Back to the Future Part III

Back to the Future Part III is an action game inspired by the movie with the same title. It was developed by Probe Software and released by Image Works in 1991 for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Genesis, Commodore 64, and many other platforms.

The popularity of the Back to the Future franchise paved the way for its expansion into the gaming world. With its unique blend of sci-fi, adventure, and humor, the trilogy became a cultural phenomenon, leaving a lasting impact on audiences of all ages. The success of the first two films set the stage for Back to the Future Part III, which concluded the time-traveling saga with a thrilling Wild West adventure.

The transition from movie to game was a natural progression for the franchise. The release of Back to the Future Part III game provided an opportunity for players to step into the shoes of Marty McFly and Doc Brown, experiencing the thrill of time travel firsthand.

Developers tried to capture the essence of the movie while providing an engaging experience. From the iconic DeLorean time machine to the Wild West setting, every aspect of the film was recreated in the game.

The Popularity of the Back to the Future Franchise

Before delving into the specifics of Back to the Future Part III, it is essential to understand the immense popularity of the entire franchise. Released in 1985, the first film introduced audiences to the world of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. The film's unique blend of time travel, humor, and heartwarming storytelling struck a chord with audiences, making it an instant hit. The success of the first film led to two sequels, Back to the Future Part II and Back to the Future Part III, which further expanded the story and solidified the franchise's place in pop culture history.

The timeless appeal of the Back to the Future trilogy lies in its relatable characters and universal themes. Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, is a charismatic and relatable protagonist, while Christopher Lloyd's portrayal of the eccentric Doc Brown adds a touch of comedic brilliance to the films. The dynamic between the two characters forms the heart of the franchise as they navigate the complexities of time travel and face various challenges along the way.

The trilogy's enduring legacy can be attributed to its ability to transcend generations. The films continue to resonate with audiences today as new generations discover the magic of Marty and Doc's time-traveling adventures. The franchise's popularity has spawned countless merchandise, fan events, and even a theme park ride, further cementing its status as a beloved cultural phenomenon.

Storyline

Back to the Future Part III picks up where the second film left off, with Marty stranded in 1955 and Doc Brown stuck in the year 1885. Determined to rescue his friend, Marty receives a letter from Doc, revealing that he has successfully repaired the DeLorean time machine and is living in the Wild West. Marty sets out on a mission to find Doc and bring him back to the present.

As Marty arrives in 1885, he discovers that Doc has fallen in love with a schoolteacher named Clara Clayton. However, their happiness is threatened by the villainous Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen, who seeks revenge against Doc. Marty must navigate the challenges of the Wild West while trying to reunite with Doc and find a way back to the future.

The film's storyline combines elements of adventure, romance, and Western tropes, creating a unique and thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. The Wild West setting adds a fresh dynamic to the familiar time-traveling formula, as Marty and Doc must adapt to the challenges of a different era. The film's blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments ensures that audiences are fully invested in Marty and Doc's final adventure.

Gameplay

The game designers decided to take four scenes from the movie Back and create four action/arcade games based on them. So the title is, in fact, a collection of mini-games. The first one, Buckboard Chase, is a horse race with Brown trying to save Clara. The second one, Shooting Gallery, is a classic rail shooter. The third one is Pie Fight, rendered with a beautiful isometric view. The last one, probably the best, is called Train, and it's a side-scrolling beat-em-up set on a train that you will need to push up to a 88 mph speed to activate the time travel.

Verdict

Producing games based on films is not easy, but in this case, Image Works really did a good job. The game successfully recreates the atmosphere of the movie. The idea of the mini-games might be simple, but in the end, we are not talking about modern PCs or consoles; the hardware was limited, and four mini-games, based on the most iconic scenes of the film, are a good idea. It's the same concept used for other conversions such as The Untouchables, Night Breed: The Interactive Movie, Licence to Kill, or Ghostbusters II.

The pixel-art graphics of Back to the Future 3 are excellent. Especially the train section and the isometric city are really well-done. Sound effects and music, composed by Barry Leitch, are perfect. The game was appreciated by most of the magazines. Compared to the other Back of the Future episode conversions, it's probably the best. It's true that, in some cases, the difficulty could have been fine-tuned better, but this is true for most of the games of the 90s.

If you are expecting a complete action adventure that recreates the story of the game, you will be disappointed, but if you are ok with a multi-type arcade that recreates the feeling of the movie, this is a good choice. Have fun!|