An SNK run'n'gun inspired by the Cuban revolution. Frantic top-down action, two-player co-op. Less known than Ikari Warriors but genuinely better. Solid and enjoyable.
Your verdict
Category
Action2 players12+
Co-op
Description
Top-down run-and-gun featuring two soldiers battling armies, Japanese version. Published by SNK, released in Japan in 1987. Original Japanese version of Guerrilla War on Famicom.
Guevara is the Famicom blueprint behind what became Guerrilla War, and it embraces its Cuban inspiration without any filter, down to the lead characters' likenesses. That ideological frankness blocked any Western release under the name, sealing its status as a sought Famicom exclusive. SNK's limited Japanese run and the pull of this uncensored version lift values well above the Western editions.
Is Guevara still worth playing in 2026?
A top down run and gun from SNK, Guerrilla War has two soldiers advance through jungles and deserts, mowing down whole armies with rifle, grenades and a stolen tank. The frantic cooperative action, the density of enemies and the option to take hostages carry a direct, demanding blow off, in the Ikari Warriors vein. The NES conversion stays snappy and readable. For a fan of retro run and gun or someone nostalgic for SNK arcade, the title keeps a delightful intensity, especially in twos.
