Some of the Best Bootleg Games We Got in Latin America

If you know anything about me (you shouldn’t), then you know I like talking about the wonderful quirks of living in South America. From growing up in a former dictatorship state, to dealing with out of control inflation to this day, it’s always a hell of a party. But it’s not all sadness and repression. The Military Dictatorship-era liberties with regards to intellectual property gave us a near-endless treasure trove of crappy, and good, bootleg games. So, why don’t you join me in this bootleg bonanza? Without further ado, here are some of the best bootleg games we got in Latin America.

Street Fighter II – The World Warrior for the NES

A very close port, this surprisingly good bootleg gem was my first introduction to Street Fighter II. Most other SFII ports at the time were unbalanced (particularly with Dhalsim, which was banned in my neighborhood for being overpowered).

This was not the case here, as the fighting was spot on, and the characters were very close to their arcade forebears. Perhaps an easier task, as it only has 4 characters (Ryu, Zangief, Chun Li and Guile). Nonetheless, it’s a great port that rivaled a lot of the conversions at the time, in particular those coming to 8-bit computers like the Atari line and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2 – Gameboy Advance (By Sintax)

I owe this one to St1ka’s video on Top Hat Gaming Man’s YouTube channel, because I did not play this one myself. It’s pretty crazy, but also pretty rare. You play as Leonardo, a Ninja Turtle who can send energy beams from his sword.

Vertical platforming, jumping into nothingness, using the attack button to stay in the air, and level names like “Pull Away From the Sea”. This and more awaits you in this Sintax masterpiece. Sintax are responsible for a slew of historic bootleg games on the GameBoy and GameBoy Advance, including Super II Sonik, Metal Gear Solid II (both for the GB), Super Contra 7: Isoleted Force Sortie and X-Man – Armor of Might (for the GBA).

Top Fighter 2000 MK VIII (Sega Genesis / Mega Drive)

Mohamed Ali, Michael Jordan, Goku, Sub-Zero, Scorpion and some Street Fighter characters. Though there is not much known about this game, the list of characters is incredible. The gameplay is super tight, too. Voice samples from a whole host of games, from X-Men vs. Capcom and The King of Fighters. Top Fighter 2000 has everything.

I really wish I could tell you more about this, but all I can tell you is that the game is great. Pitting Michael Jordan against Goku is one of the most 2000’s bootleg things I can think of. Check out that longplay video above. Damn. You’re welcome.

Which Bootleg Games Did We Miss?

I want to do more of these bootleg pieces, so if you’ve got any recommendations, send them my way. I’m on Twitter (@marcoscodas) and always happy to chat to fellow gamers who are into the weirder side of the hobby. Until then, keep playing!