8-Bit Parody 'Abobo' is Radically Retro

Fans of nostalgic video games are surely online right now playing a free NES-influenced video game that has been six years in the making.

"Abobo's Big Adventure" debuted today at abobosbigadventure.com.

It is an online game in all the NES 8-bit glory, complete with that familiar 8-bit soundtrack as well from games like "Metroid" and "Mega Man."

The goal: control Abobo through levels to rescue his son, Aboboy.

It was created by Team Bobo, spearheaded by Roger Barr, according to the game's About Us page.

The game features many creatures and characters from beloved NES games like "The Legend of Zelda," "Super Mario Bros." and "Kung Fu."

Abobo is a villain from the NES game "Double Dragon." Now, instead of fighting him, you get to play as him.

According to an article on Wired.com, the prevailing joke throughout the game is that Abobo is so powerful and masculine that he’s able to do what the other 8-bit heroes never could.

"The game consistently dares you to desecrate the old classics, often awarding you with a shiny achievement for doing so. Want to blow up Toad with a Bullet Bill? Go ahead. Kill the old man from the very first Zelda? You can do that. Send the guy from Balloon Fight falling to his doom by popping his balloons? Be my guest," states the article by John Mix Meyer.

The first level is a scrolling battle a la "Double Dragon," where you fight characters like the "Spy vs. Spy" guys and even Donkey Kong.

Once in a while, you power up by eating the head of a character from "River City Ransom."

There's also an underwater level, with the electrocuting seaweed like in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and Jaws as an end boss.

And don't miss the great names of the bosses, ones inspired by movie characters, like Shooter Gavin and Navin Johnson.

The game is difficult and challenging, but always fun. You get used to the keyboard buttons for kicking, punching and swimming.

If you are an NES fan, or use an NES emulator, don't miss this big adventure.