Video Games

Freddy Krueger’s popularity extended beyond film, literature, and television. Video game companies also recognized potential in the Nightmare on Elm Street brand and produced video games based on the series. LJN, Ltd. produced a side-scrolling game for the Nintendo Entertainment System and ShareData, Inc. produced a game for the PC and Commodore 64. Both games were titled A Nightmare on Elm Street and released in 1989; however, they are entirely different games. Recently, Freddy Krueger again appeared in the gaming world, courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Platinum Dunes’ version of Freddy is a playable DLC warrior in Mortal Kombat for Xbox360 and PS3.

Mortal Kombat

Company: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Released: 2011
Platforms: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
Feature: DLC Warrior
Gameplay Trailer
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Description: “A malevolent spirit of the Dream Realm, Freddy Krueger preys on the souls of the living as they sleep. When Shao Kahn began to steal Earthrealm’s souls—souls Freddy considered his own—Freddy battled the emperor in the Dream Realm. But Shao Kahn’s will was too strong. He pulled Freddy into the real world, where he was mortal, and defeated him. A badly injured yet determined Freddy fitted both his hands with demonically enhanced razor gloves. Once he has killed Shao Kahn he will find a way back to the Dream Realm, where he will torment Earthrealm’s souls for eternity.”

Promotion

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Company: LJN, Ltd.
Released: 1989
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Gallery: Cover Art | Cartridge | Retail Ad
Game Walk-through
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Description: “Something frightening has been happening on Elm Street lately. It seems that with each waking day another gruesome discovery is made another neighborhood teen has mysteriously passed away into the dark stillness of the night. Everyone says it’s “natural causes,” but it seems as if something (or someone) has been picking them off one by one in their sleep. It’s a horrible nightmare come true and this nightmare has a name: Freddy Krueger. It’s up to you and your remaining friends to search Elm Street for his bones, which have been scattered about, then collect and burn them in the High School furnace. If you just stay awake long enough, you might be able to end Freddy’s reign of terror for good. You had better hurry though, it’s getting late and you can feel your eyelids getting heavier and heavier by the minute.”

Instruction Booklet Scans

Screenshots

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Company: ShareData, Inc.
Released: 1989
Platforms: Commodore 64 and PC
Gallery: Cover Art
Game Walk-through
I-Mockery Download and Overview

Description: “Escape Freddy Krueger, find his house, save your friends, and battle him—all in a top down view and gameplay style that is reminiscent of Gauntlet. Pick up and use various items and weapons in your journey to defeat the maniac that is haunting everyone’s dreams.”

“Elm Street… where dreams are blurred with reality… where all dreams become nightmares… the street where Freddy lives. You must go there. You alone have the power to save your friends and stop Freddy. You sleep, and let the nightmare consume you, carrying you into the endless night of Freddy’s world. Once there, you move quickly, driven by something between fear and determination, expecting strange horrors to lunge at you every step of the way. Is it real? No, it’s the game of your life! It’s A Nightmare on Elm Street… like movie, but more terrifying because this time Freddy is after you!”

Screenshots