gm0133 - Developed by UK-based company Rare, Ltd. and Published by Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., "Wizards & Warriors" was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) on December 1, 1987. This is the first game in the Wizards and Warriors series and featured imaginative Bosses and a dastardly wicked wizard named Malkil. Malkil was the original teacher of merlin the Magician before he went completely mad and turned to the dark side. The game scenario is that you play as a powerful knight named Kuros, hero of the Books of Excalibur. The wicked wizard Malkil has kidnapped several women including the princess, and is now camped out in his fortress of the Castle IronSpire her. The other ladies are hidden in the catacombs and forests of the woods of Elrond leading to the Castle IronSpire. The woods of Elrond are dangerous, as even the boisterous winds obeys the Wizard, Malkil. Buried within the caves and dungeons of Elrond lies the key to your quest. The powers of levitation, the cloak of darkness, and the mysterious potions only Kuros can drink will be revealed to you. Kuros' honorable quest is to find the ladies and set them free. His task won't be easy as each of them are guarded in the forest by a Boss. To reach the boss of each level, Kuros must explore the area, gathering gems to bribe the Red Knights who are guarding the entry ways. When he has accomplished the task of defeating all the Bosses, he must enter the castle and free the Princess, who is guarded by the evil wizard Malkil himself. The princess calls to you from Castle Ironspire, but it won't be an easy task for the dark wizard is watching you, so you must tred carefully and wisely if your quest is to succeed. It's up to you to save the princess and set things right in IronSpire. Wizards and Warriors features many special items to collect, a lot of diverse Bosses to fight, lots of secret rooms to uncover throughout the kingdom and you can jump into enemies to kill them. I find the game controls to be good, very intuitive and responsive. But for someone who is not used to the Wizards and Warriors style, the gameplay mechanics of Kuros may take some getting used to. I don't think you should have any trouble learning the moves, controlling or navigating your character throughout the game. The graphics and sound are outstanding, with nice sharp contrasts, good backgrounds and scenes very well designed. The sprite used for Kuros was top notch and the animation very smooth. The music and sounds are fantastic, and the opening theme song simply superb. In fact, the music is such a standout, that a rock band actually covered some of the themes of the game. Wizards & Warriors was nominated for "Best Graphics & Sound" and "Best Character" (Kuros) in 1989. The game also spawned three sequels: Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II, Wizards & Warriors III: Kuros: Visions of Power and Wizards & Warriors X: The Fortress of Fear. This NES game is very challenging, but it is also addictive and will have you craving more. I highly recommend it. Wizards and Warriors was a joy for your fathers to play many years ago, and now their fond memories can be relived over and over again by owning this unique gem. Difficult, but with infinite continues it is exciting, addictive, fun and challenging In Japan this game is known as "Densetsu no Kishi Elrond." Pre-owned - Includes Game Only, no manual or instructions are included. Wizards and Warriors game review by "The Prince" NES Gamer.
Product Details
- UPC: 021481102045
- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Region: NTSC
- Compatibility: NES Accessories
- ESRB Rating: "E" for Everyone
- Genre: Action / Fantasy / Platformer
- Class: Licensed
- Rarity Rating: "C"
- Game Format: Cartridge
- Condition: Pre-owned excellent condition
Related Items: Wizards and Warriors II (2): Ironsword