Ultimate Stuntman

Ultimate Stuntman is a fast-moving NES action game from Codemasters, published by Camerica in 1991. Rather than sticking to a single style of play, it builds its challenge around the idea of a stunt performer taking on a dangerous mission. The result is a varied adventure that shifts between traditional side-scrolling action and vehicle-based set pieces.

On foot, the stuntman runs, jumps, climbs and shoots his way through hazardous environments filled with enemies and obstacles. Other sections put the focus on speed and control, with driving sequences and high-risk stunts demanding quick reactions. The game’s appeal comes from these constant changes of pace: one stage may test careful platforming, while the next asks you to steer through a fast-moving course or survive a more mechanically focused challenge. Timing is important throughout, and mistakes can quickly cost a life.

Ultimate Stuntman has the bold, slightly exaggerated presentation typical of early-1990s console action games. Its colorful graphics and energetic soundtrack support a straightforward premise, while the variety of gameplay keeps the experience from feeling like a conventional run-and-gun platformer. It is not a relaxed game, though; some sections are deliberately demanding, and learning the layout of hazards is often just as important as having quick reflexes.

For NES players, the game is an interesting snapshot of Codemasters’ willingness to combine several genres within one cartridge. Its mix of platforming, shooting, driving and stunt-focused sequences gives it a distinctive character, even when the controls and difficulty require patience. If you want to revisit this unusual 1991 action title, RetroCloud lets you play online on your browser and experience its collection of old-school challenges without needing the original hardware.