Battletoads is like fisting yourself in the face, not sexually but Brutally and with gusto! This game has such a difficulty spike that it's almost unplayable.
It is in the game play itself that we begin our meticulous repetitive calculations to improve and conquer each level to completion. The nes controllers were not made for games like these as holding the controls can make hands cramp and groan for relief from this timing and gyration of key inputs.
The game is very deceptive as it is highly visually appealing making you believe that this game is going to be a simple beat em up like Bad Dudes or maybe more like double dragon. The art is well done and sprites are very palatable on screen making it seem like a kid friendly romp through the mushroom kingdom.
Then you get your first flying pig demon to ride and you're feeling very unstoppable one jump down and the training wheels start to fall off fairly quick. The robot battle at the end of the first stage is very iconic but belies the true level of horror as you actually descend into the next level like a true trek into the madness of hell itself.
After the tunnel down you are going to need to turn off your console and go straight to bed. No arguing on this trust me, you NEED sleep before taking on the level after the vertical shaft. This next part was very challenging. Memorizing the course isn't enough, you must be extraordinary and precise. Do not go all in on the up down buttons just ease them enough to slide past and remember those jumps!
Would rate this game higher but this was a nightmare that I would never ever play again not ever. Well maybe with a friend. Ha! This ruined like four weekends of my childhood and one drunk weekend I will never get back.