Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Platform
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Aicom
- Publishers: Jaleco
Astyanax (1989)
Astyanax, also known as The Astyanax in the NES version, is a side-scrolling action-adventure game designed by Aicom for arcades and the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in 1989. The arcade version incorporated co-operative play, which the NES version did not.
The player controls a character named Astyanax, who is on a quest to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Gorgon. Astyanax must travel through a variety of levels, fighting monsters and solving puzzles, in order to reach Gorgon’s castle and save his sister.
The gameplay in Astyanax is similar to that of other side-scrolling action-adventure games of the era, such as Castlevania and Metroid. The player can move left and right, jump, and attack with a sword or a variety of spells. The player also has a life gauge, a strength gauge that fills automatically, and a magic gauge for spells.
One of the unique features of Astyanax is its co-operative play. In the arcade version, two players can team up to play through the game together. Each player controls one of the two main characters, Astyanax and Cleo. Astyanax is a powerful warrior, while Cleo is a skilled archer. The two characters can work together to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
The NES version of Astyanax does not have co-operative play, but it does have a number of other features that are not found in the arcade version. These features include a new level, a new boss, and a new ending.
Astyanax was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and co-operative play. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Game Boy Advance, and the Wii Virtual Console.
Gameplay
Astyanax is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls Astyanax, who is on a quest to rescue his sister from the evil sorcerer Gorgon. Astyanax must travel through a variety of levels, fighting monsters and solving puzzles, in order to reach Gorgon’s castle and save his sister.
The player can move left and right, jump, and attack with a sword or a variety of spells. The player also has a life gauge, a strength gauge that fills automatically, and a magic gauge for spells.
The player can use the strength gauge to perform powerful attacks. The magic gauge can be used to cast spells, such as fireballs and ice shards. The player can also find items that can be used to restore health, increase strength, or grant new abilities.
The levels in Astyanax are varied and challenging. The player must fight through forests, caves, and castles, all while avoiding traps and defeating enemies. The player must also solve puzzles in order to progress through the game.
Co-operative Play
One of the unique features of Astyanax is its co-operative play. In the arcade version, two players can team up to play through the game together. Each player controls one of the two main characters, Astyanax and Cleo. Astyanax is a powerful warrior, while Cleo is a skilled archer. The two characters can work together to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
Co-operative play is a great way to experience Astyanax. The two players can work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and explore the game’s levels. Co-operative play also adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as the players must coordinate their actions in order to succeed.
NES Version
The NES version of Astyanax is very similar to the arcade version, but it does have a number of unique features. These features include:
- A new level, called the “Tower of Babel.”
- A new boss, called the “Dragon.”
- A new ending.
The NES version of Astyanax is also more difficult than the arcade version. The enemies are more powerful, and the levels are more challenging. However, the NES version also has a number of quality-of-life improvements, such as a password system and a map screen.
Legacy
Astyanax was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and co-operative play. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Game Boy Advance, and the Wii Virtual Console.
Astyanax is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a classic side-scrolling action-adventure game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The game’s co-operative play is also a great way to experience the game with a friend.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
