Smash T.V.

Smash T.V.

Overview & History

Released by Acclaim Entertainment in 1991, the NES port of *Smash T.V.* brings Williams Electronics’ quarter-munching, ultraviolent arcade classic to living rooms. Set in the dystopian future year of 1999, the game drops contestants Jake and Brett into a blood-soaked, futuristic television game show where the ultimate grand prize is "life itself." Hosted by a maniacal MC barking catchphrases like "Big money, big prizes, I love it!", players must blast their way through endless waves of armed goons, mutant dogs, and hulking bosses while studio audiences cheer for carnage. Translating the dual-lever arcade action to an 8-bit console was a massive technical hurdle, solved inventively by allowing players to map movement to the D-pad while using the NES controller's A and B buttons to independently aim and fire weapons across fixed, single-screen arena rooms.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core gameplay loops around frantic, top-down twin-stick style shooting across multiple themed soundstages. Players enter interconnected studio rooms, triggering hordes of grunts, tanks, and slicing droids pouring from wall hatches. Survival depends on collecting powerful weapon upgrades—such as spread shots, lasers, bombs, and turbo-fire—alongside high-value cash prizes, toaster appliances, and VCRs to boost your score. Strategic movement is vital, as cornering means instant death, though grabbing keys unlocks bonus rooms filled with extra loot. Cooperating with a second player adds chaotic synergy, turning the slaughterhouse into a frantic race for survival and riches.

Keyboard Controls

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