page imageIkari Warriors can hardly be said to pushing back the frontiers - but it's a very good game and one hell of a blast.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Crash gave Elite's ZX Spectrum version, by David Shea, at £8.99 on cassette and £12.99 on disk, 76% overall in April 1988. Its rating line said that had the game come out when first advertised it would have been an amazing success, "however much more is needed nowadays". One reviewer called it "a great game in the classic Commando mould"; another said it might be worth buying out of curiosity but wouldn't recommend it. ikari-warriors-history/crash-spectrum
Value: review Crash · of 100 · score 76
MagazineCrash, issue 51 (April 1988) ·p. 104 (image 104) — the OCR reads "Retail prjct" and "Aultvor"Producer: Elite Retail price: £8.99 cassette, £12.99 disk Author: David SheaCrash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 104 (image 104), ratings — the OCR holds the heading OVERALL without the figure; the scout read 76% on the page imageOVERALL 76%Crash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 104 (image 104), general rating — the OCR garbles the start ("Oananl rating: if /ken Wwrforshadoomeout wtian It"); the scout read the line on the page imageif Ikari Warriors had come out when it was first advertised it would have been an amazing success - however much more is needed nowadaysCrash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 104 (image 104) — the OCR reads "OveraH, a greaA gan>« In (he cLassic Commando moukf"; the scout read the line on the page imageOverall, a great game in the classic Commando mould.Crash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 104 (image 104) — the OCR reads "It may bt WWth buying Ifvisiust In curtostty but I car^'t really recommend h."; the scout read the line on the page imageIt may be worth buying this just in curiosity but I can't really recommend it.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash signs comments with first names; the scout read Mike for the first comment and Nick for the second. "Author" is Crash's credit line for the programmer.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Your Sinclair's Jonathan Davies gave the ZX Spectrum version 8 in May 1988: "Pure, unadulterated destruction, all wrapped up in one hell of a good game." He wrote that it had appeared after months of waiting for the other versions to be finished. ikari-warriors-history/ys-spectrum
Value: review Your Sinclair · of 10 · score 8
MagazineYour Sinclair, issue 29 (May 1988) ·p. 48 (image 48), YS ClapometerTOTAL 8Your Sinclair, issue 29 (May 1988) · p. 48 (image 48), YS ClapometerPure, unadulterated destruction, all wrapped up In one hell of a good game. Just watch those pixels fly!Your Sinclair, issue 29 (May 1988) · p. 48 (image 48) — the OCR reads "ail" for "all"which has finally appeared after months of anguished waiting for ail the other versions to be finished.Your Sinclair, issue 29 (May 1988) · p. 48 (image 48) — the byline under the heading IKARI WARRIORS reads Jonathan only (read by the lead on the page image); the surname is Your Sinclair's own, in its February 1989 compilation reviewJonathanYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 68 (image 68), Ikari Warriorswas reviewed in our May ish by Jonathan DaviesRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The May byline reads Jonathan only; the surname now rests on Your Sinclair's February 1989 review.Your Sinclair scores out of 10. Its total sits under bars for graphics, playability, value for money, and addictiveness.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Elite later put the ZX Spectrum game on its compilation Fists 'n' Throttles. Reviewing the compilation in February 1989, Your Sinclair's Marcus wasn't sure Ikari Warriors was as good as Jonathan Davies's raves had it, but found that it works well as part of a compilation, and wrote "Oi'll give it seven." ikari-warriors-history/fists-n-throttles
p. 68 (image 68)another one, this time from Elite, and based around the not- terribly-strong theme of fists and throttlesYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 68 (image 68) — the byline, Marcus, opens the reviewMarcus Gor lumme, you can't move for these compilationsYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 68 (image 68), Ikari Warriorswas reviewed in our May ish by Jonathan Davies, terror of the west country, and he raved and raved.Your Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 68 (image 68), Ikari Warriorsbut I'm not sure it's quite that goodYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · p. 68 (image 68), Ikari Warriorsas part of a compilation Ikari Warriors works well. Oi'll give it seven.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The review gives no scale for its seven, so the claim quotes it instead of scoring it.The review doesn't say what scale the seven is on. The scout read a Clapometer total of 8 for the compilation as a whole on the page image.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Crash reported in January 1989 that buyers of the Fists 'n' Throttles compilation in Germany wouldn't get Ikari Warriors, which it said the West German government had banned, though the package held German instructions for it. ikari-warriors-history/crash-germany
p. 93 (image 94), Collectable Consumables, Fists 'N' Throttles — the OCR garbles it ("haven't got any of the gamm included then Fists 'N' TTrofWss repreMnts good vaJue for money"); the scout read the review on the page imageIf you haven't got any of the games included then Fists 'N' Throttles represents good value for money.Crash, issue 60 (January 1989) · p. 93 (image 94), Collectable Consumables, Fists 'N' Throttles — the OCR garbles it ("In Gerrnany, you woo'1 get ik&ri Warnofs. as it was banned by ihe West Qmmn govemrnent"); the scout read the sentence on the page imageif you live in Germany, you won't get Ikari Warriors, as it was banned by the West German government (yet German instructions for the game are included in the package!)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash is the only source read on the ban; no German source has been read.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Data East USA's manual covers its Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC versions. It says the Apple II and Commodore 64 games are for one player only, that the Commodore 64 game plays like the Apple II game without the "breakouts" at the end of each level, and that the IBM game comes on a program disk and an EGA disk. ikari-warriors-history/data-east-versions
image 5, Limited WarrantyData East USA warrants to the original purchaser only that the disketteIkari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 3, Commodore instructionsNOTE: This game plays the same as the Apple II version with the exception of "breakouts" at the end of each level which have been left out.Ikari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 3, Commodore instructionsPlease note that this C-64 version is a one-player game only.Ikari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 4, Apple instructionsAPPLE * INSTRUCTIONSIkari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 4, Apple instructionsThis version is for one player only.Ikari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 4, IBM instructionsIBM* INSTRUCTIONSIkari Warriors (Data East USA) instruction manual, Apple II, Commodore 64 and IBM PC · image 4, IBM instructions — the scout read "Two (2) 5¼ floppy disks are included: PROGRAM disk and EGA disk." on the page imagePROGRAM disk and EGA diskChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The Internet Archive item is titled as an Elite C64 manual; the booklet is Data East USA's. Its own account: "you and your partner battle through the jungles, rivers, ruins, and opposing entrenchments".
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Computer Entertainer's February 1988 review of Data East's Apple II version gave it three stars for graphics and two and a half for game play, at a suggested $34.95. It found the Apple game one-player only although the package promised two, and found the one-player game good. ikari-warriors-history/ce-apple-review
Value
{
"review": "Computer Entertainer",
"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 3,
"game play": 2.5
}
}p. 3, Apple II Software — the scout read ★★★/★★½ on the page imageIKARI WARRIORS (%*x/xx1/2) has been a popular arcade game and now finds its way to the Apple Il from Data East.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 11 (February 1988) · p. 3, Apple II Softwarethis version is definitely one-player only, we went back to the packaging which elearly states it is an interactive 2-player game.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 11 (February 1988) · p. 3, Apple II SoftwareThe gameplay in the one-player mode is quite good, so don't get us wrong-just make the packaging accurate!Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 11 (February 1988) · p. 3, Apple II Software — the scout read the price on the page image, after "(one player ONLY)"(MSR $34.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 11 (February 1988) · p. 2, The Rating Systemlst set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment valueChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No byline. The review adds that the other versions the newsletter had seen, Nintendo and IBM, have the two-player mode.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Computer Entertainer's September 1988 review of Data East's IBM PC version gave it three stars for graphics and three for game play, and recommended it at a suggested $39.95. ikari-warriors-history/ce-ibm-review
Value
{
"review": "Computer Entertainer",
"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 3,
"game play": 3
}
}p. 8 (image 8) — the pinned PDF has no text layer; read by the scout and the lead on the page image, under the heading MS-DOS COMPATIBLEIKARI WARRIORS (★★★/★★★)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 6 (September 1988) · p. 8 (image 8) — read by the scout on the page imageRecommended. (MSR $39.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 11 (February 1988) · p. 2, The Rating Systemlst set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment valueComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 6 (September 1988) · p. 8 (image 8), section heading — read by the lead on the page imageMS-DOS COMPATIBLEComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 6 (September 1988) · p. 8 (image 8) — read by the lead on the page image; the review ends "IBM/ compatibles version reviewed."the home version for IBM, Tandy and compatibles is from Data EastRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the MS-DOS COMPATIBLE heading and the review's Data East line from the page image.No byline.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
The Atari 7800 version's manual carries copyright lines for SNK (1987) and Atari Corporation (1990). In it the player starts with 50 grenades, 99 rounds, and three lives, and wins by rescuing a captive colonel, worth a million points. ikari-warriors-history/atari-7800
image 5 — the OCR reads "Copyrant» 1990 Atari Corporation"; the scout read "Ikari Warriors is a trademark of SNK Corporation. Copyright 1987, SNK Corporation. Copyright 1990 Atari Corporation" on the page image1990 Atari CorporationIkari Warriors (Atari 7800) instruction manual · image 5 — the OCR reads "'Copwrgnt = 1987, Sux Corporation"; the scout read the line on the page imageCopyright 1987, SNK CorporationIkari Warriors (Atari 7800) instruction manual · image 3You begin the game with 50 grenades, 99 rounds of ammunition and 3 lives.Ikari Warriors (Atari 7800) instruction manual · image 3To win the game, you must rescue the colonel being held captive by the enemy. You receive one million points for rescuing him.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No release date for the 7800 version has been read; the manual's 1990 line is its only date.
Cited by: Ikari Warriors
Nintendo's list has SNK's NES sequels Ikari Warriors II: Victory Road in April 1988 and Ikari Warriors III: The Rescue in February 1991. ikari-warriors-history/sequels-nes
PDF p. 6Ikari Warriors II: Victory Road SNK April 1988NES Games (Nintendo of America release list) · PDF p. 6Ikari Warriors III: The Rescue SNK February 1991Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Ikari Warriors