Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Thunder & Lightning

Review
Also known as
Family Block

Control Mr. Chin's paddle to break blocks and collect power-ups like missiles and multi-balls.

Thunder & Lightning is a 1990 NES game developed by Visco Corporation and published by Romstar in North America; the arcade original was also released in 1990, so the NES version's earliest commercial release year is 1990.


							Thunder & Lightning cover
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About Thunder & Lightning

Thunder & Lightning is a variation on the block-breaking genre, where the player controls a character named Mr. Chin who defends with a stick used as a paddle. The primary objective involves keeping a ball in play to dismantle a wall of blocks.

Gameplay is altered by collecting power-ups released from specific carriers when struck. These items can change the ball's properties, such as enlarging it to smash through obstacles or slowing its speed. Other enhancements affect Mr. Chin directly, granting a longer paddle, the ability to catch and hold the ball, or additional lives. Offensive options include launching one or two missiles.

The challenge is increased by several hostile characters that interfere with play. An octopus can slow the paddle's movement, while a turtle creates new blocks. A bird, when hit, will damage walls erratically. Another character, the Thunder Warrior, generates a ring of destructive lightning that can also temporarily stun Mr. Chin. Managing these threats while collecting power-ups and maintaining multiple balls, which split into three or six, defines the challenging core loop.

Thunder & Lightning Screenshots

10 images
Title screen
Let the game begin
I think one of the tentacled creatures just ate my ball
Missed a ball
The u-boat released a toaster, which will make the bat sticky
The big ball can pass through any brick
Level 1 clear
Trying to hit the submarine
The octopus sticks to your bat, making you move slowly
Triple ball