Rare Ltd. is known for technical wizardry, but Taboo: The Sixth Sense is one of their most divisive early North American projects. Rather than a platformer or a shooter, this 1989 release acts as a digital tarot deck, stripping away traditional gameplay mechanics in favor of a procedural occult simulation. It remains a stark outlier in the NES library, swapping out colorful sprites for a somber, monochromatic aesthetic and an atmosphere of genuine unease that felt completely alien to the console’s typical output.
The user interface requires the input of personal data, including names and birthdates, followed by a series of button prompts to "shuffle" the deck. While the interactivity is minimal, the production values are surprisingly high for what is essentially a text generator. The legendary David Wise provides a haunting, percussive score that perfectly complements the pixelated representations of the Major Arcana, though the actual "readings" are randomized and often repeat, quickly shattering the illusion of supernatural insight.
As a historical artifact, the software is fascinating because it challenged the strict guidelines enforced by Nintendo of America. It was the first title to feature a dedicated warning label concerning its mature content and occult themes, predating the ESRB by several years. However, as an entertainment product, it offers almost zero longevity; once the novelty of the creepy presentation fades, you are left with a slow-moving application that lacks the depth of a true game or even a particularly comprehensive divination tool.
