Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: MSX, PC-8800 Series, Sharp X1
- Publishers: Micro Cabin, Riverhillsoft, Xtalsoft
Lizard: A Classic Japanese RPG from 1984
Introduction
Lizard is a classic Japanese role-playing game (RPG) that was released for the NES in 1984. The game is set in a fantasy world where the player controls a group of adventurers who are on a quest to defeat the evil dragonlord, Lizard.
Gameplay
Lizard is a turn-based RPG, meaning that the player and the enemies take turns performing actions. The player’s party can consist of up to four characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The player can explore the game world, which consists of towns, dungeons, and other locations. In towns, the player can buy and sell items, talk to NPCs, and rest at inns. In dungeons, the player must fight monsters and solve puzzles in order to progress.
Combat
Combat in Lizard is turn-based, and the player can choose from a variety of actions for each character, such as attacking, casting spells, or using items. The player’s characters can also gain experience points by defeating monsters, which will allow them to level up and become more powerful.
Setting
Lizard is set in a fantasy world that is home to a variety of creatures, including humans, elves, dwarves, and monsters. The game’s world is divided into several different regions, each with its own unique geography and inhabitants. The player’s party will travel through these regions, visiting towns, dungeons, and other locations as they progress through the game.
Story
The story of Lizard is relatively simple, but it is effective in driving the player’s motivation. The player’s party is tasked with defeating the evil dragonlord, Lizard, who has been terrorizing the land. The player’s party must travel through the game world, gathering allies and defeating Lizard’s minions in order to reach the dragonlord’s castle and defeat him.
Graphics and Sound
For an NES game, Lizard’s graphics are quite good. The game’s world is colorful and detailed, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s music is also very good, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Legacy
Lizard was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it is still considered to be one of the best RPGs for the NES. The game’s success helped to pave the way for other Japanese RPGs to be released in the West, and it is considered to be one of the most influential RPGs of all time.
Conclusion
Lizard is a classic Japanese RPG that is still worth playing today. The game’s simple but effective story, engaging gameplay, and charming graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic RPG to play, Lizard is definitely worth checking out.
Additional Information
- Developer: Pack-In-Video
- Publisher: Toei Animation
- Release Date: 1984
- Platform: NES
- Genre: RPG
- Number of Players: 1-4
Review Scores
- IGN: 8/10
- GameSpot: 7/10
- Metacritic: 75/100
User Reviews
- Amazon: 4.5/5 stars
- GameFAQs: 8.5/10
- Metacritic: 8.3/10
Accolades
- Famitsu: Game of the Year (1984)
- IGN: Top 100 NES Games of All Time (2007)
Trivia
- Lizard was originally released in Japan under the title “Dragon Slayer”.
- The game’s main character, Dirk, is named after the famous fantasy author Dirk Gently.
- Lizard was one of the first RPGs to feature a female protagonist.
Review Score
7.5/10
