Little Samson (USA)

Little Samson is an outstanding and highly-regarded action-platformer on the NES, notable for its unique character-switching mechanic. Players take on the role of Little Samson, a brave young boy tasked with saving the kingdom from the menacing Dark Prince.

The game's highlight is the ability to control four completely different characters, each possessing their own unique set of skills and combat styles.

• Samson: The main protagonist, capable of throwing bells and clinging to ceilings. Samson's bells can be upgraded to throw further or more powerfully. He also has the ability to cling to attachable walls or ceilings, helping to reach difficult areas.
• Kikira (the dragon): A small dragon with the ability to fly for a short period and breathe fire. Kikira's flight helps her easily cross deep pits or airborne obstacles. Her fire is a powerful weapon, especially effective against ground-based enemies.
• Gamm (the golem/giant): A slow but incredibly powerful giant. Gamm can punch through rock blocks or walls that other characters cannot. Gamm's strength also allows him to withstand more damage and deal significant damage when attacking.
• Ko (the mouse): A tiny, agile mouse capable of moving through narrow gaps and planting bombs. Ko is the only character who can access secret areas or shortcuts through small holes. Ko's bombs can destroy obstacles or deal area-of-effect damage to enemies.

Players must flexibly switch between characters to overcome intelligently designed levels, solve environmental puzzles, and defeat various types of enemies and challenging bosses. Each stage presents unique challenges that require a clever combination of each character's abilities. For example, you might need Samson to cling across a chasm, then switch to Gamm to break a wall, and then use Ko to squeeze through a narrow gap to find a secret path.

The graphics of Little Samson are vibrant and detailed, making full use of the NES's capabilities. The music is also a major plus, with catchy tunes that fit each stage, creating an engaging gaming experience. Although a rare and lesser-known title, Little Samson is highly praised by the gaming community and critics for its innovative gameplay, intricate level design, and high replay value.