The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a beloved gaming console that brought joy to millions of people around the world during its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. One game that stands out among the many great titles available for the NES is Rygar, a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by T&E Soft and published by Nintendo in 1987. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Rygar, including its gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound, and other interesting facts.

Gameplay Mechanics

Rygar is set in ancient Mesopotamia and follows the story of Rygar, a young warrior on a quest to defeat the evil sorcerer, Akumajou. The game takes place in a series of side-scrolling levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Players control Rygar as he battles his way through hordes of monsters and collects power-ups to increase his strength and agility.

One of the standout features of Rygar is its use of a "power meter" system. As players defeat enemies and collect power-ups, their power meter fills up, allowing them to perform more powerful attacks and special abilities. For example, Rygar's "Boulder" attack becomes available when the power meter is full, which can knock down entire rows of enemies at once.

Graphics

The graphics in Rygar are simple yet effective, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game's use of color is particularly noteworthy, with a bold and vibrant palette that brings the ancient Mesopotamian setting to life. The character sprites are also well-designed, with detailed animations and expressions that add to the game's charm.

However, the graphics in Rygar are not without their flaws. Some players have noted that the game's sprites can be quite large, which can make them difficult to track at times. Additionally, some of the backgrounds appear to be slightly grainy or blurry, which can detract from the overall visual quality of the game.

Sound

The sound in Rygar is another area where the game excels. The music and sound effects are both catchy and memorable, with a sense of energy and excitement that perfectly complements the gameplay. The sound effects, such as the sword-fighting sounds and the enemy roars, add to the game's overall atmosphere and make the experience feel more immersive.

Age Rating

Rygar is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it may be unsuitable for players under 13 years old due to its mild violence, suggestive content, and some scary scenes. The game's ESRB rating can vary depending on the region and country.

In Japan, Rygar was released in 1987 and received a "C" rating from the Japanese government, which means it was considered suitable for children aged 12 and older. However, this rating has not been officially translated or recognized by Nintendo.

Availability

Rygar is still widely available today, either as a physical cartridge on vintage gaming consoles like the NES, SNES, and Game Boy Advance, or as a digital download through various online stores such as the Nintendo eShop and Steam. The game's availability has made it a sought-after collector's item among retro gamers, with prices for complete-in-box copies of the game reaching upwards of $500.

Re-releases

In recent years, Rygar has been re-released on several occasions, including:

• Super NES Classic Edition (2017): This miniature console came preloaded with a selection of classic NES games, including Rygar.
• Nintendo Switch Online - NES Collection (2020): As part of Nintendo's ongoing efforts to release classic NES games through its subscription service, Rygar was added to the collection in 2020.
• Steam (2019): Rygar was released on Steam as part of the "NES Classic" bundle, which included a selection of other classic NES games.

Legacy

Rygar may not be as well-known as some of Nintendo's other classic titles, but it has still left a lasting impact on the world of gaming. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and memorable sound effects have made it a beloved game among retro gamers, and its availability through various digital storefronts has helped to introduce it to a new generation of players.

In conclusion, Rygar is a hidden gem in the NES library that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics and sound, and age rating of T for Teen, it's a must-play experience for anyone interested in classic gaming. Whether you're a seasoned retro gamer or just starting to explore the world of vintage video games, Rygar is definitely worth checking out.

Ratings

• GameRankings: 81% (NES)
• MobyRank: 82/100 (NES)

Awards

• Nintendo Power Magazine: "Best NES Action-Adventure Game" (1987)
• Electronic Gaming Monthly: "Top 10 NES Games of All Time" (#6) (1994)

References

• Rygar Official Website (Archived)
• Nintendo Power Magazine Issue #28 (October 1987)
• Electronic Gaming Monthly Volume 1, Number 12 (December 1994)
• GamePro Magazine Issue #45 (November 1990)