Ikari III: The Rescue Deep cut
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Shooter
Victory Road
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 (originally 1986) |
| Genre | Action, Shooter |
| Developer | SNK |
| Publisher | SNK |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Ikari |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
Victory Road is an action game released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by SNK. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Ikari Warriors II: Victory Road. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends action and shooter elements.
It landed about 3 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1988 include Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Final Fantasy II.
It is part of the Ikari series; on the NES you can also try Ikari Warriors and Ikari III: The Rescue. The series also appears on other systems with Ikari Warriors (2600) and Ikari Warriors (7800). SNK also made P.O.W.: Prisoners of War, Alpha Mission and Baseball Stars for the NES.
Victory Road 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 an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Victory Road 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.
Victory Road cheats & codes
22 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Don't Take Damage From Most Enemies | GXOLYLST |
|---|---|
| Start Game With Half Normal Energy | AUNYIYAT |
| Maximum Power Weapons On Pick-Up | OZUXVEPV
GAUXNAPA |
Victory Road walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Victory Road.
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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.
Victory Road FAQ
When did Victory Road come out on the NES?
Victory Road was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1986.
Who made Victory Road?
It was developed by SNK.
Is Victory Road multiplayer?
Yes. Victory Road supports up to 2 players.
How long does Victory Road take to play?
As an action game, Victory Road 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 Victory Road 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.