Valkyrie no Bouken - Toki no Kagi Densetsu (Japan) (Namcot Collection)

Valkyrie no Bouken - Toki no Kagi Densetsu is a unique action role-playing game (Action RPG) released on the NES (Famicom) system. Players take on the role of Valkyrie, a courageous female warrior, whose mission is to save the world from the dark forces of Zoul by finding the legendary Time Key. The game is known for its distinct top-down perspective, which was different from many other games of its genre at the time, offering a sense of vast exploration.

The gameplay of Valkyrie no Bouken focuses on a combination of vast world exploration, real-time combat, and character development. Players will navigate Valkyrie through diverse areas such as dense forests, deserts, towns, and dungeons. The in-game map is very large and scrolls continuously, not limited by static screens, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny to discover secrets, items, and helpful NPCs.

The combat system unfolds in real-time. Valkyrie uses her sword to attack monsters that appear on screen. Additionally, she can learn and cast various magic spells, ranging from offensive to supportive, which helps diversify combat strategies. Upon defeating monsters, Valkyrie gains experience points and gold. Experience points help her level up, enhancing basic stats such as attack power, defense, speed, and magic power. Gold is used to purchase weapons, armor, healing items, and new spells from shops in towns.

Another distinctive feature of Valkyrie no Bouken is its day-night cycle, which affects the strength of monsters. Monsters become stronger at night, adding an extra layer of challenge for players. The game also features various side quests and hidden secrets, requiring players to interact with other characters and solve light puzzles. The ultimate goal is to collect all the fragments of the Time Key and confront Zoul to bring peace back to the world.