Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Players Software
Claws of Despair (1986): A Retro Classic That Still Holds Up Today
Claws of Despair is a side-scrolling action-adventure game released for arcades in 1986. Developed by Technos Japan and published by Taito, the game follows the story of a young warrior named Gilius Thunderhead as he sets out to rescue his kidnapped sister from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Maldor.
Claws of Despair was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time. Its challenging gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and memorable characters have made it a cult classic among retro gaming fans.
Gameplay
Claws of Despair is a side-scrolling action-adventure game in which the player controls Gilius Thunderhead as he fights his way through hordes of monsters and demons. Gilius is armed with a sword and a shield, and can also use a variety of magic spells to defeat his enemies.
The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including a forest, a castle, and a dungeon.
Claws of Despair is known for its challenging gameplay. The enemies are tough, and the levels are full of traps and obstacles. However, the game is also fair, and players who are skilled enough can overcome any challenge.
Story
The story of Claws of Despair is simple but effective. Gilius Thunderhead’s sister, Elina, has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Maldor. Gilius sets out to rescue his sister, and along the way he must defeat Maldor’s minions and overcome a variety of obstacles.
The story is told through a series of cutscenes, which are interspersed between the levels. The cutscenes are well-animated and do a good job of setting the mood for the game.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Claws of Despair are excellent for an arcade game of its time. The characters and environments are detailed and colorful, and the animation is smooth and fluid.
The sound in Claws of Despair is also top-notch. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.
Legacy
Claws of Despair was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and memorable characters. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles, and it is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time.
Claws of Despair has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s side-scrolling action-adventure formula has been used in many other games, including Castlevania and Metroid. Claws of Despair is also credited with popularizing the use of magic spells in action games.
Conclusion
Claws of Despair is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its challenging gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and memorable characters make it a must-play for retro gaming fans. If you’re looking for a great arcade game to play, Claws of Despair is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
