Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

NARC

Review
Also known as
N.A.R.C.

Battle enemies across eight stages, collecting safe cards to infiltrate the Mr. Big Corporation.

NARC was originally released in arcades in 1988 by Williams Electronics. The NES version was released in North America in 1990 by Acclaim Entertainment, not 1989 as the legacy year suggests.

About NARC

NARC is a two player capable action game set across eight distinct stages. Players assume the role of operatives targeting the criminal Mr. Big Corporation, navigating locations such as a subway, a drug lab, and the corporation's headquarters. Progression through a stage is gated by collecting safe cards, which must be used at an exit slot.

The opposition includes various enemy characters and groups, from street gangs to the final boss, Mr. Big. Enemies can be eliminated with weaponry or arrested. Defeated foes may drop useful items, including the essential safe cards, ammunition, drugs, or currency. The game provides a helicopter and a vehicle for support during missions.

Players are equipped with a shotgun and a missile launcher, but both have limited ammunition that must be managed. Missiles are a particularly finite resource, potentially needed for stronger adversaries later. The game presents a challenging environment where enemies attack on sight. A map in each sector aids navigation, using colored dots to represent the player, missile launcher positions, and exits.

NARC Screenshots

10 images
Title Screen
Target #1
Busted!
3 baddies
Score Tabulation
Hypoman
Car Ride
Are they firing giant hypos at me?
Hypomen
Busted Again