The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. One of the most iconic games to come out of this era is Kid Icarus, an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story, focusing on its European release, review, age rating, and more.

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story - A Game Like No Other

Released in 1991 for the NES, Kid Icarus was a groundbreaking game that combined elements of action-adventure and platforming. The game followed the story of Pit, a young angelic warrior tasked with defeating the evil goddess Medusa, who had taken over the land of Skyworld.

The gameplay involved navigating through various levels, fighting enemies, and collecting power-ups to aid Pit in his quest. The game's unique mechanics, such as its wing-grinding ability, which allowed players to climb up walls, added a fresh twist to the traditional platformer formula.

European Release: Rev A

In Europe, Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story was released with the Rev A cartridge, which included minor changes and improvements compared to the original release. The Rev A version featured updated graphics and sound effects, as well as some tweaks to the game's difficulty level.

The European release of Kid Icarus was a significant one, marking the first time the game had been available in Western markets. The game received generally positive reviews upon its release, with many praising its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty level.

Reviews and Reception

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the game's innovative gameplay mechanics, including its wing-grinding ability, which added a new layer of depth to platforming games at the time.

The game's story, characters, and graphics were also widely praised, with many considering it one of the best games of 1991. The game's difficulty level was also commended for its challenging nature, making it appealing to experienced gamers looking for a tough challenge.

Age Rating

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story is rated T (Teen) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that the game contains cartoon violence and some mild language. The game's ESRB rating has remained consistent across various platforms, including the NES, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Virtual Console releases.

In Europe, the game was rated PEGI 7+, which means it is suitable for players aged seven and above. This rating is based on the game's mild violence, cartoon-style gore, and some suggestive themes.

Age Suitability

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story is generally considered a classic game that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages, provided they meet certain age requirements. While the game contains some violent elements and mild language, these are largely limited to cartoon-style violence and not excessively graphic or disturbing.

However, parents should be aware that the game does contain some suggestive themes, such as Medusa's seductive powers, which may not be suitable for younger children. As with any video game, it is essential to review the content and use discretion when deciding whether the game is suitable for your child.

Legacy and Impact

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, inspiring numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs across various Nintendo platforms. The game's unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty level have made it a beloved classic among gamers, and its influence can still be seen in modern games today.

The game's legacy extends beyond its impact on gaming; Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story has also contributed to the popularization of wing-grinding mechanics in platformers. This innovative mechanic has been incorporated into numerous games since its release, including titles from other developers and publishers.

Conclusion

Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story is a beloved classic that continues to captivate gamers with its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty level. Released in 1991 for the NES, the game was later re-released with minor changes and improvements as the Rev A cartridge in Europe.

The game's age rating of T (Teen) by the ESRB and PEGI 7+ in Europe indicates that it is suitable for players aged seven and above. While the game contains some violent elements and mild language, these are largely limited to cartoon-style violence and not excessively graphic or disturbing.

For parents looking to introduce their children to classic gaming, Kid Icarus: Angel Land Story is an excellent choice, provided they meet certain age requirements. With its challenging gameplay and timeless charm, this iconic game remains a must-play experience for any gamer interested in retro gaming.

Additional Information

• Developer: Nintendo
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release Date: 1991 (Europe)
• Genre: Action-Adventure, Platformer
• Rating: T (Teen) by the ESRB, PEGI 7+ by PEGI
• Age Suitability: Suitable for players aged seven and above
• Notable Features: Wing-grinding mechanics, challenging difficulty level, unique gameplay mechanics