This game was made in 1986. I would like to say "oh it's a product of its time," and that would be true, but it's 2024. There's a balancing act that needs to be performed between acknowledging a game's age and influence, and writing something in light of developments of gaming that occurred between 1986 and 2024. I wasn't even alive in 1986. In fact, by the time I was born, Ocarina of Time would be released seven months later. So this rating is based off 2024 standards, and not 1986.
How does it hold up to 2024 standards? Honestly, compared to other more open and long-form games of the time, pretty decently. But compared to today, not too well. Here are some nice things: the gameplay is very addictive, with the simple hack and slash combat. The story is... serviceable. The feeling of progress is almost unparalleled for a non-turn based game in 1986 and wouldn't be outdone until Ys released in 1987. The dungeons are fairly interesting, even if a few of them resort to cheap tactics to keep you throwing yourself against them over and over again. The soundtrack is very memorable, and the graphics look pretty good for an NES game.
The biggest issues I have with this game are two-fold: the lack of direction, and the overly punishing design. Not having your hand held is fine to an extent, but you can't reasonably expect yourself to complete this game in a short period of time without a guide or some other form of outside help. This was the kind of game made for children who got one or two games a year and wanted to discuss the crazy things they found on the playground at school the next day. This is not for an adult who already has a million other games to play and not a lot of gaming time to fully immerse himself in a game that's pushing 40. Still, there's something to be said about how satisfying it is to explore the world and build up your power level (only to be demolished by Wizzrobes in level 6).
The difficulty is the same way. Some progress in a dungeon is saved when you die, but in general, you're going back. This wasn't a problem in 1986, when you had all the time in the world to keep throwing yourself at the wall in hopes of making a dent in it. This is a problem in 2024, in an era where we have save states. Let me tell you, it's not satisfying to beat something that's overly frustrating, and it's not satisfying to beat something using a guide and save states because it's overly punishing and cryptic.
Overall, give it a shot but don't feel too bad if you don't feel like sticking through it.
How does it hold up to 2024 standards? Honestly, compared to other more open and long-form games of the time, pretty decently. But compared to today, not too well. Here are some nice things: the gameplay is very addictive, with the simple hack and slash combat. The story is... serviceable. The feeling of progress is almost unparalleled for a non-turn based game in 1986 and wouldn't be outdone until Ys released in 1987. The dungeons are fairly interesting, even if a few of them resort to cheap tactics to keep you throwing yourself against them over and over again. The soundtrack is very memorable, and the graphics look pretty good for an NES game.
The biggest issues I have with this game are two-fold: the lack of direction, and the overly punishing design. Not having your hand held is fine to an extent, but you can't reasonably expect yourself to complete this game in a short period of time without a guide or some other form of outside help. This was the kind of game made for children who got one or two games a year and wanted to discuss the crazy things they found on the playground at school the next day. This is not for an adult who already has a million other games to play and not a lot of gaming time to fully immerse himself in a game that's pushing 40. Still, there's something to be said about how satisfying it is to explore the world and build up your power level (only to be demolished by Wizzrobes in level 6).
The difficulty is the same way. Some progress in a dungeon is saved when you die, but in general, you're going back. This wasn't a problem in 1986, when you had all the time in the world to keep throwing yourself at the wall in hopes of making a dent in it. This is a problem in 2024, in an era where we have save states. Let me tell you, it's not satisfying to beat something that's overly frustrating, and it's not satisfying to beat something using a guide and save states because it's overly punishing and cryptic.
Overall, give it a shot but don't feel too bad if you don't feel like sticking through it.