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Game Info

Cover art of Crude Buster

3.8 / 5

6 votes

Platform
Sega Genesis
Genres
Platformer · Beat 'em Up
Developers
Data East Corporation
Publishers
Data East Corporation
Release date
May 11, 1991

Summary

Crude Buster, known in the West as Two Crude Dudes, packs a surprisingly hefty punch for a 1990s beat‑'em‑up. The two muscle‑bound protagonists can hoist cars, traffic lights and even each other, turning the environment into a chaotic arsenal that feels fresh even by today’s standards. Between stages a brief cut‑scene shows them bashing a Power Cola vending machine, spilling sodas that instantly refill their life bars – a quirky touch that doubles as a health checkpoint.

Co‑op play shines because you can literally toss your partner at enemies, turning teamwork into a literal projectile sport. Enemies that latch onto you drain life, and a finishing blow from fire or an explosion leaves the character slumped and charred, adding a visual flair to the damage system. The game’s arcade roots shine through its fast‑paced combos and over‑the‑top violence, while the Genesis port retained enough of that energy to earn high scores from magazines – 95% from Computer and Video Games, 94% from Sinclair User, and a solid 87% from MegaTech.

Even years later, retro fans still cite Two Crude Dudes as a hidden gem that rivals the likes of Streets of Rage, a sentiment echoed by its placement at #37 on Mega’s all‑time Mega Drive list.

Storyline

Crude Buster puts you in the shoes of one of two government‑hired mercenaries tasked with taking down the terrorist group Big Valley.

After the faction detonates a nuclear bomb, New York City lies in ruins, and the players must fight their way back into the devastated streets. The mission is simple: reclaim the city for the United States and stop Big Valley’s reign of terror.

Edited by Maya Carter

Game Screenshots

  • Screenshot 1 of Crude Buster

Multiplayer

Game modes
Cooperative