An Acclaim adaptation of Rambo III, a fairly brutal side-scrolling action. Technically dated, fine for film fans.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player12+
Description
Rambo III battles Soviet forces to free his colonel in Afghanistan in this Sega Mega Drive action game. Published by Sega, released in Europe in March 1990. Action game with Rambo III armed with bow, machine gun and rocket launcher in Afghan levels.
Rambo III review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Charging solo through enemy compounds, spraying fire in every direction and watching everything blow apart leaves no second to breathe. Tension climbs as soldiers swarm in, and the brawny counterattack delivers a raw jolt. Direct, twitchy and cathartic, it's the kind of run-and-gun you reload just for the plain joy of blasting it all to pieces.
Rambo III is the European pressing of Sega's game adapted from the Stallone film, distributed by Sega for the PAL market. Its collecting interest comes from the cult status of the Rambo adaptation in 16-bit memory and from the fact that the cartridge was one of Sega's earliest film-licensed productions on the Mega Drive.
Is Rambo III still worth playing in 2026?
An action platformer by Sega adapted from the film, Rambo III offers a top down adventure where you play hero John Rambo in a rescue mission. The military art direction, varied arsenal and accessible handling make it a decent adaptation of the cinematic work. Visually dated by now, the title keeps a nostalgic charm for 16 bit action game fans or the Rambo licence. For anyone collecting cinema licensed games, a valid recommendation today still as historical curiosity truly here indeed for any returning newcomer fan now.
