P.O.W.: Prisoners of War

P.O.W.: Prisoners of War

Overview & History

Released by SNK in 1988, P.O.W.: Prisoners of War is a gritty, military-themed beat-'em-up that predates their famous Neo-Geo era. Dropping players into the boots of rough-and-tumble commandos, the game tasks you with escaping a brutal prisoner-of-war camp and fighting your way through heavily fortified enemy territory to assassinate the corrupt general orchestrating the conflict. Unlike the fantasy or urban street brawls typical of the genre at the time, SNK delivered a grimy, cinematic Vietnam-esque atmosphere complete with barbed wire, damp underground tunnels, and jungle outposts. Operating on SNK's robust arcade hardware, the game stands out for its high-stakes military setting and aggressive pacing, requiring players to survive relentless waves of armed guards, attack dogs, and heavily armored bosses across four grueling stages.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

P.O.W. distinguishes itself from contemporary brawlers through its heavy emphasis on weapon acquisition and environmental interaction. Players can punch and kick, but survival relies heavily on disarming enemies to seize combat knives, assault rifles, or heavy iron pipes. Uniquely, if you pick up a gun, you can blast enemies across the screen until your ammunition depletes, after which you hurl the empty weapon away. The combat system features a visceral punching combo, a devastating spinning back kick, and a crouching attack useful for sweeping foes or dodging bullets. You can also destroy certain background objects like oil drums to uncover hidden items or trigger explosive chain reactions that clear the screen of hostile forces. Each stage culminates in a tense boss encounter, demanding careful spacing and mastery of your character's repertoire of strikes to conquer the hostile military brass.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause