Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode - Sexual Themes, Violence and Smoking

Sexual Themes, Violence and Smoking

Golgo 13 is one of the first NES games to feature sex, drug use and graphic violence. It was an unusual release, because at the time Nintendo of America had strict content guidelines preventing the release of such content on its systems. Although the depictions were toned down from the original Japanese counterparts and limited by the 8-bit technology of the NES, it was not all together clear how this content was released uncensored.

For example, in the maze levels featured in the game, as well as one "sniper mode" mission in East Berlin, enemies are seen briefly bleeding from the head when killed, despite the prohibition on graphic violence and gore.

In the beginning of the mission in Greece, if the player walks to the right several paces and then walks back to the beginning of the level, a pack of cigarettes is seen on the ground. Golgo 13 is seen smoking if the player walks over the cigarettes, and his health is restored.

The Japanese version even had an alternate sequence (prompting the player to "press the B button and have the kids look away from the screen") which had Cherry remove her dress leaving her dressed only in panties for a few seconds.

In the sequel, The Mafat Conspiracy, scenes are even more 'graphic' taking into consideration the technology of the time.