I was disappointed with Vigilante back in the day (TG-16 launch), because I wanted more depth/length/something. Remember, I also was disappointed with JJ & Jeff.
Now, however, over the years, I have become much more appreciative of Vigilante (and JJ & Jeff).
* Vigilante
does have great music that fits the mood of the game perfectly.
* The bosses are unique, and, if you take the time, you can find a different strategy to beat each one.
* I really like the "pastel grittiness" that Vigilante pulls off--it seems like a paradox, but Vigilante's aesthetics are wonderfully rendered (even the thick, black outlines around the sprites don't turn me off). Pastel+Grit=Vigilante.
* THE JAPANESE COVER ART IS ONE OF THE BEST WORKS OF ART. PERIOD. Search the forums for my rantings and ravings on this.
* We never really care about the story in these games, but I think Vigilante does a decent job of "The Princess is in another castle!" and stringing us along. I wish there were some brief cinemas between each stage--the story would be so much more compelling!
* For KUNG FU gameplay, Vigilante is much more fun and enjoyable than, say, KAZE KIRI, which fails to satisfy basic gameplay needs (I feel good when I smash someone in Vigilante, it seems worthwhile and meaningful, there is a visceral feeling--KAZE KIRI lacks all of these qualities).
* FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT USE TURBO SWITCHES WHEN PLAYING VIGILANTE.
* I REPEAT, DO NOT USE AUTO FIRE, YOU HEATHENS. YOU BASTARDS.
* If you do use turbo switches, you're totally stripping all the fun from Vigilante. The game was totally designed to have a "flow" and "rhythm", and in order to do this, you must push the button at variable speeds. This is most evident with the nunchuks! Again, search the forums for my rantings and ravings on Vigilante. Monster Lair, for example, should never be played with auto fire.
* I LOVE ALL THE REFERENCES TO IREM GAMES ON THE BILLBOARDS. MR. HELI!
* STRANGLING! Why don't more games have opponents who attempt to strangle you??!!
...it makes for a good 15 minute beat-the-shit-out-of-everyone-and-you're-done session.
EXACTLY. This is why I've come to really appreciate Vigilante. When I was younger, I felt cheated. I paid full price for a short romp. Over the years, though, I realized I should appreciate games for what they actually deliver, and Vigilante is a fun, easy little romp.
Yes, romp.