Hydlide (USA)

**Hydlide** (USA) on NES is one of the pioneering action role-playing games (ARPGs), released at a time when the genre was still in its infancy. Players take on the role of Jim, a knight, embarking on a challenging adventure to rescue Princess Ann and defeat the demon lord Varalys.

The gameplay of **Hydlide** is notable for its real-time combat system. Unlike many turn-based RPGs, here you will encounter and attack enemies directly on the map screen. A crucial mechanic is the ability to switch between two modes: "Attack" and "Defense". In "Attack" mode, you deal more damage but also take more damage from enemies. Conversely, "Defense" mode helps you minimize incoming damage but also reduces your damage output. Flexibly switching between these two modes is key to survival in encounters.

**Hydlide**'s health system is also quite unique: your health will automatically regenerate very slowly when you stand still. This encourages players to carefully plan encounters and take time to rest and recover, rather than relying on healing items. Players will explore a vast top-down world, collect gold, and purchase equipment such as swords, shields, and armor to enhance Jim's power. Finding and equipping better items is essential to dealing with increasingly powerful enemies.

Additionally, the game features simple puzzles and the search for important items to unlock new areas or advance the storyline. Although **Hydlide** was considered a groundbreaking title at the time, it is also known for its high difficulty, sometimes vague instructions, and combat mechanics that can be frustrating for modern players. Nevertheless, it remains an important part of RPG history.