Crackout NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Puzzle

Crackout

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1991 (originally 1986)
GenreAction, Puzzle
DeveloperKonami
PublisherPalcom
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Crackout is an action game released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Konami and published by Palcom. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends action and puzzle elements.

It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi.

Konami also made Metal Gear, Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for the NES.

Crackout is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

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 Crackout 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.

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

Crackout cheats & codes

2 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Infinite LivesSZNUXAVG

See all Crackout cheats

Crackout walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Crackout FAQ

When did Crackout come out on the NES?

Crackout was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991; the original game dates back to 1986.

Who made Crackout?

It was developed by Konami and published by Palcom.

Is Crackout multiplayer?

No. Crackout is a single-player game.

How long does Crackout take to play?

As an action game, Crackout 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 Crackout 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.

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