Shatterhand NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer

Shatterhand

Certified classic

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1991
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperNatsume
PublisherJaleco
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 11

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, Shatterhand is an action game developed by Natsume and published by Jaleco. It blends action and platformer elements.

It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi. Among the 164 NES action games in our database, it ranks #18 by legacy score.

Natsume also made Shadow of the Ninja, S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team and The Jetsons: Cogswell's Caper! for the NES.

Shatterhand 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 want to experience one of the NES's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

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

What playing Shatterhand 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.

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

Shatterhand cheats & codes

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

Start With 1 LifeAEVNAIZA
Start With 6 LivesIEVNAIZA
Start With 9 LivesAEVNAIZE
Play With Less EnergyGENNZSAA
Power-Ups Don't Use Up GoldAAKKSPPA
Double The Value Of Big CoinsAXXAZZGO

See all Shatterhand cheats

Shatterhand walkthroughs & guides

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

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8 Eyes box art
8 Eyes NES · 1988 · Action Classic Co-op

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.

Shatterhand FAQ

When did Shatterhand come out on the NES?

Shatterhand was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991.

Who made Shatterhand?

It was developed by Natsume and published by Jaleco.

Is Shatterhand multiplayer?

No. Shatterhand is a single-player game.

How long does Shatterhand take to play?

As an action game, Shatterhand 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 Shatterhand 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