Cliffhanger NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer

Cliffhanger

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1993
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperMalibu Games
PublisherSony Electronic Publishing
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 4

Developed by Malibu Games and published by Sony Electronic Publishing, Cliffhanger arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993 as an action game. It blends action and platformer elements.

It landed about 8 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1993 include Kirby's Adventure, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 and DuckTales 2.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Cliffhanger is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Cliffhanger gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Cliffhanger cheats & codes

46 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Start With 2 LivesPASGVGLA
Start With 6 LivesIASGVGLA
Start With 8 LivesYASGVGLA
Start With 10 LivesPASGVGLE
Infinite LivesSXEKKSVK
Protection From Most HitsSZVPOKVK

See all Cliffhanger cheats

Cliffhanger walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Cliffhanger.

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Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Cliffhanger FAQ

When did Cliffhanger come out on the NES?

Cliffhanger was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993.

Who made Cliffhanger?

It was developed by Malibu Games and published by Sony Electronic Publishing.

Is Cliffhanger multiplayer?

No. Cliffhanger is a single-player game.

How long does Cliffhanger take to play?

As an action game, Cliffhanger typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Cliffhanger 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you