Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves (USA) (Rev 1)

In Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves on NES, players step into the shoes of Robin Hood on an adventure to oppose the Sheriff of Nottingham and rescue Maid Marian. The game blends action, adventure, and light role-playing elements.

The core gameplay is divided into two main parts: world map exploration and combat encounters. On the world map, players navigate Robin Hood from a top-down perspective, exploring iconic locations such as Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Castle, and various villages. Here, you can interact with non-player characters (NPCs), gather information, buy and sell items, and receive new quests. Moving around the map can also lead to random encounters with guards or enemies.

When encountering foes or entering a specific combat area, the game transitions into a side-scrolling action mode. Robin Hood can utilize his sword for close-quarters combat or his bow and arrow for ranged attacks. Battles require players to precisely time their movements to dodge enemy attacks and land effective blows. You also need to manage your health bar and use recovery items as needed.

The game also features light RPG elements, allowing Robin Hood to improve his stats such as strength, defense, and accuracy by collecting money and purchasing equipment. Players can recruit members of the Merry Men, though their roles are primarily supportive and they do not directly participate in combat like Robin Hood himself. The ultimate goal is to defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham, rescue Maid Marian, and restore justice to the kingdom.