Cheetahmen II is a legendary NES game that holds a unique place in the gaming world. This game, however, was never completed and never officially released. Despite its limited production, Cheetahmen II has gained cult status among collectors and enthusiasts.
The story of Cheetahmen II begins in 1996 when a surprising discovery was made. Around 1,500 copies of the game were located in a warehouse, seemingly forgotten. These copies were later put on sale on the secondary market, capturing the attention of avid collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
It is worth noting that all copies of Cheetahmen II were repurposed Action 52 cartridges. These cartridges featured a small gold sticker reading "Cheetahmen II." This unique feature makes the cartridge instantly recognizable and adds to its rarity and allure.
One of the distinguishing features of Cheetahmen II is the gameplay. As in the original Action 52 version, players assume the role of one of the three Cheetahmen characters: Aries, Apollo, and Hercules. After defeating a boss at the end of the second level, players switch to the next Cheetahman for the following two levels. This pattern continues, adding variety and challenge to the game.
However, a bug within the game created a significant challenge for players. It became impossible to access the levels in which one plays as Cheetahman Aries without altering the ROM image or encountering a glitch that rarely started the game on these levels. This frustrating bug added to the mystique surrounding Cheetahmen II, making it even more sought after by collectors.
Despite the game's incomplete state and various challenges, Cheetahmen II has managed to maintain a strong following. This is mainly due to its rarity and the dedicated efforts of collectors to preserve and share the game with the retro gaming community.
With the advent of the internet, numerous ROM images of Cheetahmen II became available online. These digital copies served as a way for fans and enthusiasts to experience the game, even if they didn't own one of the elusive physical cartridges. The availability of ROM images has allowed more people to explore the game's unique gameplay and gain a deeper appreciation for its place in gaming history.
The rarity of the Cheetahmen II cartridge has made it immensely valuable among collectors. Its scarcity and the desire of gamers to own a physical piece of gaming history have driven up prices in the secondary market. As a result, acquiring an original Cheetahmen II cartridge has become a challenging and costly endeavor.
Despite its incomplete and unreleased status, Cheetahmen II holds a special place in the hearts of retro gamers. Its rarity, unique gameplay, and the quest to complete all three Cheetahmen levels contribute to its enduring popularity. Whether playing on a physical cartridge or through digital ROMs, gamers continue to seek out and explore the elusive world of Cheetahmen II, embracing its flaws and celebrating its place in gaming history.
In conclusion, Cheetahmen II remains a fascinating and rare NES game that captures the imagination of collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. With its limited production and unconventional gameplay, it has become a sought-after item for collectors around the world. Whether you stumble upon an original cartridge or experience the game through digital ROMs, discovering Cheetahmen II adds an exciting chapter to the vibrant world of retro gaming.
