King's Knight (USA)

King's Knight is a unique title on the NES, blending elements of a top-down scrolling shooter with action RPG mechanics. Players control a party of four distinct characters: the Knight, Wizard, Monster, and Thief. Each character possesses unique stats and abilities, including HP, attack power, jump/magic capability, and defense. Players can switch between characters at any point during gameplay to leverage their specific strengths against various enemies and environmental obstacles.

In each stage, you'll scroll vertically upwards, confronting waves of enemies. A crucial aspect of King's Knight is the discovery and collection of hidden items throughout the environment. These items not only include weapons, armor, and spells but also permanent stat-boosting items (INT, JUMP, ATK, DEF), which are essential for preparing for the final battle. There's no traditional experience point system; instead, character strength is augmented by collecting these hidden power-ups.

Environmental obstacles often require specific character abilities to overcome. For instance, the Wizard can traverse water, while the Thief can destroy walls. The ultimate goal is to rescue Princess Claire from the clutches of the evil Dragon. Despite its seemingly simple premise, King's Knight is known for its high difficulty and demands strategic character management and item collection for success.