A SNES game that uses the Nintendo Super Scope is a rare and welcome thing, so Nintendo‘s 1992 Battle Clash is already onto a winner before the cartridge is even inserted… The weird thing is: this Japanese-made Super Scope game wasn’t even released in Japan (that I can see). Something about the Super Scope not being “as popular” in Japan as it was in the West.

Developed by Intelligent Systems, Battle Clash has one or two-player lightgun-based gameplay, although you take it in turns to use the Super Scope (unfortunately two simultaneous Super Scopes are not a thing). There are battle games or time trials, the first of which is a straightforward points-hauler; the second is scoring points against the clock.

Battle Clash has a Mecha-based scenario and aesthetic – you’re blasting at Mecha suits, and not directly at people. And, since Nintendo directed the style of this game, there is not a trace of blood or gore anywhere. It’s all about shooting robots.

A gameplay mechanic used in Battle Clash, that is rarely used in lightgun games, is: holding down the fire button to charge shots. When the power meter ‘dings’ you can then fire the charged-up shot. This is a key part of the game in Battle Clash because you have to use these charged-up shots on specific areas of an enemy, to damage them a certain way. Or speed up their destruction.

In an emulator you can replace the Super Scope with mouse controls and still have a decent game. Lightgun games are good with mouse controls.

Battle Clash is repetitive, but fun to play for a short while. The opponents you face get gradually more difficult, as you travel around the world for your bouts. It has to be said, though, that the dialogue in the game is shit, even by cartoon standards.

A sequel to Battle Clash, called Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge, was developed by the same team at Intelligent Systems, and published by Nintendo in North America in December 1993 and in Europe in May 1994.

More: Battle Clash on Wikipedia