Play Guerrilla War Online

Guerrilla War came out on the NES in 1988, developed by SNK. It was a time when top-down shooters were common, and this one stood out for its two-player co-op and its setting, which was loosely based on revolutionary conflicts. In the Japanese version, you actually played as Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, though those names were changed for the international release.

You control a guerrilla fighter armed with a machine gun and unlimited grenades, moving upward through jungle and military base stages. Your goal is to overthrow a dictator by destroying everything in your path, from foot soldiers and tanks to helicopters and screen-filling bosses. Key mechanics include rescuing prisoners for extra points and lives, and the ability to pivot and fire in eight directions, which gives you more control than many similar games of the era. The pacing is fast and relentless, with enemies swarming from all sides, and the difficulty can feel punishing if you don't manage your resources carefully. It feels chaotic and empowering to mow down rows of soldiers while dodging return fire.