There are various power-ups to aid contestants ranging from "Ninja Blades" which encircle and protect to "Scatterguns" which destroy enemies in all directions.  This is important because opponents come at you from all four sides.  Smash TV is lightning quick and relentless in its attack against contestants.

There are four rounds in the game, each ending with a fearsome boss.  Round one has Mutoid Man - half man, half machine.  Round two features Scarface, a mechanized face which circulates around the TV. studio.  Round three presents contestants with the Cobra Twins, two mechanical snakes that slink around and put the bite on the players.  Finally, round four has the ultimate challenge, face-to-face with the Game Show Host, a half-man half-machine master of ceremonies with one goal - to see the contestants lose not only the game but their lives.

All in all, Smash TV. is a lot of fun to play and Acclaim deserves a great deal of credit for being faithful to the arcade version of the game.  The NES version is so much like the arcade that gamers can opt to use two controllers - one to move and one to fire with - just like in the arcade.  One hint before you play: remember your opponent's strength is in sheer numbers.  Give Smash TV. a try, you won't be disappointed.