Game Boy · Shoot 'em Up / Simulation
Battle City
Certified classic Co-op
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 (originally 1985) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up, Simulation, Action |
| Developer | Namco |
| Publisher | Nova Co |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 9 |
Developed by Namco and published by Nova Co, Battle City arrived on the Game Boy in 1991 as a shoot 'em up. This Game Boy release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1985. It blends shoot 'em up, simulation and action elements.
It landed about 2 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1991 include Metroid II: Return of Samus, Final Fantasy Adventure and Yoshi. Among the 27 Game Boy shoot 'em ups in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.
Namco also made Dig Dug, Great Greed and Extra Bases for the Game Boy.
Battle City supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you want to experience one of the Game Boy's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
What playing Battle City is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Battle City cheats & codes
8 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:
| Only 1 Enemy | 0101F4C2 |
|---|---|
| Infinite Lives | 010306C3 |
Battle City walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Battle City.
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Playing Game Boy games today
Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.
Battle City FAQ
When did Battle City come out on the Game Boy?
Battle City was released for the Game Boy in 1991; the original game dates back to 1985.
Who made Battle City?
It was developed by Namco and published by Nova Co.
Is Battle City multiplayer?
Yes. Battle City supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Battle City take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Battle City typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Battle City on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.