The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary home video game console released by Nintendo in 1985. It went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with over 62 million units sold worldwide during its lifespan. The NES library is filled with iconic games that have stood the test of time, and one of the most interesting titles among them is Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness. In this article, we'll delve into the world of this lesser-known game and explore its unique gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall experience.

Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Hot-B, a Japanese video game developer that was active from 1981 to 1999. The game was released in Japan for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) in 1988 and later ported to the NES in 1990.

The story of Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness takes place in a mystical world where a young warrior named Takahashi must navigate through various aquatic environments to defeat an evil sorcerer who has stolen the magical "Eye of the Sea". Along the way, Takahashi encounters different species of sea creatures, each with its unique abilities and weaknesses.

Gameplay-wise, Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness features side-scrolling action sequences where players control Takahashi as he moves left and right, jumping over obstacles and fighting enemies. The game's combat system is based on timing-based attacks, where players must press the attack button at the right moment to land a hit.

One of the standout features of Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness is its use of a "power meter" system. As Takahashi defeats enemies and collects items, his power meter fills up, allowing him to perform more powerful attacks and special moves. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully manage their power meter in order to maximize their chances of success.

The game's graphics are also noteworthy, with vibrant and colorful depictions of various sea creatures and environments. The Famicom Disk System (FDS) hardware provided the perfect platform for showcasing the game's visuals, which include detailed sprites, backgrounds, and animations.

Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness received generally positive reviews upon its release in Japan. Critics praised the game's unique gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and impressive graphics. However, some reviewers noted that the game's difficulty level could be quite high at times, which might deter casual players.

In terms of age rating, Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America. This rating indicates that the game may contain mild violence, cartoon-style blood, and suggestive themes, but overall it is considered suitable for players aged 13 and above.

In Japan, the game was rated C (Children) by the Japanese content board, which means that it is generally suitable for children of all ages.

Conclusion

Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness is a hidden gem in the Nintendo NES library that deserves more attention from retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and impressive graphics make it a must-play experience for fans of action-adventure games.

While some reviewers noted that the game's difficulty level could be quite high at times, this actually adds to the game's charm and replay value. Players who enjoy challenging platformers will likely find Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness to be an engaging and rewarding experience.

Overall, if you're looking for a unique NES title that showcases the console's capabilities, then Hyaku no Sekai no Monogatari - The Tales on a Watery Wilderness is definitely worth checking out.