Total Recall NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Beat 'em Up / Action

Total Recall

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1990
GenreBeat 'em Up, Action
DeveloperInterplay
PublisherAcclaim
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Total Recall is a beat 'em up released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Interplay and published by Acclaim. It blends beat 'em up and action elements.

It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3. Among the 20 NES beat 'em ups in our database, it ranks #18 by legacy score.

Interplay also made The Adventures of Rad Gravity, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary and The Bard's Tale II: The Destiny Knight for the NES.

Total Recall supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

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 have a friend to play against
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want depth and variety over simple, satisfying brawling

What playing Total Recall is like

Beat 'em ups send you down scrolling streets fighting waves of thugs with punches, kicks, throws and grabbed weapons. Most can be finished in a single sitting and shine with a second player.

Tip for newcomers: Avoid getting surrounded: keep enemies on one side of you and save your special attacks for crowds. Bring a friend if the game supports co-op.

Total Recall gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Total Recall cheats & codes

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

Infinite Energy!AVNVOAKZ
Most Enemies Easier To KillGXUIIXSO
Take Less DamagePENVKEGE
Gain Maximum Energy From CanistersXYUVNUXT
Start With Less EnergyOZNKEPSX ALNKOOLZ
Start With More EnergyOZNKEPSX NYNKOOLX

See all Total Recall cheats

Total Recall walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Total Recall FAQ

When did Total Recall come out on the NES?

Total Recall was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.

Who made Total Recall?

It was developed by Interplay and published by Acclaim.

Is Total Recall multiplayer?

Yes. Total Recall supports up to 2 players.

How long does Total Recall take to play?

As a beat 'em up, Total Recall 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.

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