Lethal Weapon Overview
Lethal Weapon for the NES is a side scrolling action game where players control two police detectives, Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. The primary combat involves fist fighting, though firearms and environmental weapons like knives, grenades, and crates are also available. A key survival mechanic allows the player to switch between the two characters by moving one off screen, which also lets the inactive partner recover health.
The two protagonists possess distinct capabilities. Riggs is more agile with a higher jump and uses a high kick, while Murtaugh is slower but can punch and lift crates. Managing both characters is necessary because the game becomes challenging in later stages, where enemy attacks rapidly deplete health. Players have only one continue to use after both characters are defeated.
Structurally, the NES release contains three levels, each composed of three stages. A separate GameBoy port omits the initial level, featuring only the latter two.