One of the standout features of Ikari Warriors is its cooperative gameplay. You can team up with a friend and embark on a journey through enemy-infested territories. Cooperation and coordination are crucial as you navigate treacherous landscapes, battle hordes of enemies, and overcome challenging boss encounters. The ability to play with a friend adds an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to the game, making it a great choice for multiplayer enthusiasts.

The game's graphics, considering the limitations of the NES console, are decent. The environments are well-detailed, and the character sprites are recognizable. However, the lack of variety in the scenery can make the levels feel repetitive after a while. The sound design is also satisfactory, with suitable sound effects and a memorable, albeit somewhat repetitive, background music track.

The controls in Ikari Warriors, unfortunately, can be a significant source of frustration. Maneuvering your character can feel clunky and imprecise, making it challenging to dodge enemy attacks effectively. The lack of a dedicated aiming mechanic also adds to the difficulty, as your character's shots are fired in the direction they are facing. This design choice often leads to instances where you find yourself shooting in the wrong direction, especially during hectic battles.

Another drawback of Ikari Warriors is the game's difficulty. While it's understandable for an arcade game to offer a significant challenge, the NES version takes it to an extreme level. The enemies come at you relentlessly, and their bullets can quickly drain your health. Combine this with the aforementioned control issues, and you have a recipe for frustration. However, if you enjoy a tough-as-nails gaming experience that requires precision and perseverance, Ikari Warriors might just be your cup of tea.

Despite its shortcomings, Ikari Warriors manages to provide an enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of retro run-and-gun shooters. The cooperative multiplayer, despite its flaws, adds a layer of fun to the game, and the challenging levels and boss battles can offer a sense of accomplishment when conquered. It's a solid choice for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the arcade era, but newcomers might find its difficulty and control quirks hard to swallow.