Astyanax

December 31, 1989(36 years ago)·Full Release

Aicom

Publisher: Jaleco

★

5.1

16 user ratings

★

5.1

16 critic ratings

★★★★★★★★★★

⭐

VOTES

Genres: Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Platforms:Arcade

Action Single player Co-operative Side view

Summary

Astyanax is a side-scrolling action platformer set in a magical realm. The protagonist embarks on a quest to defeat the wicked sorcerer plaguing the land. He wields an axe and can unleash a lightning spell that can be enhanced twice. Magical power-ups and health-restoring potions are hidden inside small stone columns. Players must battle through various environments, leap over chasms, and confront bosses at the end of each level. The game supports two-player cooperative play, with the second character being a color-swapped version of the first. The game was created by Tokuhiro Takemori, who had previously worked on Legendary Axe. The core gameplay mechanics are similar—pausing the axe swing allows for a stronger strike. While the NES version came after the arcade release and shares the same basic gameplay, it features entirely new level designs, enemy types, and a different storyline.

Storyline

In the Arcade edition, the storyline follows a fairly standard setup—a war rages between demons and humans, with the latter struggling to resist the demonic forces. One day, a courageous young man named Roche is chosen by God, receiving a divine vision and being given a legendary Fire Axe. Determined to bring peace, Roche sets off toward the Castle of Algerine to confront the wicked demon lord Argos and save the world from darkness. The NES version, however, presents a completely different narrative. Astyanax is a 16-year-old student at Greenview High School, haunted by a recurring dream in which a mysterious girl calls out to him. One day, while heading to class, he is suddenly transported to a different realm. There, he meets the fairy Cutie, who tells him he has been called upon to rescue Princess Rosebud, the ruler of the kingdom of Remilia, who has been imprisoned by the sinister sorcerer Blackhorn. Wielding the fabled Fire Axe, Astyanax begins his quest to reach Blackhorn's hideout and save Rosebud.