Astyanax (USA)

In the game Astyanax, players take on the role of a young man named Astyanax, who is summoned to the magical world of Holse to rescue Princess Remlia. The core gameplay of Astyanax is a side-scrolling action-platformer.

Players control Astyanax as he navigates through diverse stages, from dense forests and dark caves to treacherous castles. Astyanax's primary weapon is a battle axe, which can be upgraded into a spear or more powerful weapons. By holding down the attack button, players can charge up a more powerful strike, dealing greater damage to enemies. This is crucial when facing tougher foes or bosses.

Throughout his journey, Astyanax will confront countless monsters and mythical creatures. Each stage culminates in a challenging boss battle, requiring players to master enemy attack patterns and evasive maneuvers. Astyanax can also utilize powerful magic spells such as Bolt, Fire, and Blast. These spells consume Magic Points (MP), which can be replenished by collecting items dropped by enemies or found in chests.

Astyanax's health system is represented by an energy bar. Players can find healing items to sustain their life. The game features a limited number of lives and continues, adding to the challenge. Other support items like speed-boosting boots and defense-enhancing armor can also be found to aid Astyanax on his quest. The graphics and sound of Astyanax are quite impressive for an NES title of its era, delivering an engaging and action-packed adventure experience.