Elevator Action

Elevator Action brings to the NES a concept that Taito first introduced in arcades back in 1983 – a secret agent must descend through a building full of floors, collect classified documents behind red doors, and reach the underground garage without being taken out along the way by patrolling enemies. The core of the gameplay is the elevators and escalators, which serve as the main tool of both movement and tactics – the player can use them to crush enemies, but at the same time becomes an easy target in them if they don't watch who's approaching from behind.

The game builds on the simplicity and fast pace typical of arcade titles of that era – no long explanations, just immediate action with clearly readable rules. Turning off the lights after picking up a document, jumping between floors, and planning the route down give the game, seemingly straightforward at first glance, surprising tactical depth. On the more limited NES hardware, the port was simplified compared to the arcade version, yet it retained the basic backbone that keeps the title recognizable today. The short but intense levels motivate the player to try again and again, looking for a faster and safer route through the building.

Elevator Action is among the titles that show how early console ports handled adapting an arcade classic for home play, and even today it works as quick, easy-to-grasp entertainment for a few minutes. The portability of a simple concept to more modest hardware also demonstrates that a good game idea doesn't need elaborate technical resources to work.

Why play it: for stripped-down but effective arcade action built on a simple, clever idea involving elevators.