Developed by Rocket Science Games and published under the infamous LJN rainbow, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Video Game Adventure is frequently cited as one of the most confounding entries in the NES library. Eschewing the traditional platforming tropes of the era, the game attempts a non-linear, top-down adventure where players must navigate various historical "worlds" to find hidden items and return historical figures to their proper eras. However, the lack of clear direction and the reliance on cryptic passcodes and pixel-perfect item placement often leaves players feeling more bogus than excellent.
Visually, the game is a muddy collection of brown and grey palettes that fail to capture the vibrant, time-traveling aesthetic of the film. While the character sprites for our titular heroes are recognizable, the animation is stiff, and the overhead perspective makes simple navigation a chore. The audio fares no better; while it attempts to replicate the cinematic score, the NES's sound chip produces shrill, looping melodies that quickly wear thin during the long stretches of aimless wandering required to complete each stage.
Despite its shortcomings, the game remains a curiosity for collectors due to its unique mechanics, such as the phone booth travel and the "bribe" system. For Bill & Ted fans, the NES adventure serves as a stark reminder of the "LJN curse," where a beloved license is married to gameplay mechanics that are far too punishing and directionless for their own good.
