Tao (Japan)

Tao: Doujingi is a unique action role-playing game (Action RPG) for the NES, immersing players in a vast, mysterious, and dangerous fantasy world. The game combines elements of exploration, real-time combat, and character progression.

Players control the protagonist, a young warrior, on a quest to find and defeat the evil forces threatening the world. The gameplay of Tao: Doujingi is divided into two main parts: overworld exploration and combat within dungeons or specific areas.

When exploring the overworld, players navigate a top-down map. Here, they can interact with NPCs to receive quests, gather information, buy and sell items, or find entrances to new areas. The game's combat system takes place in real-time when players encounter enemies. Players can use physical attacks and special abilities to defeat monsters. Defeating enemies grants the character experience points and gold. Experience helps the character level up, boosting stats like strength, defense, and hit points (HP), while gold is used to purchase stronger equipment such as weapons, armor, and recovery items.

Dungeons and combat areas are typically presented from a top-down perspective or occasionally from a side-scrolling view in certain segments, adding variety to the experience. Players need to solve simple puzzles, find keys, or overcome obstacles to progress deeper. The game also features a magic or special skill system that the character can learn and utilize, adding depth to combat. The game's graphics feature the characteristic pixel art style of the NES, with fairly detailed character and monster designs, along with engaging background music, creating an appealing adventurous atmosphere. Tao: Doujingi is an excellent choice for those who enjoy classic Action RPGs with a blend of exploration and action.